Ecogenetic studies in Atacameño Indians.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, N-acetyltransferase variation and the polymorphisms of alpha 1-antitrypsin, serum cholinesterase, paraoxonase, and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase were investigated in 180 Atacameño Indians from the North of Chile. The genetic predisposition of these individuals for possible atypical reactions against environmental agents and drugs, as well as general implications of these findings, are discussed.