Distribution of ADH2 and ALDH2 genotypes in different populations

Summary The distribution of the human liver alcohol dehydrogenase, ADH₂, and aldehyde dehydrogenase, ALDH2, genotypes in 21 different populations comprising Mongoloids, Caucasoids, and Negroids was determined by hybridization of the amplified genomic DNA with allele-specific oligonucleotide probes. Whereas the frequency of the ADH ₁ ² allele was found to be relatively high in the Caucasoids, Mexican Mestizos, Brazilian Indios, Swedish Lapps, Papua New Guineans and Negroids, the frequency of the ADH ₂ ² gene was considerably higher in the Mongoloids and Australian Aborigines. The atypical ALDH2 gene (ALDH2²) was found to be extremely rare in Caucasoids, Negroids, Papua New Guineans, Australian Aborigines and Aurocanians (South Chile). In contrast, this mutant gene was found to be widely prevalent among the Mongoloids. Individuals possessing the abnormal ALDH2 gene show alcohol-related sensitivity responses (e.g. facial flushing), have the tendency not to be habitual drinkers, and apparently suffer less from alcoholism and alcohol-related liver disease.     

Gm and Inv allotypes in a Gypsy sample.

Serum samples from 226 Gypsies were tested for Gm(1,2,4,5,8,10,11,14,17,21,23,25) and for Inv(1,2). The Gm phenotypes found are very numerous and the more frequent among this population are: Gm(4,5, 8,10,11,14,17,23,25) and Gm(1,2,4,5,8,10,11,14,17,21,23,25). All the phenotypes except three can be explained by nine haplotypes: Gm4,5,8,10,11,14,23,25, Gm1,4,5,8,10,11,14,23,25, Gm4,5,8,10,11,14,25, Gm1,17,21, Gm1,10,11,17,25, Gm1,2,17,21, Gm1,8,17,21, Gm1,8,17,21,23 and Gm1,5,10,11,14,17. The haplotypes Gm1,17,21, Gm1,2,17,21, Gm4,5,8,10,11,14,25 (with or without Gm[ 3]) are all three common among Caucasoids, Gm1,4,5,10,11,14,23,25 (common among Mongoloids) and Gm1,5,10,11,14,17 (common to Negroids). For the Inv system, this population possesses a very low frequency of Inv(1) and Inv(2).     

Frequency of the musculus palmaris longus studied in vivo in some Amazon indians

The frequency of the Musclus palmaris longus was studied by observing its tendon in vivo in 379 Amazon Indians belonging to the following tribes: Tucano, Tariana, Tiriyo, Desana, Piratapuya, Macu and Arapaso. The muscle was not observed in 14 individuals (3.7% ± 1.0) either unilaterally or bilaterally and in 24 of 758 limbs (3.1% ± 0.6). No statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of the muscle among the different tribes. Bilateral absence was significantly more frequent than the unilateral one; absence in females was more frequent than in males. The frequency of palmaris longus agenesis in Amazon Indians agrees with reported values for Negroids and Mongoloids and is considerably lower than that generally reported for the Caucasoids.     

Do r/K reproductive strategies apply to human differences?

This article discusses the r/K theory of Social Biology and how it relates to humans. The symbols r and K originate in the mathematics of population biology and refer to 2 ends of a continuum in which a compensatory exchange occurs between gamete production (the r-strategy) and longevity (the K-strategy). Both across and within species, r and K strategists differ in a suite of correlated characteristics. Humans are the most K of all. K's supposedly have a longer gestation period, a higher birthweight, a more delayed sexual maturation, a lower sex drive, and a longer life. Studies providing evidence for the expected covariation among K attributes are presented. Additional evidence for r/K theory comes from the comparison of human population known to differ in gamete production. The pattern of racial differences observed to occur in sexual behavior has also been found to exist on numerous other indices of K. For instance, there are racial differences in brain size, intelligence, and maturation rate, among others. The findings suggest that, on the average, Mongoloids are more K than Caucasoids, who in turn, are more K than Negroids. Recently conducted studies have extended the data in favor of r/K theory, and further research is currently underway, including whether r/K attributes underlie individual and social class differences in health and longevity.     

