-116A and K BCHE gene variants associated with obesity and hypertriglyceridemia in adolescents from Southern Brazil.

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) has been associated to body mass index (BMI), weight, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. -116A (rs1126680) and K (A539T, 1615A, rs1803274) BCHE gene variants had previously been associated to BChE activity, weight and BMI variance in adults. The present study examined -116A and K variants, BChE activity, anthropometric and biochemical variables associated with obesity in adolescents (120 obese and 150 non-obese from Curitiba, Brazil).

CD80 and CD86 polymorphisms in populations of various ancestries: 5 new CD80 promoter alleles.

CD80 and CD86 are closely linked genes on chromosome 3 that code for glycoproteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily, expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. These costimulatory molecules play essential roles for stimulation and inhibition of T cells through binding to CD28 and CTLA-4 receptors. In this study, CD80 promoter and CD86 exon 8 polymorphisms were analyzed to investigate the genetic diversity and microevolution of the 2 genes.

Variability of the BCHE gene in Amerindians from Paraná, Brazil.

Objective: This study aims to better understand the variability of the BCHE gene, and regions adjacent to it, in different populations. More specifically, it also aims to analyze the diversity of this DNA segment among two Amerindian populations, whose distinct characteristics provide us an extremely interesting material for genetic, evolutionary and anthropological studies, since they diverge genetically and culturally in spite of a very close living relationship in space and time.

Methods: The two Amerindian populations analysed were from Guarani-Mbyá and Kaingang ethnic groups, both from the Rio das Cobras indian reservation area (Paraná, Brazil).