Correlation between Plasma Interleukin-3, theα/βGlobin Ratio, and Globin mRNA Stability

Abstract

Background. 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 thatαandβ  globin mRNAincrease through stimulation of cells by interleukin-3 (IL-3). Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between plasma IL-3 and theβ/α  globinratio.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 theβ/α  globinratio,globin mRNAexpression 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 ofα,β, andγ  globin mRNA,αandβ  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 onαandβ  globinchain synthesis. Therefore, IL-3 levels do not explain the wide reference range of theα/β  globinratio.