Race differences and r/K theory: A reply to Silverman

To allow an adequate evaluation of r/K theory in light of Silverman's critique, data are tabulated showing that, on average, Mongoloids > Caucasoids > Negroids in brain size and intelligence, maturational delay, sexual restraint, quiescent temperament, and social organization. The sequence of this suite of life-history characters may parallel the order of emergence of the populations in earth history. The phased linearity is ordered by a theory of r/K reproductive strategies in which Mongoloids are more K selected than Caucasoids and especially more than Negroids. It is suggested that behavioral differences among human races arose because the more predictable environment faced by later emerging populations selected for increased brainsize, fewer and slower maturing offspring, greater parental care per each offspring, stronger pair bonds, and increased social organization.     

Investigations on the genetics and population genetics of the β2 polymorphism

Summary The results of studies on 49 families with 107 children and various populations of Caucasoid, Negroid and Mongoloid origin concerning the genetics and population genetics of the ₂-glycoprotein I polymorphism are reported. In general the genetical model proposed by Cleve (1968) is confirmed: two autosomal alleles Bg^N and Bg^D controlling the phenotypes Bg N-N, Bg N-D and Bg D-D. However, divergences from this model were found in two families. They indicate the assumption of non-genetic factors influencing the phenotype expression rather than more complicated genetical control mechanisms. Within Caucasoid populations phenotype and gene frequencies show almost a homogeneous distribution. This racial stock is striking due to a significant higher ₂-glycoprotein I concentration in serum as compared to Negroids and Mongoloids. In connection with this, these racial stocks differ obviously in the gene frequencies: Caucasoids Bg^N=0.937, Negroids=0.742, Mongoloids =0.780; resp. Bg^D=0.063, 0.258, 0.220.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.D 77.     

Helicobacter pylori Infection, Intestinal Metaplasia, and Gastric Cancer Risk in Eastern Siberia

Background: The incidence of gastric cancer (GC) is extremely high in Russia and eastern Siberia, where information on the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection is fragmentary. Aims: To assess the prevalence of both H. pylori infection (including CagA status) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) in Russian and eastern Siberian populations carrying a different risk of GC. Materials and Methods: A sample of 2129 consecutive patients was considered, including 689 Europoids and 1440 Mongoloids (493 Evenks, 533 Khakass people, and 414 Tuvans), who all underwent serum sampling and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. H. pylori status was established (ELISA, urease test, and histology), and IgG anti‐CagA antibodies were assessed (ELISA) in H. pylori‐positive cases. At least 3 biopsy samples per patient were considered, and IM was scored as present versus absent. The prevalence of H. pylori, CagA+ve status, and IM was compared with the incidence of GC according to the regional cancer registries. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori was similar for the Europoids and Mongoloids (93.6 vs 94.3%). The prevalence of CagA+ve infection was as follows: Europoids 61.2%, Evenks 36.4%, Khakass 44.0%, Tuvans 60.0% (p_1vs2 < .001; p_1vs3 < .001; p_2vs4 < .001; p_3vs4 < .001). The prevalence of IM was as follows: Europoids 10.7%, Evenks 5.1%, Khakass 9.8%, and Tuvans 23.4% (p_1vs2 = .001; p_1vs4 < .001; p_2vs4 < .001; p_3vs4 < .001). The incidence of GC (per 100,000 population/year) was as follows: Europoids 33.2; Evenks 18.2; Khakass 20.2; Tuvans 50.7 (p_1vs2 = 0.04; p_1vs3 = .05; p_2vs4 < .001; p_3vs4 < .001). Conclusion: H. pylori infection is consistently high in Russian and eastern Siberian populations; ethnicities with similar prevalence of CagA+ve status had different prevalence of IM and incidence of GC. As expected, IM prevalence correlated with the incidence of GC. Host‐related and/or environmental factors may explain discrepancies between H. pylori status, the prevalence of IM, and the incidence of GC.     

