Differential distribution of gene polymorphisms associated with hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypoalphalipoproteinemia among Native American and Mestizo Mexicans

Abstract

BACKGROUND Dyslipidemias are metabolic abnormalities associated with chronic diseases caused by genetic and environmental factors. The Mexican population displays regional differences according to ethnicity with an impact on the type of dyslipidemia. AIM To define the main dyslipidemias, the frequency of lipid-related risk alleles, and their association with hyperlipidemic states among different ethnic groups in West Mexico. METHODS In a retrospective study, 1324 adults were selected to compare dyslipidemias and lipid-related gene polymorphisms. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. A subgroup of 196 normal weight subjects without impaired glucose was selected for the association analyses. Genotyping was determined by allelic discrimination assay. RESULTS Hypercholesterolemia was the most prevalent dyslipidemia (42.3%). The frequency of the risk alleles associated with hypoalphalipoproteinemia ( ABCA1 ) and hypercholesterolemia ( APOE , LDLR ) was higher in the Native Americans ( P = 0.047). In contrast, the Mestizos with European ancestry showed a higher frequency of the risk alleles for hypertriglyceridemia ( APOE2, MTTP ) ( P = 0.045). In normal weight Mestizo subjects, the APOB TT and LDLR GG genotypes were associated risk factors for hypercholesterolemia (OR = 5.33, 95%CI: 1.537-18.502, P = 0.008 and OR = 3.90, 95%CI: 1.042-14.583, P = 0.043, respectively), and displayed an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ( APOB : β = 40.39, 95%CI: 14.415-66.366, P = 0.004; LDLR : β = 20.77, 95%CI: 5.763-35.784, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION Gene polymorphisms and dyslipidemias showed a differential distribution. Regional primary health care strategies are required to mitigate their prevalence considering the genetic and environmental features which could have important implications for personalized medicine within the new era of precision medicine.

The Association Between Lean-to-Fat Mass Ratio and Cardiometabolic Abnormalities: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

“…Nevertheless, our findings, particularly regarding low HDL-cholesterol and hypertriglyceridemia, were consistent with the results of the present study. This can be explained by the genetic-related ethnic differences in lipid metabolism favoring a lower HDL-cholesterol and higher serum triglycerides in the Latin American population [ 33 - 35 ].…”

Personalized medicine and nutrition in hepatology for preventing chronic liver disease in Mexico

“…The positive selection of the C allele among the Native American population may be related to energy-saving processes among the ancient Mesoamericans. Overall, the current frequency of the ABCA1 230RC + CC genotypes ranges from 6 to 20% ( 46 ) and studies performed in central west Mexico have shown that up to 41% of Native American individuals who are carriers of the ABCA1 C allele have low HDL-c levels compared to admixed Mexicans in 7% ( 53 ), suggesting the need of targeted strategies among the population.…”

“…The frequency of the APOE alleles differs worldwide ( 64 ). Recently, we identified a differential distribution of lipid genes among several ethnic groups showing that the E4 allele associated with hypercholesterolemia was more frequent in Mexican Amerindians, whereas those associated with hypertriglyceridemia such as E2 are common among European populations ancestry ( 53 ).…”

Personalized nutrition: the end of the one-diet-fits-all era

“…Research has shown that this diet is associated with a reduced risk of metabolic disorders and is nutritionally wellbalanced and culturally acceptable (67). Nevertheless, the Mexican population is immersed in an obesogenic environment, consuming a hepatopathogenic diet that causes dyslipidemias, insulin resistance, steatosis, and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (65,(68)(69)(70). As shown in Figure 1, the transition from a state of evolutionary concordance to a mismatch between the nature of our ancestral genes and the environment is part of the current health problem.…”

“…Similarly, when studying lipid-transporter genes, it is important to consider the differential allele distribution, within the admixed population (Table 1) (64). For example, the ApoE e2 and e4 alleles (65,69), have been associated with hyperglyceridemia and hypercholesteremia, respectively. Thus, consuming chia, pumpkin seeds, and amaranth can offer a plant-based supply of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) while inhibiting anti-inflammatory cell-signaling pathways that are frequently triggered in various chronic diseases (58).…”