Reduced DNA methylation at the PEG3 DMR and KvDMR1 loci in children exposed to alcohol in utero: a South African Fetal Alcohol Syndrome cohort study.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a devastating developmental disorder resulting from alcohol exposure during fetal development. It is a considerable public health problem worldwide and is characterized by central nervous system abnormalities, dysmorphic facial features, and growth retardation. Imprinted genes are known to play an important role in growth and development and therefore four imprinting control regions (ICRs), H19 ICR, IG-DMR, KvDMR1 and PEG3 DMR were examined.

Apolipoprotein E genotypes and their relation to lipid levels in a rural South African population.

Aims: Genetic variation at the apolipoprotein E (apoE) locus is an important determinant of plasma lipids. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between apolipoprotein E genotype and plasma lipid levels among a rural black population in South Africa.

Methods: Lipid levels and apoE genotypes were studied in 505 volunteer subjects (363 women, 142 men) resident in the Dikgale demographic surveillance site.