Importance of Acetylator Phenotype in the Identity of Asian Populations

Abstract

The Marma, Tripura, and Chakma are tribal populations of South Asian countries such as Bangladesh. The populations are thought to be immigrants who started moving from their original home in the Far East toward the west and south. We randomly selected 80 Marma, 53 Tripura, and 43 Chakma to determine acetylation capacity and acetylator phenotype. The mean acetylation capacities were 63% in the Marma, 65% in the Tripura, and 70% in the Chakma. The acetylator phenotype was bimodally distributed as fast and slow acetylator. The frequencies of fast acetylator were 83% in the Marma, 89% in the Tripura, and 88% in the Chakma. According to acetylation capacity, the tribes are different from the founder nontribal populations of Bangladesh. They identify themselves as having a separate single population origin. The frequency of fast acetylator predicted served as the acetylator status of the Far East Asian population. The segregation of populations by acetylator phenotype on geographic longitude might be appropriate for geonational identification of Asian populations.

Clinical Experiences of Intravenous Hydralazine and Labetalol for Acute Treatment of Severe Hypertension in Pregnant Thai Women

“…55 It is important to note that almost 90% of those of Asian descent (including Thais) are fast acetylators, whereas only half of whites and blacks are fast acetylators. 56,57 Polymorphisms of CYPD6 have major effects on the pharmacokinetic profiles of hydralazine (NAT2) but may not significantly affect its antihypertensive effect at conventional oral doses. 55 Physician preference and patient comorbidity also affect the prescription of antihypertensive medications.…”

“…The CYP2D6 gene also encodes a CYP involved in phases I and II drug metabolisms, including N‐acetyltransferase (NAT2), catechol‐O‐methyltransferase, and phenol sulfotransferase 55 . It is important to note that almost 90% of those of Asian descent (including Thais) are fast acetylators, whereas only half of whites and blacks are fast acetylators 56,57 . Polymorphisms of CYPD6 have major effects on the pharmacokinetic profiles of hydralazine (NAT2) but may not significantly affect its antihypertensive effect at conventional oral doses 55 …”