X-linked G6PD deficiency protects hemizygous males but not heterozygous females against severe malaria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is important in the control of oxidant stress in erythrocytes, the host cells for Plasmodium falciparum. Mutations in this enzyme produce X-linked deficiency states associated with protection against malaria, notably in Africa where the A- form of G6PD deficiency is widespread. Some reports have proposed that heterozygous females with mosaic populations of normal and deficient erythrocytes (due to random X chromosome inactivation) have malaria resistance similar to or greater than hemizygous males with populations of uniformly deficient erythrocytes. These proposals are paradoxical, and they are not consistent with currently hypothesized mechanisms of protection.

Methods and findings

We conducted large case-control studies

SUBMITTER: Guindo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1820604 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature