Reaserch Advances on Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) by Drugs in the Treatment of β-Thalassemia--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

ABSTRACT

β-thalassaemias are inherited hemoglobin disorders caused by defects in the β-globin gene. In recent years, researches have re-mentioned the therapeutic significance of drug-induced fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which can reduce the imbalance of α and β chains and improve the severity of anemia by increasing the expression of γ chain. Drug trials, such as hydroxyurea, thalidomide and desitabine have shown elevated hemoglobin, decreased blood transfusion dependence, and reduced symptoms other than anemia after treatment. In addition, in vitro experiments suggested that HbF can also induce by other drugs, which providing important clues for safe and effective HbF inducers. Therefore, this article reviews the current research progress so as to expect beneficial to clinical treatment.