Quantitative analysis of lipid profiles indicates ethnic link

Quantitative analysis conducted in China aimed to identify a link between serum lipid profiles and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism.

The subject is considered controversial in diverse ethnic studies, the researchers say, leading them to carry out their quantitative analysis of MTHFR C6777T polymorphism against the background of a variety of environmental factors.

Levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoproteins AI and ApoB were tested in Han Chinese participants and Bai Ku Yao individuals - a subgroup of the Chinese minority ethnicity Yao.

Polymerase chain reaction was used along with restriction fragment length polymorphism in the genotyping process, combined with gel electrophoresis.

The findings are published in Lipids in Health and Disease and show significant differences in lipid levels the researchers claim could arise from ethnicity, gender, age, blood pressure, alcohol consumption, smoking habits and body mass index in combination.

A broad definition of lipids is used by the periodical, allowing research to be published on fatty acids, enzymes and cholesterol, along with similar topics.