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Ethnic origin and cardiovascular disease

Abstract:

Environment and genetic interaction during human evolution has pbkp_redisposed chronic-degenerative diseases development in our society. "Thrifty" genotype, is a consequence derived from human being adaptation to Paleolithic and Neolithic environment combined with occidental life style, which is characterized by hyperinsulinemia without a gluconeogenesis inhibition, resulting in cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Many hypotheses were formulated to explain high diversity rates in coronary artery disease according to different ethnic groups. For example, Afro-American populations present uncoupling proteins isoforms related to lower resting energy expenditure and oxidative metabolism of fatty acids diminished. In addition they have elevated Lipoprotein(a) concentration and high salt sensitivity which are just some of the influential factors in CAD pathogenesis. Asian population has numerous cardiovascular risks factors partly inhibited by a polyunsaturated fatty acids ω-3 rich diet. However, Asiatic Indians still having a low saturated fatty acids diet, but display high CAD prevalence, agreeing with "thrifty" genotype expression hypotheses. Hispanic populations characterized by multiracial origin exhibit both, high obesity and diabetes prevalence associated with leptin and insulin resistance plus hyperinsulinemia, conditions that apparently precedes high blood pressure. North American Pima Indians show the world highest type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence, apparently related to PPP1R3 gene, TNF-α and IL-6 high levels, sedentary life style and changes in diet composition and caloric density.