Alternative therapies of manifest forms of β-thalassemia: stimulation of fetal hemoglobin synthesis

An imbalance in the synthesis and ratio of α and non-α globin chains is the major pathophysiological mechanism leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis in severe form of the β-thalassemia. Phenotype in patients who retain the capacity to synthesize fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is milder due to decreasing α- /non-α globin chain imbalance. Induction of HbF might be an effective therapeutic strategy for severe form of β-thalassemia. This literature review presents data about efficiency safeness of different medication and their combination, which stimulate synthesis of HbF. This review can provide a new insight into the current status and future perspectives in HbF reactivation as treatment option for severe form of β-thalassemia.