Comparative study of the upper molar occlusal table morphology among seven human populations

Three-dimensional morphology of the occlusal table of the upper first molars was compared in seven racial populations. Materials were moiré contourograms collected by ourselves over 5 years. Intercuspal distances and cuspal heights were comparatively studied in this analysis. When the populations were arranged in the order of these sizes, their arrangements based on intercuspal distances and cuspal heights were quite different from each other. When intercuspal distances were scaled by protocone-paracone distance, the distances connecting distal cusps were significantly smaller in Mongoloids (Japanese and Eskimo) than in Caucasoids (Dutch and Asiatic Indian), which suggests a reduction tendency of distal cusps in Mongoloids. This tendency was intermediate in Negroids and Australoid. Principal coordinate analysis was carried out on the basis of a similarity matrix including both intercuspal distances and cuspal heights. The result suggested that the three-dimensional shape of the occlusal table was distinguishable in four representative racial populations.     

Polynesian dentition

The chance discovery of a paper by Rottstock et al. (1983) comparing the individual diameters of 4,497 teeth from 711 skulls from anthropologically-different populations (Europeans, Negroids, Mongoloids, Melanesians) provided the impetus to add our measurements of 449 teeth from 89 Polynesians (mainland Maoris, Chatham Island, Wairau Bar) to the series. We confirm that dental measurements provide clear differences among the different population groups. We confirm that dental indices are useful by disclosing specific dental relationships among the different population groups.     

Comparative studies on properdin factor B (Bf) polymorphism in random samples from Brazil, Germany and Guinea-Bissau

Three different population samples have been tested for properdin factor B markers: 395 individuals from Schleswig-Holstein (Germany), 343 individuals (Europids) from Southern Brazil, and 309 individuals (Negroids) from Guinea-Bissau (Western Africa). These samples are showing marked differences in the distribution of Bf gene frequencies. As for the sample from Southern Brazil the Bf data are confirming the assumption that the Caucasoid population in Southern Brazil is somewhat mixed with Negroids.     

Metabolic Populational in vivo Construction of Tumors under Conditions of Individual Genetic Predisposition: Communication II

The results of the analysis of the literature data on the ethnic distribution of xenobiotic biotransformation phenotypes and on tumor incidence (for all organs in total) are presented from the standpoint of the concept by L.A. Piruzyan [1]. For a number of ethnic groups, a possibility is theoretically shown of the metabolic populational in vivo construction of tumors (depending on the genetically determined metabolic status of certain populations), i.e., of the ethnic dependence of tumors. In the American population, the higher incidence of the slow acetylation phenotype than in Swedes and in the Chinese was associated with the higher incidence of morbidity. In populations of the English, the Germans, the Swedes, and the Swiss, characterized by a low incidence of the slow acetylation phenotype, the tumor morbidity was higher than in the Chinese with a higher incidence of slow acetylators. Americans are more predisposed to tumors than the Swedes. Caucasoids with either the slow or the fast acetylation phenotype are more predisposed to tumors than the Chinese. The prevalence of the fast acetylation phenotype in the Chinese and Japanese populations was associated with the lower cancer morbidity: in the Chinese compared to Australians, Danes, Swedes; in the Japanese compared to Australians, Americans, the English, Danes, Canadians, the German, the Portuguese, Finns, Czechs, and Slovaks. The lower incidence of the slow acetylators in the Chinese than in Americans, English, Danes, Canadians, Germans, Finns, Czechs, Slovaks, and Swedes was associated with a lower rate of morbidity. In the Portuguese, the higher incidence of fast acetylators than in Danes and the lower incidence of slow acetylators than in Czechs, Slovaks, and Afro-Americans was associated with the lower rate of morbidity. In the Hong Kong and Singapore Chinese with the lower incidence of slow acetylators than in the Madras Negroids, the morbidity was higher. In Australians and Swedes, the greater fraction of slow acetylators was associated with a lower morbidity than in Afro-Americans. In the Russian population of St. Petersburg, the higher incidence of slow acetylators was associated with the lower morbidity compared to the Hong Kong Chinese. Among Poles, the slow acetylator incidence was higher and the morbidity was lower than in the Portuguese. The Japanese and the Chinese (fast acetylators) are less predisposed to cancer than the above-listed Caucasoids; among Caucasoids, the Portuguese (fast acetylators) were less predisposed to cancer than the Danes, Czechs, Slovaks, and Afro-Americans. The tumor predisposition of the Hong Kong and Singapore Chinese was higher than the predisposition of the Madras Negroids. Australians, Russians (St. Petersburg residents), and Poles were less predisposed to cancer than Afro-Americans, the Hong Kong Chinese, and the Portuguese. The morbidity of the Madras Negroids with the higher incidence of the slow acetylation phenotype was lower than the morbidity of the Hong Kong and Singapore Chinese. The incidence of the slow acetylation phenotype in Afro-Americans was lower than in the Australians and Swedes and higher than in the Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese; this was associated with the higher cancer morbidity, i.e., with the increased predisposition to tumors. The lower incidence of the T1-0 phenotype of glutathione-S-transferase in the English than in the Singapore and Shanghai Chinese and in the Japanese was associated with the higher morbidity of the English. In the Singapore Chinese, the higher incidence of the M1-0 and of T1-0 phenotypes of glutathione-S-transferase than in the Japanese was associated with the increased morbidity. In some populations, different morbidities were associated with similar incidences of one or another metabolic phenotype, or different phenotype incidences in different populations were associated with similar morbidities. The morbidity under consideration did not include chemical carcinogenesis, i.e., the conversion of procarcinogens to true carcinogens or the carcinogen inactivation. Because the results presented are preliminary, this article outlines the directions of theoretical studies that are required for definite conclusions concerning the ethnic dependence of tumors.     

