We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Alzheimer's Disease Risk Alleles Profiled in Latino Populations

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 24 Dec 2018
The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene encodes three common isoforms known as ε2, ε3, and ε4. More...
These are determined by two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that result in amino acid substitutions and associated functional changes in the protein.

The APOε4 isoform is associated with increased circulating levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cardiovascular risk, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and related dementias (ADRD); whereas APOε2 is associated with cognitive resilience and extended longevity.

A team of scientists collaborating with the University of Texas Health Science Center (Houston, TX, USA) used a custom array to genotype APOE in nearly 10,900 individuals with diverse Latino ancestry from four metropolitan areas in the USA. The genotyped participants included representatives from Central American, Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and South American populations, and had an average age of just over 41 years and slightly more than half of the target population (50.4%) was female. Genome-wide SNP genotyping was performed on the participants using a custom Illumina array consisting of the HumanOmni2.5–8v1–1 array content along with a panel of ∼150,000 investigator-chosen SNPs.

The team found that Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban individuals tended to have higher frequencies of the well known ADRD and cognitive decline risk allele APOε4. That risky APOε4 allele was found at almost 18% frequency in Dominicans, while Cubans and Puerto Ricans carried the allele at intermediate frequency. However, it appeared to be far less common in individual from mainland populations in Mexico, Central America, and South America, which had APOε4 frequencies of around 11%.

Conversely, the team found that the APOε2 allele, which has been proposed as a protective factor against cognitive decline and ADRD, was found at enhanced frequencies in individuals from Caribbean Latino populations, dipping in individuals from Central America, and turning up at the lowest frequencies in the South American and Mexican populations. The APOε3 allele, the most common version of APOE across human populations profiled so far, was found in more than 86% of Mexicans and in almost 74% of Dominicans.

The authors concluded that the APOE allele and genotype frequency distributions in a large and diverse sample of Latinos with well-characterized ancestry background. These data provide valuable information in this understudied ethnic group and provide the basis for future studies of the association of APOE with ADRD in this fast-growing segment of the US population. The study was published on December 13, 2018, in the journal Scientific Reports.

Related Links:
University of Texas Health Science Center


New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Staining Management Software
DakoLink
New
Automated PCR Setup
ESTREAM
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.