Polymorphism C3435T of the MDR1 gene in Central Americans and Spaniards

The human multidrug resistance gene (MDR1) encodes for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which is a transmembrane transporter protein that acts as an efflux pump for a number of lypophilic compounds. It plays a protective role for cells against DNA damage. The wobble C3435T polymorphism at exon 26 has been associated with different expression levels and activity. Differences in allele frequency of the C3435T polymorphism have been demonstrated between distinct ethnic groups. In our study we examined these polymorphisms in 433 healthy individuals. From these, 229 were Central American mestizos from Nicaragua (n = 117) and El Salvador (n = 112) to be compared with a group of 204 North Spaniards, with the aim of detecting potential genotypic differences between these populations. The genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. The frequencies of the C allele were very similar among Central Americans (0.53) and Spaniards (0.52), which is consistent with the ethnic origin of Central American individuals (Amerindians and European Caucasians). In comparison to other previously studied populations, the C allele frequency in Central Americans was significantly lower than that found in African populations and higher than that observed in the Indian and Southwest Asian populations. These data may be relevant for dose recommendation of P-gp substrate drugs and also for studies of allele disease association in the Central American population.