Relationship between Blood Groups with Systemic and Gastrointestinal Diseases-A Short Review
Author(s): Sridevi G*
Abstract
The human blood is classified under four different blood types namely, A, B, AB and O. These blood groups are based on the presence of blood antigens present on the surface of the red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, plasma proteins and also present in soluble form in bodily secretions like saliva, breast milk, sweat, gastric secretions, and seminal fluid. These blood antigens are recognized at their attachment with N-acetylgalactosamine in α1-3 linkage to the terminal galactose residue of Type 1 and Type 2 chains with A and B alleles. Non-O blood groups have been greatly correlated with the incidence of vascular disorders like cerebral arterial ischemia, myocardial infarction venous thromboembolism, peripheral vascular disease. A and B blood types were protective for hyperlipdemia. High levels of vWF and FVIII in non-O blood group persons have been related with increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Blood type A have a greater incidence cancer of salivary gland, ovary, colon /rectum compared to blood type B. This review explains the physiological and genetical reasons behind these correlates.