Further, α+-thalassemia, sTfR and the cytokine balance (involving TNF-RI, TNF-RII, and IL-6) of the newborn were related to fetal anemia, but these relationships were limited to offspring of iron-deficient mothers in whom all but thalassemia were modified by parity. The gene discussed is TNFRSF1A; the disease is alpha thalassemia spectrum.