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Differential cytokine genotype frequencies among Canadian Aboriginal and Caucasian populations

Genes & Immunity volume 6, pages 140–144 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Genetic diversity related to the human immune response is a key factor in individual and population survival throughout human history. Population diversity in disease susceptibility and resistance have been identified and linked to differences in cytokine mRNA and protein expression levels. Polymorphisms in the regulatory regions of cytokine genes can influence gene transcription levels and they have been associated with susceptibility to, and/or severity of, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningococcus and sepsis. It is reported here that in two study populations, Canadian Aboriginal individuals have a higher frequency of cytokine single-nucleotide polymorphisms favouring a low production of TNFα, IFNγ and IL-10 and high production of IL-6 as compared to a Caucasian population. We postulate that the evolution of this unique cytokine genotype profile may be linked to the Aboriginal adaptation to selection pressures related to an environment in which helminthic, parasitic and fungal infections predominated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba, 435 Fletcher Argue Bldg Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    L Larcombe

  2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 730 William Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    J D Rempel, I Dembinski, K Tinckam, C Rigatto & P Nickerson

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  1. L Larcombe
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Correspondence to L Larcombe.

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Larcombe, L., Rempel, J., Dembinski, I. et al. Differential cytokine genotype frequencies among Canadian Aboriginal and Caucasian populations. Genes Immun 6, 140–144 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gene.6364157

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