Researchers have discovered variations in certain genes that are linked to blood pressure in African-American patients.
To study the genetic differences between those with hypertension and those without, researchers conduced a multigenerational study and analyzed DNA samples from 1,017 participants who identified themselves as African-Americans.
In people with hypertension, researchers were more likely to find five genetic variants than in those without the condition. The variants were associated with high systolic blood pressure, but not with diastolic blood pressure or combined systolic/diastolic blood pressure.
"This is the first genome-wide association study for hypertension and blood pressure solely focused on a population with majority African ancestry," said Charles Rotimi, PhD, the study's senior author. "Although the effect of each individuals genetic variant was modest, our findings extend the scope of what is know generally about the genetics of human hypertension."
In their study, Dr. Rotimi and colleagues discovered that all five genetic variants associated with blood pressure were actually located in or near genes that code for proteins thought to be biologically important in hypertension and blood pressure.
The study's findings were published in PLoS Genetics (July 17, 2009)
August 4, 2009
African-Americans with HIV Have 'Survival' Genes
A certain gene found mainly in persons of African ancestry slows the HIV to AIDS progression in patients, according to a study published in Blood (2009 Jul 20. Epub ahead of print).
The study, led by Sunil Ahuja, MD, of the Veterans Administration (VA) Research Center for AIDS and HIV-1 Infection, evaluated genetic and clinical data from 1,132 participants. The research team tested for the presence of variation in the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokine (DARC) gene and assessed patients' white blood cell (WBC) counts.
The findings revealed that a low white blood cell count (known as leukopenia) was associated with a faster disease progression from HIV to AIDS. "On average, leukopenic European Americans progressed nearly three times faster than their non-leukopenic African or European counterparts," noted Kemant Kularni, MD, first author of the study. "However, leukopenic African Americans had a slower disease course than leukopenic European Americans, even though twice as many African Americans in the study had leukopenia."
The researchers found that DARC variation, not race, explained the differences in WBC counts in African Americans with HIV. Additionally, the survival advantage became increasingly pronounced in those with progressively lower WBC counts.The study suggest that the interaction between DARC and WBC counts is the primary influence on slowing HIV disease progression in African Americans.
"The results of this collaborative study highlight the importance of accounting for other factors, such as the white blood cell count, to uncover the full effects of genetic variations that may influence HIV disease course," said Capt. Gregory Martin, MD, program director for the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program.
The study, led by Sunil Ahuja, MD, of the Veterans Administration (VA) Research Center for AIDS and HIV-1 Infection, evaluated genetic and clinical data from 1,132 participants. The research team tested for the presence of variation in the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokine (DARC) gene and assessed patients' white blood cell (WBC) counts.
The findings revealed that a low white blood cell count (known as leukopenia) was associated with a faster disease progression from HIV to AIDS. "On average, leukopenic European Americans progressed nearly three times faster than their non-leukopenic African or European counterparts," noted Kemant Kularni, MD, first author of the study. "However, leukopenic African Americans had a slower disease course than leukopenic European Americans, even though twice as many African Americans in the study had leukopenia."
The researchers found that DARC variation, not race, explained the differences in WBC counts in African Americans with HIV. Additionally, the survival advantage became increasingly pronounced in those with progressively lower WBC counts.The study suggest that the interaction between DARC and WBC counts is the primary influence on slowing HIV disease progression in African Americans.
"The results of this collaborative study highlight the importance of accounting for other factors, such as the white blood cell count, to uncover the full effects of genetic variations that may influence HIV disease course," said Capt. Gregory Martin, MD, program director for the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program.
Wholesome Diet Help Black Women Dodge Cancer Bullet
Black women who consume certain foods can protect themselves from breast cancer, say researchers.
To study the link between a woman's dietary patterns and breast cancer risk, 50,778 participants were followed through the Black Women's Health Study.
The study revealed that 2 dietary patterns existed among the cohort of women:
Researchers conclude that the study's findings suggest that some black women who adopt the "prudent" diet may protect themselves against breast cancer.
The findings are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009 Jul 8. [Epub ahead of print]
To study the link between a woman's dietary patterns and breast cancer risk, 50,778 participants were followed through the Black Women's Health Study.
The study revealed that 2 dietary patterns existed among the cohort of women:
- Western: refined grains, processed meat, and sweets
- Prudent: whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and fish
Researchers conclude that the study's findings suggest that some black women who adopt the "prudent" diet may protect themselves against breast cancer.
The findings are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009 Jul 8. [Epub ahead of print]
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