[Frequency of apolipoprotein E in a Nahua population]

The presence of different ethnic groups in Mexico may give rise to genetic diversity between the native Indian population and the Mestizos. It is therefore of medical and anthropological interest to analyze the genotypes of disease-associated loci, such as polymorphism in the apolipoprotein E gene, whose 4/4 allele increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and coronary heart disease in other populations. We studied a Nahua Indian-population in the State of Morelos (Santo Domingo Ocotitlan). The ABO blood type of all individuals was determined and compared with the findings of other Nahua group from the State of Puebla. Without statistical significant differences in O, A and AB groups between both populations (p > 0.05). The allelic and genotypic frequency of apolipoprotein E was similar to that observed in other Mexican indian (Mazatecans, Mayans) and Mestizo populations, however there was a statistically significant difference when the results were compared to the allelic frequencies of other Amerinds: The Cayapa (Ecuador) for the epsilon 3 and epsilon 4 alleles (p < 0.002); the Nuuk (Greenland) for epsilon 3 and epsilon 4 alleles (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.002 respectively); and the Ammssalik (Greenland) for both alleles with p < 0.0001 and p = 0.04 respectively. In the case of the genotypes, there was statistically significant difference for the 4/3 genotypes, but a non significant difference for the 4/4 genotype. This is a descriptive study which contributes to the knowledge of the genetic structure of Mexican population.