[Structural variants of hemoglobin in Ibero-America]

Area of Science:

• Medical Genetics
• Anthropology
• Hematology

Background:

• Structural hemoglobin variants in Iberoamerica are influenced by the region's diverse ethnic composition, including African, Spanish, and native peoples.
• Population movements, especially the 18th and 19th-century African slave trade, have significantly impacted the distribution of these variants.
• Underestimation of hemoglobin variants in Latin America and Portugal is attributed to scientific, sanitary, social, and cultural factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review structural hemoglobin variants in Iberoamerica.
• To analyze the influence of racial composition and geographic origin on hemoglobin variant distribution.
• To discuss the clinical and anthropological significance of prevalent hemoglobin polymorphisms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on structural hemoglobin variants in Iberoamerica.
• Analysis of the relationship between ethnic composition, population movements, and hemoglobin variant prevalence.
• Examination of the role of malaria falciparum as a selective force for hemoglobin polymorphism.

Main Results:

• Hemoglobin S (Hb S) and Hemoglobin C (Hb C) are the most clinically and anthropologically important polymorphisms in Iberoamerica.
• While most variants are rare, minor polymorphisms like Hb E, D-Punjab, Korle-Bu, G-Philadelphia, and A2 have been identified, originating from Asia and Africa.
• Spain exhibits a higher number of Caucasian hemoglobin variants compared to Latin America and Portugal.

Conclusions:

• The distribution of structural hemoglobin variants in Iberoamerica is a direct reflection of its complex ethnic history and population dynamics.
• Malaria falciparum is the sole established selective force driving hemoglobin polymorphism in the region.
• Understanding these variants is crucial for clinical diagnosis and anthropological studies in Iberoamerica.