Ethnicity and lipoprotein(a) polymorphism in Native Mexican populations
G Cardoso-Saldaña1, A De La Peña-Díaz, J Zamora-González
1Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Mexico, D.F.
Background:
Lp(a) is a lipoparticle of unknown function mainly present in primates and humans. It consists of a low-density lipoprotein and apo(a), a polymorphic glycoprotein. Apo(a) shares sequence homology and fibrin binding with plasminogen, inhibiting its fibrinolytic properties. Lp(a) is considered a link between atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Marked inter-ethnic differences in Lp(a) concentration related to the genetic polymorphism of apo(a) have been reported in several populations.
Aim:
The study examined the structural and functional features of Lp(a) in three Native Mexican populations (Mayos, Mazahuas and Mayas) and in Mestizo subjects.
Methods:
We determined the plasma concentration of Lp(a) by immunonephelometry, apo(a) isoforms by Western blot, Lp(a) fibrin binding by immuno-enzymatic assay and short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphic marker genetic analysis by capillary electrophoresis.
Results:
Mestizos presented the less skewed distribution and the highest median Lp(a) concentration (13.25 mg dL(-1)) relative to Mazahuas (8.2 mg dL(-1)), Mayas (8.25 mg dL(-1)) and Mayos (6.5 mg dL(-1)). Phenotype distribution was different in Mayas and Mazahuas as compared with the Mestizo group. The higher Lp(a) fibrin-binding capacity was found in the Maya population. There was an inverse relationship between the size of apo(a) polymorphs and both Lp(a) levels and Lp(a) fibrin binding.
Conclusion:
There is evidence of significative differences in Lp(a) plasma concentration and phenotype distribution in the Native Mexican and the Mestizo group.
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