Dataset Information

APOE Genotype in the Ethnic Majority and Minority Groups of Laos and the Implications for Non-Communicable Diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Increasing age is associated with elevated risk of non-communicable diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a risk factor not only for AD, but also for cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, stroke, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) is undergoing development; consequently, life expectancy has risen. To evaluate the future risk of non-communicable diseases, we investigated APOE genotypes and anthropometric characteristics in the Laotian population.

Methodology/principal findings

Subjects were 455 members of the Lao Loum majority and 354 members of ethnic minorities. APOE genotypes, anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, and blood glucose were recorded. To compare individual changes, health examination data collected 5 years apart were obtained from a subset of Lao Loum subjects. APOE ε4 allele frequencies were higher among minorities (31.3%) than among Lao Loum (12.6%). In Lao Loum, but not in minorities, mean waist circumference and blood pressure increased significantly across age groups. Comparisons of health conditions between the beginning and end of the 5-year period revealed significant increases in obesity and blood glucose levels in Lao Loum. APOE ε4 carriers exhibited significant increases in resting heart rate in both ethnic groups.

Conclusions/significance

A higher ε4 allele frequency was observed in Laotian minorities than in the Laotian majority. Furthermore, higher obesity, blood pressure and blood glucose were observed in the middle-aged ethnic majority. Therefore, given these genetic and non-communicable disease risk factors, it seems likely that as the Laotian population ages, elevated rates of non-communicable aging-related diseases, such as dementia, will also become more prevalent.

SUBMITTER: Midorikawa K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4863969 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundEnterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian species causing diarrhea and other intestinal disorders in humans and animals. Like other infectious diseases, microsporidiosis usually disproportionately affects poor populations. In China, some ethnic minority areas remain poor. Currently, no information of E. bieneusi infection is available in minority populations. The present aims were to understand occurrence and genetic characterizations of E. bieneusi in ethnic minority groups from a poverty-stricken ethnic township in Yunnan Province, and to assess risk factors for E. bieneusi infection.Methodology/principal findings289 fecal specimens were collected from Yao people (one specimen each) with and without diarrhea, in Yunnan Province. E. bieneusi was identified and genotyped by PCR and sequence analysis of the ITS region of the rRNA gene. An average prevalence of 8.30% (24/289) was observed and four genotypes were identified-genotype Peru6 (n = 21) and three novel genotypes (one each). Genotype Peru6 was detected in two family members in each of three families. In a phylogenetic analysis, all of four genotypes fell into group 1 with zoonotic potential. The people owning individual pit toilets had a statistically higher prevalence of E. bieneusi (16.67%, 12/72) than those using public pit toilets (6.06%, 12/198).Conclusions/significanceThis is the first report on occurrence and genetic characteristics of E. bieneusi in ethnic minority groups in China. Genotype Peru6 was found in humans in China for the first time and showed dominance in Yao people. The same genotype was found in some family members and all the genotypes fell into group 1, suggesting the possibility of anthroponotic and zoonotic transmissions. The majority (83.33%, 20/24) of E. bieneusi positive individuals did not present diarrhea. In any case, it is important to recognize their existence and the importance that asymptomatic individuals to E. bieneusi may have from an epidemiological point of view, as transmitters of this pathogen. The analysis of risk factors provides scientific evidence for the development of effective strategies for prevention and control of E. bieneusi infection.

Project description:BackgroundCertain racial/ethnic minority groups have a higher risk of developing dementia, yet studies have demonstrated that they often have limited knowledge and understanding of this disease. An increasing number of educational and advocacy programs have been developed to promote dementia knowledge. We aimed at assessing current evidence and quality regarding educational interventions for promoting dementia knowledge.MethodsWe searched for intervention studies published in English that focused on educational interventions for promoting dementia knowledge among racial/ethnic minority groups. We identified 25 relevant studies through PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus, using tailored search terms. We screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full texts, synthesized relevant evidence, and evaluated the studies' quality based on the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Relevant intervention studies took place in communities, hospitals or clinics, and schools, and online.ResultsMost studies were conducted in the United States (n = 21), followed by the UK (n = 3). Over half of the studies included Asian/Pacific Islander groups (n = 14), followed by Black groups (n = 12) and Hispanic groups (n = 11). The intervention delivery mode varied across studies-from workshops hosted in a faith community to talk shows on YouTube. Target populations included middle-aged and older adults, caregivers and family members, health students and professionals, and elementary school students. Common content included symptoms and signs of dementia, protective and risk factors, and local resources. The assessment of study outcomes varied across studies. Improvement in dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia was reported in many studies. Among the included studies, intervention satisfaction was high. The overall quality of the interventions was low.ConclusionFormally evaluated educational interventions promoting dementia knowledge are at an early stage. Existing published interventions showed adequate acceptability and promise in promoting better understanding and awareness of dementia in minority groups. More well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed.

Project description:Current research has identified how ethnic minority women experience poorer health outcomes during the perinatal period. In the United Kingdom, specialist perinatal mental health services provide mental health treatment for women throughout the perinatal period. Service users have previously highlighted that perinatal services are hard to access and lack cultural sensitivity, whereas healthcare professionals have described limited opportunities and resources for developing cultural competency. We explored the experiences of ethnic minority women with National Health Service (NHS) specialist perinatal teams and identified what culturally sensitive perinatal mental health care means to this group. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, and an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework was used to analyse the interview transcripts. Participants were recruited from NHS specialist perinatal teams and online via social media. Six women were interviewed. Four group experiential themes central to the experiences of participants emerged: (1) strengthening community networks and peer support; (2) valuing cultural curiosity; (3) making sense of how culture, ethnicity, race and racism impact mental health; and (4) tailoring interventions to ethnic minority women and their families. The findings capture how ethnic minority women experience specialist perinatal teams and offer insights into practising culturally sensitive care. Perinatal mental health professionals can support ethnic minority women by strengthening their access to community resources and peer support; being curious about their culture; helping them to make sense of how culture, ethnicity, race and mental health interact; and applying cultural and practical adaptations to interventions. A Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) of women from ethnic minority groups contributed to the design and conduct of this study. The LEAG had lived experience of perinatal mental health conditions and accessing specialist perinatal teams. The LEAG chose to co-produce specific aspects of the research they felt fit with their skills and available time throughout five group sessions. These aspects included developing the interview topic guide, a structure for debriefing participants and advising on the social media recruitment strategy.