Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

Genetic variants of Y chromosome are associated with a protective lipid profile in black men

Paola Russo1, Alfonso Siani, Michelle A Miller

  • 1Unit of Epidemiology & Population Genetics, Institute of Food Sciences, CNR, Via Roma 52A/C, 83100, Avellino, Italy.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|May 31, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A specific Y chromosome haplotype (TBL1Y(A) USP9Y(A)) found in black men is linked to healthier cholesterol levels. This genetic finding may explain their lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Cardiovascular Health
  • Population Health and Disease Susceptibility
  • Human Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease risk factors are influenced by gender and ethnicity.
  • Men generally face higher cardiovascular disease risks than women.
  • Black populations exhibit lower coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality compared to white and South Asian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate genetic variants within the male-specific region (MSY) of the Y chromosome.
  • Identify MSY variants that influence cardiovascular risk profiles across different ethnic groups.
  • Determine the genetic basis for observed ethnic differences in cardiovascular disease susceptibility.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyped four MSY polymorphisms (HindIII+/-, TBL1Y, USP9Y, UTY) in 579 men from the UK (black, South Asian, white) and 301 white men from Italy.
  • Analyzed the association between specific haplotypes and cardiovascular risk markers.
  • Focused on the TBL1Y(A) USP9Y(A) haplotype prevalent in black individuals.

Main Results:

  • The TBL1Y(A) USP9Y(A) haplotype was exclusively found in black men, representing the most common allelic combination in this group.
  • This specific haplotype was significantly associated with lower triglyceride levels (P=0.025).
  • Individuals with the TBL1Y(A) USP9Y(A) haplotype also showed higher HDL-cholesterol levels (P=0.005) compared to other haplotypes.

Conclusions:

  • The TBL1Y(A) USP9Y(A) haplotype on the Y chromosome, unique to black men of African origin, confers a favorable lipoprotein profile.
  • This genetic predisposition likely contributes to the reduced susceptibility to coronary heart disease observed in this population.
  • Highlights the role of specific Y chromosome genetic variants in ethnic disparities in cardiovascular health.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness02:19

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
Pedigree Analysis01:35

Pedigree Analysis

Overview
Sex-linked Disorders01:43

Sex-linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu01:29

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu

Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants01:27

Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants

The human genome is over 99.9% identical between individuals, yet genetic differences exist at millions of bases. The human genome contains approximately 3 million variant positions per individual, many of which are heterozygous, contributing to genetic diversity and individual traits. Genetic variations include single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, deletions, and copy number variations (CNVs).SNPs, the most common variation, involve single-base changes in DNA. These can be...
X and Y Chromosomes02:32

X and Y Chromosomes

Among mammals, the gender of an organism is determined by the sex chromosomes. Humans have two sex chromosomes, X and Y. Every human diploid cell has 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. A human female has two X chromosomes, while a male has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.
The germline cells such as egg and sperm cells carry only half the number of chromosomes, i.e., 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome. All eggs have an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry an X or...