Venous thromboembolism and AB0 blood groups in a Brazilian population

Summary The AB0 blood groups were determined in 125 patients suffering from venous thrombosis in a Brazilian population. There is a clear effect of the sex on the disease incidence, women being more frequently affected, but the mean age was not different regarding the sex. No differences were found in the disease incidence when Caucasians and Negroids were compared. An excess of blood group A and a decrease of blood group 0 was observed among the patients. The analysis of the combined data from ten different published series shows a A/0 relative incidence significantly higher than unity, but the heterogeneity was also significant in the series.     

Finger dermatoglyphics of the Tibetans

Finger prints of 156 Tibetan males and 150 females have been analyzed. Whorls are more abundant in Tibetan males (60.24%) than in females (48.67%). The index of pattern intensity shows a higher value in males (15.95) than the females (14.65). The bimanual differences (both in males and females) are not statistically significant for the occurrence of pattern on the digits of the right and left hands. However, the difference between the sexes for the occurrence of patterns on the finger balls, are statistically significant. Ridge counting was done for each finger. On all fingers, Tibetan males have higher ridge-counts than females. The possible tendency for the right hands to possess higher ridge-counts cannot be demonstrated statistically. Tibetans show greater affinity with the Southern Mongoloids in the frequency distributions of pattern types on the finger balls. However, a more detailed dermatoglyphic study of all the Mongoloid populations in South East Asia, Central Asia and Far East would yield information of great value in disclosing the palmar pattern distributions among the Mongoloids.     

Deficiency in mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase increases the risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease in the Japanese population

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) deficiency is caused by a mutant allele in the Mongoloids. To examine whether genetic constitutions affecting aldehyde metabolism influence the risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), we performed a case-control study in the Japanese population on the deficiency in ALDH2 caused by the dominant-negative mutant allele of the ALDH2 gene (ALDH2*2). In a comparison of 447 patients with sex, age, and region matched nondemented controls, the genotype frequency carrying the ALDH2*2 allele was significantly higher in the patients than in the controls (48.1% vs 37.4%, P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicates that carriage of the ALDH2*2 allele is an independent risk for LOAD of the epsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE-epsilon4) (P = 0.002). Moreover, the odds ratio for LOAD in carriers of the ALDH2*2 allele was almost twice that in noncarriers, irrespective of status with regard to the APOE-epsilon4 allele. Among patients homozygous for the APOE-epsilon4 allele, age at onset of LOAD was significantly lower in those with than without the ALDH2*2 allele. In addition, dosage of the ALDH2*2 allele significantly affected age at onset of patients homozygous for the APOE-epsilon4 allele. These results indicate that the ALDH2 deficiency is a risk for LOAD, synergistically acting with the APOE-epsilon4 allele.     

