Molecular Aspects of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Iran

Abstract

Background: G6PD deficiency is the most common hereditary enzyme deficiency that affected more than 400 million people worldwide. This enzyme deficiency is caused by a spectrum of mutations in the gene encoding G6PD on chromosome X. Epidemiologically G6PD deficiency has been specially considered in Middle East countries including Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: This study has reviewed more than 70 papers related to the epidemiological significance and various diagnostic strategies of G6PD deficiency from 1956 to 2010.Results: The results showed a higher prevalence of Mediterranean variant followed by Chatham and Cosenza compared to other variants in Iran.Conclusion: Accurate identification of G6PD deficiency variants in areas with high prevalence of this disease will help to screen patients and their families with risk level when faced with oxidant agents.