Molecular Aspects of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Iran

G6PD deficiency is the most common hereditary enzyme deficiency that affected more than 400 million people worldwide. This enzyme deficiency is caused by a spectrum of mutations in the gene encoding G6PD on chromosome X. Epidemiologically; G6PD deficiency has been specially considered in Middle East countries including Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia. This study has reviewed more than 70 papers related to the epidemiological significance and various diagnostic strategies of G6PD deficiency from 1956 to 2010. The results showed a higher prevalence of Mediterranean variant followed by Chatham and Cosenza compared to other variants in Iran. Accurate identification of G6PD deficiency variants in areas with high prevalence of this disease will help to screen patients and their families with risk level when faced with oxidant agents.