G6PD is Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase. It is an enzyme required to reduce NADP⁺ to NADPH

When somebody is said to be G6PD, is supposed to be G6PDD(G6PD-Deficiency). But G6PD is enough to understand.

NADPH is indirect agent that protect one from hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is usually acute.

What is hemolytic anemia?
Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia(low Red Blood Cell[RBC] count in blood) caused by lysis(rupture) of RBC. When the RBC level is low, blood carries less oxygen and cannot meet the body's demand. Result? Cell death and can be fatal if not treated in time.

What causes hemolytic anemia?
In this case, fava bean, hydrogen peroxides etc.
Example, H₂O₂ -> 2 OH·
OH· is free radical and it can cause the RBC to rupture by damaging the membrane of the RBC.

What causes the G6PD-Deficiency?
Genetically inherited. If you are a male, you inherited from your mother(ONLY mother). If you are a female, you inherited it from both of your parents.

Can the deficiency be treated?
No.

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Added on October 27, 2008, 12:03 amOh btw, you are safe to donate blood.

This post has been edited by jiaxun: Oct 27 2008, 12:05 AM