Polymorphism of Trp64Arg in β 3 -adrenergic receptor gene among Bolivian people in rural areas at high and low altitudes

Abstract

Background: To investigate whether population differences in food and/or lifestyle could affect the distribution frequencies of polymorphism in the gene for β₃-adrenergic receptor (β₃-AR), the frequency of Trp64Arg polymorphism was studied among Bolivian people living in rural areas of high (about 4000 m above sea level) and low (about 300 m above sea level) altitudes.

Methods: Genomic DNA samples of Bolivian subjects (n=508) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for part of the β₃-AR gene. The amplified PCR products were digested with restriction enzyme NciI and analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Results: We found no significant difference in the frequency of Arg allele in the β₃-AR gene between 331 native low-altitude Bolivian subjects (18.1%) and 177 native high-altitude Bolivian subjects (17.5%). Body mass index was not associated with Trp64Arg polymorphism among native Bolivian adults. The frequency of this allele in the complete Bolivian population (18%) was lower than that reported in Pima Indians (32%), is comparable to the Japanese (19%) and is higher than several ethnic groups, including Finns (12%) and French (4%).

Conclusions: Our data indicate that the altitude-related lifestyle of a population has had little influence on the frequency of Trp64Arg polymorphism and obesity in Bolivian natives.