Correlation between Plasma Interleukin-3, the αβ Globin Ratio, and Globin mRNA Stability

Abstract EN

Globin chain synthesis (GCS) analysis is used in the diagnosis of thalassemia.

However, the wide reference range limits its use as a decisive diagnostic tool.

It has been shown that α and β globin mRNA increase through stimulation of cells by interleukin-3 (IL-3).

Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between plasma IL-3 and the β/α globin ratio.

Methods.

Blood samples were collected from 32 healthy participants on two occasions one month apart.

GCS analysis, real-time PCR, and ELISA tests were conducted to determine the β/α globin ratio, globin mRNA expression and stability rate, and IL-3 levels.

Results.

On the basis of IL-3 levels, the participants were divided in two groups.

One group included participants who showed a significant increase in IL-3 as indicated by a significant rise in mean values of α, β, and γ globin mRNA, α and β globin, RBC, and hemoglobin.

The other group included participants who showed no difference in IL-3 levels with no significant variations in the above-mentioned parameters.

Conclusion.

The results of this study indicate that IL-3 has an equivalent positive effect on α and β globin chain synthesis.

Therefore, IL-3 levels do not explain the wide reference range of the α/β globin ratio.