Qualitative aspects of palmar dermatoglyphics in a sample of Sardinian population

The author examines certain qualitative aspects of palmar dermatoglyphics in 820 individuals of both sexes from the city of Cagliari (Sardinia). The overall results obtained are discussed and the sexual and lateral differences are considered. The sample examined differs from other Mediterranean samples because of a tendency toward a vertical trend of the papillary lines, a lower frequency of patterns in the 2nd and 3rd interdigital areas and a higher frequency of patterns in the 4th interdigital area.     

The systemizing quotient: an investigation of adults with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism,and normal sex differences

Systemizing is the drive to analyse systems or construct systems. A recent model of psychological sex differences suggests that this is a major dimension in which the sexes differ, with males being more drawn to systemize than females. Currently, there are no self-report measures to assess this important dimension. A second major dimension of sex differences is empathizing (the drive to identify mental states and respond to these with an appropriate emotion). Previous studies find females score higher on empathy measures. We report a new self-report questionnaire, the Systemizing Quotient (SQ), for use with adults of normal intelligence. It contains 40 systemizing items and 20 control items. On each systemizing item, a person can score 2, 1 or 0, so the SQ has a maximum score of 80 and a minimum of zero. In Study 1, we measured the SQ of n = 278 adults (114 males, 164 females) from a general population, to test for predicted sex differences (male superiority) in systemizing. All subjects were also given the Empathy Quotient (EQ) to test if previous reports of female superiority would be replicated. In Study 2 we employed the SQ and the EQ with n = 47 adults (33 males, 14 females) with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA), who are predicted to be either normal or superior at systemizing, but impaired at empathizing. Their scores were compared with n = 47 matched adults from the general population in Study 1. In Study 1, as predicted, normal adult males scored significantly higher than females on the SQ and significantly lower on the EQ. In Study 2, again as predicted, adults with AS/HFA scored significantly higher on the SQ than matched controls, and significantly lower on the EQ than matched controls. The SQ reveals both a sex difference in systemizing in the general population and an unusually strong drive to systemize in AS/HFA. These results are discussed in relation to two linked theories: the 'empathizing-systemizing' (E-S) theory of sex differences and the extreme male brain (EMB) theory of autism.     

中国14个民族红细胞血型座位的遗传分化

根据中国13个人口逾百万的民族及台湾高山族的红细胞血型座位的基因频率,分析了各血型系统的分化程度。结果表明,中国人群在MNSs系统上的分化十分显著。对各民族间的亲缘关系分析表明,汉族、朝鲜族、蒙古族、回族,满族和藏族等北方民族首先聚集在一起,侗族、高山族、壮族和彝族等聚集在一起,然后白族与南北两大人集聚集在一起,最后才是维吾尔族与其它人群相聚。本文以华北汉族作为蒙古人种的代表,探讨了世界上三大人种间的遗传关系,结果表明,黄种人与黑种人之间的遗传差异最小,而黑种人与白种人之间的遗传差异最大。根据基因分化系数(G_(ST))和Shannon信息测度(H),中国民族间的遗传差异均仅占中国人总遗传变异量的2％左右,这说明,绝大部分遗传变异存在于各民族之内。     

HUMTH01 allele distribution in four human samples. An interpopulation analysis

The analysis of STR HUMTH01 in four populations (Galicia, SE Spain, Morocco, Cape Verde) was carried out, with up to 8 alleles being found. The frequencies of these alleles determine values of heterozigosity ranging from 0,826 detected in Cape Verde to 0,778 in Morocco. A global comparison of world populations shows clear patterns of differentiation among the main human groups, both by way of the analysis of allele distribution profiles and by the application of a Correspondence Analysis. Caucasian populations are mainly characterised by the highest frequencies in allele 9.3, Mongoloids by a very high frequency of allele 9 and Negroids show the highest frequencies for allele 7 and mainly 8. A significant negative correlation (r=−0,916, p<0,001) found in the relationships between alleles 9 and 9.3 seems to suggest the participation of non-random evolutionary forces in the population dynamics of this marker.     

