GSTM1 and thalassemia: Thalassemia is the most common monogenic inherited disease due to the defective synthesis of hemoglobin (Hb) α and β chains.1,2 The prevalence of thalassemia in China is high in Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing.3-5 Severe thalassemia can be disabling and even fatal.