Predictive models for human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

The present paper has discussed available test systems for determination of the response of G-6-PD-deficient human erythrocytes to environmental agents. The limitations and advantages of each model have been examined, and the results of research using each model have been presented. The future development of suitable animal models or in vitro test systems may rely on advances in fields such as genetics and biochemistry. Genetic engineering may allow researchers to develop cells with a genetic deficiency of G-6-PD. These deficient cells could then be used to simulate human G-6-PD-deficient erythrocyte responses to various agents. Advances in biochemistry, in areas such as metabolism and enzymology, may also have an impact on future test systems. Due to the fact that present model systems are limited and their predictions often unreliable, the establishment of safe environmental health standards will depend upon advances in modern science and the converging of developments from various disciplines.