African Americans
are affected disproportionately by genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia.
Medical researchers and health experts recognize that the prevalence of certain diseases tends to be higher among African Americans. While some of these diseases, such as diabetes, are likely to result from unhealthy eating habits or other types of lifestyle choices, many diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, are caused by a genetic predisposition unique to African Americans.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia, also just called "sickle cell" or hemoglobin SS disease, is a genetic disorder common in African Americans. The body produces red blood cells that are irregularly shaped; as a result, the malformed cells don't live as long and the person with sickle cell develops anemia. Other problems caused by sickle cell include extreme discomfort due to blood vessels that are blocked by the irregular red blood cells. Strokes, blindness, organ damage, and gallstones are also common secondary conditions that people with sickle cell experience. Sickle cell occurs when a person is born with two sickle cell genes, one from each parent. At present, there is no cure for this disease.
Beta-Thalassemia
Knowing your family's medical history helps identify potential risk factors for disease.
Beta-thalassemia is somewhat similar to sickle cell, in that it is a genetic disease related to blood cells. What makes beta-thalassemia different from sickle cell, however, is that it is a disorder in which the person's ability to produce hemoglobin is compromised. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying protein present in red blood cells. Like sickle cell, beta-thalassemia causes anemia, as well as other discomforts and life-threatening side effects, such as liver damage. There is no cure for this disease; however, blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, and--in extreme cases--bone marrow transplants may help alleviate some symptoms.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Deficiency Disease
Research has shown that genetic mutations may result in some protective features, too.
Glucose-6-phosphate deficiency disease is another blood disease affecting red blood cells and the critical functions they perform for the body. This particular disease is more common among African American men than women, as the trait for this gene is located on the X chromosome. As men only have one X chromosome, they only need one parent to carry the gene for the trait to be inherited, thus resulting in the disease. Anemia is the most common problem associated with glucose-6-phosphate deficiency disease, but other problems are associated with oxygen imbalances that compromise the red blood cell's ability to perform its usual functions. Interestingly, while there is no cure for this disease, research has shown that the disease does seem to provide protection from malaria due to a specific genetic mutation.
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