Matrix gamma-carboxyglutamic acid protein (MGP) G-7A and T-138C gene polymorphisms in Indian (Mayo and Teenek) and Mestizo populations from Mexico.

Matrix gamma-carboxyglutamic acid protein (MGP) genotypes (G-7A and T-138C) were determined in 266 individuals from three Mexican populations. Mexicans showed increased frequencies of the G-7A G allele and the G7-A GG genotype compared to Europeans. For the T-138C genotype, we found differences among the Mexicans.

HLA genes in Mexican Teeneks: HLA genetic relationship with other worldwide populations.

The HLA allele frequency distribution of the Mexican Teenek Indians has been studied and compared with those of other First American Natives and worldwide populations (a total of 15694 chromosomes from 73 different populations were analyzed). This study corroborate the restricted HLA polymorphism in the Amerindian populations and demonstrate how the Amerindians show a relatively homogeneity as opposed to other First Native American groups. Finally, the present data support previous ones that state the lack of complete correlation between language and genetics in micro-environmental studies; Teenek Mayan language does not correspond with a close Mayan (Guatemala) relatedness.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha promoter polymorphism in Mexican patients with Chagas' disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the promoter's polymorphisms at the TNF alpha (TNF-alpha) gene were associated with the genetic susceptibility to Chagas' disease. We analyzed the TNF-alpha (positions -308, and -238) polymorphisms in a sample of 54 serologically positive chagasic individuals and in 169 healthy controls. The patients were divided according to clinical characteristics as asymptomatics (n = 27), and chronic chagasic cardiopathy (CCC) patients (n = 27).

Comparative study of the residues 63 and 67 on the HLA-B molecule in patients with Takayasu's Arteritis.

Takayasu's Arteritis (TA) has been associated with the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes; nevertheless, results in several populations have been heterogeneous. Studies both in Mexican and Asian populations suggest that residues at positions 63 (glutamic acid) and 67 (serine) of the HLA-B molecule could be the genetic markers for TA. In the present work, we analyzed the sequence of HLA-B alleles in 26 TA patients and 62 healthy controls.