The homozygous hemoglobin EE variant is associated with poorer riboflavin status in Cambodian women of reproductive age

BA Williams, KM Cochrane, JAJ Fischer, AM Aljaadi, LB McAnena, M Ward, H McNulty, H Kroeun, TJ Green, KC Whitfield, CD Karakochuk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
18 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Riboflavin is required for erythropoiesis, which is increased in people with hemoglobinopathies due to increased hemolysis and erythrocyte turnover. Dietary intake and status of riboflavin is poor in Cambodia, where hemoglobinopathies are common. Objective: We assessed the association between genetic hemoglobin disorders and riboflavin status in women of reproductive age in Cambodia. Methods: Venous blood from 515 Cambodian women of reproductive age, 18-45y, was analyzed for biomarker status of riboflavin (erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient: EGRac), genetic hemoglobin (Hb) disorders, and hematological indices. Linear regression was used to estimate the association between EGRac with Hb, ferritin, and Hb genotypes. EGRac was log-transformed in the analyses, and the regression coefficients represent the geometric mean differences. Results: Genetic hemoglobin disorders were present in 57% of the population, with homozygous hemoglobin E trait (Hb EE) occurring in ~10% of women (n=53). Deficient (EGRac ≥1.40) or marginal riboflavin status (1.30 ≤ EGRac <1.40) was observed in 92% (n=475) of women. The variant Hb EE genotype was associated with 18% (95% CI: 9-28%) higher geometric mean EGRac, as compared to women with the normal Hb AA genotype (p<0.001). Conclusions: While riboflavin biomarker deficiency or marginal status is widely prevalent in Cambodian women, lower riboflavin status was observed more frequently in women with the Hb EE genotype than in women with normal Hb AA. The relationship between genetic hemoglobin disorders and riboflavin warrants further investigation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1943-1950
Number of pages8
JournalThe Journal of nutrition
Volume150
Issue number7
Early online date20 May 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 31 Jul 2020

Keywords

  • Cambodia
  • EGRac
  • hemoglobin
  • hemoglobinopathy
  • riboflavin
  • women

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