Golden Blood? Everything You Need To Know
Golden blood is the rarest blood group in the world with first document case of golden blood in 1961 of a women during a routine blood test, fewer than 50 people are reported to have this blood type and as it's name suggests it is extremely valuable to the scientific world.
What is Golden Blood?
Golden blood group completely lacks Rh antigens and hence is also called Rh null blood group. A mutation in the RHD gene (responsible for the Rh proteins production) leads to a complete lack of the Rh proteins. Normally people have Rh + (having all of the Rh antigens) or Rh - (lacking some of the Rh antigens, still have others) blood groups with multiple combinations on what antigens they have or don't which further categorizes their blood but most if not all blood groups fall in these two categories, only in extremely rare cases do they miss all the antigens making their blood group very crucial in blood transfusions (universal donor for rare and all blood types) and also for scientific advancements.
What are different blood groups and how are they determined?
Blood is made of Plasma, Platelets, White Blood Cells (WBCs), and Red Blood Cells (RBCs). The RBCs antigens determine the blood group of each individual.
The RBCs membrane has tens of thousands of antigens which are made of sugars or proteins. The sugars determine if you are A,B or O and the proteins (Rh proteins) determine if you are +ve or -ve (missing some proteins) type. Based on the mix of sugars and proteins in the antigens your blood group type is determined which is absolutely important in blood transfusion as we see below.
What Causes Golden Blood or Rh Null Blood Type?
Golden blood is caused by a mutation in the RHD or RHAG gene which is a protein coding gene responsible for encoding the Rh50 protein which then causes the expression of Rh antigens on RBCs and assembles Rh proteins on RBC membrane. the mutation alters this function leading to no Rh proteins on the RBC membrane, Rh null blood.
Even though the exact cause of the mutation is not very clear but scientist believe the below are some of the risk factors :
Marriage within families - Cousins, Siblings, distant relatives.
Inheriting mutated RHD gene from parents causing very low to no Rh proteins in the blood.
Factors that may cause the gene mutation - Environmental / Chemical Exposure / Prolonged Drug Use or infections right before or during pregnancy.
Complications of Golden Blood Group
The blood group as such doesn't cause any known health issues in the individuals having it and many may even live unaware of this blood type unless tested. The golden blood group's lack of antigen makes it perfect for anyone needing blood including some rare blood types but it poses a challenge for people having this blood type to receive blood. Thankfully there is a global Rh null individuals registry - Golden Blood Network with individuals willing to donate to save lives still getting access to the blood in time which is collected and maintained at ideal conditions is a huge challenge.
Also pregnant women with Rh null type of blood pose a risk to the foetus with Rh proteins. The pregnant woman's body attacks the foetus leading to miscarriage, stillbirth or other complications.
Scientific Significance of Golden Blood
Universal Donor: As golden blood lacks Rh proteins it is compatible with all receivers and can be used in case of emergencies where testing the blood type may not be an option. It is also perfect for receivers with rare blood types who may otherwise not be able to accept the regular blood types.
Immunoglobulin Medicines: The Rh null blood is used to develop medicines to help fight Rhesus disease or also known as the Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN).
Immense Scientific Potential: Many scientists are baffled at the Rh null blood which lacks 49 Rh antigens, a small mutation in the RHD gene leading to this massive impact. It could also hold key to finding medicines in many rare blood diseases.