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ABSTRACTObjectives To report the hematological and molecular characteristics of a novel α-globin variant found among Chinese families.Methods This study was done on two unrelated families (F1 and F2). Hematological results were obtained by an automated blood cell analyzer. Hemoglobin (Hb) fraction analysis was carried out using capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Gap-PCR and reverse dot blot (RDB) methods were used to detect the common α-thalassemia mutations in the Chinese population. The Hb variants were defined by Sanger sequencing.Results Hb fraction analysis of F2 cord blood using HPLC showed an abnormal peak (3.5%) of the S-window, but CE presented a 12.2% abnormal peak at zone 5(S). Similar results of CE were observed from the F1 twin's cord blood. Compared with newborns, Hb analysis of F2 father using HPLC demonstrated an abnormal peak (16.9%) of S-window and an unknown peak (0.5%) at a retention time of 4.60 min, respectively. In contrast, CE revealed a high Hb F peak at zone 7 and an unknown peak at zone 1. There was no abnormality detected with Gap-PCR and RDB in these patients. However, Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of a new heterozygous mutation (GAC>GGC) at codon 74 of the HBA2 gene (HBA2:c.224A>G), resulting in a novel Hb variant. We named it Hb Liangqing for the birthplace of the proband.Conclusion This is the first report of Hb Liangqing detected by HPLC and CE. The normal hematological phenotype suggests that it may be a benign Hb variant.

Objectives To report the hematolgocial and molecular features of a nove β-globin variant in a Chinese fimaly.Methods The proband was a 19-year-old Chinese man whose Hb analysis by HPLC for thalassemia revealed an abnormal peak. Hb analysis was performed by HPLC and CE. Gap-PCR and PCR-reverse dot blot hybridization (PCR-RDB) were used to detect the common mutations in Chinese population. DNA sequencing was used to determine the Hb variant.Results The Hb variant and Hb A can be separated but co-elutes with Hb F by the CE method. However, the variant can be separated from Hb A0, Hb F, and Hb A2 using HPLC. DNA sequencing showed a mutation of codon 3 in the β-globin gene. His wife’s HPLC revealed a high value of Hb A2, which proved to be the Hb E using PCR-RDB.Conclusion It was the first report of the mutation, so we named it Hb Jiangnan according to the place of residence of the proband. It can be separated by HPLC but not CE. Hb Jiangnan can cause an increased level of Hb A2.