Human chromosomal polymorphism. V. Chromosomal Q polymorphism in African populations

Summary The distribution pattern of Q-heterochromatin variants in seven autosomes (3, 4, 13–15, 21, and 22) was studied in three aboriginal Negroid populations of Africa (Mozambique, Angola, and Ethiopia). It was shown that among African Negroids there are no individuals completely lacking Q-heterochromatin bands with fluorescence levels 4 and 5. The mean number of Q variants per individual was 3.47, 4.80, and 4.85 in the Ethiopian, Mozambique, and Angola populations, respectively. The observed homo- and heteromorphic frequencies always agreed with those predicted by the law of Hardy-Weinberg. The populations of tropical lowland Negroids (Mozambique and Angola) proved to be significantly homogeneous both in the frequency of Q variants and the mean number of these variants per individual, so they were examined as a single group. However, comparative analysis of highland (Ethiopians) and lowland Negroids revealed statistically significant differences. The following questions are discussed: (1) the possible selective value of chromosomal Q heterochromatin material in the adaptation of human populations to high-altitude climate; (2) the possible existence of intraracial heterogeneity in Negroids living in different ecological zones of Africa; (3) the possible taxonomic value of an inverted Q-heterochromatin band in chromosome 3 in ethnic anthropology.     

猴与人掌(跖)纹的比较研究

本研究对猴和人的手（脚）掌纹进行了观察,并应用χ2检验进行比较分析,结果显示：(1)指（趾）间区、小鱼际区、脚弓区纹型出现频率,猴远远高于人。猴指（趾）间区纹型出现频率达95.5%以上,而人的指间区最高的Ⅰ4为72.1%,最低的Ⅰ1仅为1.0%,趾间区fⅠ3为34.6%,fⅠ1是3.7%;猴的手掌小鱼际区纹型频率为131.8%,脚掌小鱼际区为59.1%,而人分别为14.4%和18.5%;脚弓区也类似。(2)上述区的纹型类型,猴与人也有明显差异。最明显的特点是猴的斗形纹频率明显高。如指间区、趾间区、手掌小鱼际区和脚掌小鱼际区的斗形纹频率分别是77.3%、40.9%、59.1%和22.7%,而人分别为0.1%、0.3%、0和0。本研究结果对研究灵长目皮纹的遗传与进化有重要意义。 Abstract：Dermal ridges of palms (soles) in monkeys and men were observed.Using the method of χ2 examination to make a comparative study and analysis.The results showed the ridge pattern frequencies of the monkeys i n their interdigital areas were much higher than men.The ridge pattern frequenc y of the monkeys in each interdigital area and sole interdigital area was over 9 5.5%,but men’s Ⅰ4 was 72.1% at the highest, and Ⅰ1 was only 1.0% at the l owest, fⅠ3 was 34.6% and fⅠ1 was 3.7%.The ridge pattern frequency of the m onkeys in their hypothenars of palms was 131,8%,soles was 59.1%,but that of men were 14.4% and 18.5%.These similar phenomenon also existed in the arch areas of the feet.There were obvious differences between monkeys and men in their types o f ridge patterns.The obvious character was that the whorl frequency of the monke ys was obviously higher. For example ,the whorl frequency of the monkeys in thei r interdigital areas and sole interdigital areas ,hypothenar of the palms and so le were 77.3% and 40.9%,59.1%and 22.7% respectively.But those of the men were 0. 1% and 0.3%,zero and zero.The results are very significant for researching the i nheritance and evolvement of the primates'dermal ridges.