Research Article

Description of Hemoglobin Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Bands in Newborns, Diabetes Mellitus and Normal Individuals

Abstract

Background: Normal adult human haemoglobin consists of two main types, namely HbA, HbF, and HbA2. HbF is present in newborns until the age of 6 months, and is the main haemoglobin in infant red blood cells. Haemoglobin in patients with diabetes mellitus (haemoglobinopathy) is predicted to have haemoglobin S (HbS), haemoglobin C (HbC), or haemoglobin E (HbE). In this study, the presence of Hb in DM patients was examined to determine whether its migration position was close to HbA and HbA2. Objective: To determine the differences in the band pattern of the haemoglobin electrophoresis method in newborns, patients with diabetes mellitus, and normal individuals. Methods: This study used an exploratory experimental design. The instrument used was horizontal electrophoresis with agarose gel. The specimens were EDTA blood from newborn infants, individuals with diabetes mellitus, and normal individuals. Thirteen haemolysates could be applied to the electrophoresis instrument simultaneously, and the patterns could be observed after staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) for 60 minutes at a constant speed of 100 mA. Results: Newborns have only one band, namely HbF, people with diabetes mellitus also have one band parallel to the HbF band, and normal individuals (adults) have two bands, namely HbA and HbA2 (thin) and thick. Conclusion: Hb in adults/normal individuals is the smallest (HbA), because it migrates to the positive pole faster than Hb in newborns (HbF) and individuals with diabetes mellitus (HbF). Hb in individuals with diabetes mellitus is glycated by glucose molecules, making it heavier, so that HbA becomes HbF.