Gerardo Jiménez-Arce

Prevalence of Molecular Risk Factors FV Leiden, FV HR2, FII 20210G>A and MTHFR 677C>T in Different Populations and Ethnic Groups of Germany, Costa Rica and India

Abstract The prevalences of the molecular risk factors FVLeiden, FVHis1299Arg (R2), FII 20210G>A and MTHFR 677C>T were studied in blood donors from NE Germany, India (Punjab), San José (Costa Rica), and from two tribes (Chorotegas, Bribri) of Indians and Blacks from Costa Rica. The prevalences of FVL heterozygotes in blood donors from Germany, Costa Rica and India are 6.5, 2 and 1.2% resp. Heterozygosity of R2 allele of FVHR2 was found in 15.5 % in Germany, 13.3% in India. None of the Indians and Blacks of Costa Rica carried FVL, but heterozygotes R1R2 were extremely frequent found in both Indian tribes (44,7% and 50,6%, resp.); homozygosity for R2R2 was 11%. In Blacks the rare R3 polymorphism was found. The FII 20210G>A polymorphism is missing in the Chorotegas Indians and Blacks of Costa Rica and in the population from India. Concerning MTHFR the prevalence of the homozygous mutant genotype is 7.7% in Germany, 5.3% among the Blacks of Costa Rica and 2.7% in India. In the Indian tribes of Costa Rica the prevalence of homozygotes are extremely high: 31.6 % in Chorotegas and 46.7 % in Bribri Indians. The prevalence of genetic risk factors in various populations and ethnic groups is discussed.

RELAGH - the challenge of having a scientific network in Latin America: an account from the presidents

Latin America and the Caribbean region make up one of the largest areas of the world, and this region is characterized by a complex mixture of ethnic groups sharing Iberian languages. The area is comprised of nations and regions with different levels of social development. This region has experienced historical advances in the last decades to increase the minimal standards of quality of life; however, several factors, such as concentrated populations in large urban centers and isolated and poor communities, still have an important impact on medical services, particularly genetics services. Latin American researchers have greatly contributed to the development of human genetics and historic inter-ethnic diversity, and the multiplicity of geographic areas are unique for the study of gene-environment interactions. As a result of regional developments in the fields of human and medical genetics, the Latin American Network of Human Genetics (Red Latinoamericana de Genética Humana - RELAGH) was created in 2001 to foster the networking of national associations and societies dedicated to these scientific disciplines. RELAGH has developed important educational activities, such as the Latin American School of Human and Medical Genetics (ELAG), and has held three biannual meetings to encourage international research cooperation among the member countries and international organizations. Since its foundation, RELAGH has been admitted as a full regional member to the International Federation of Human Genetics Societies. This article describes the historical aspects, activities, developments, and challenges that are still faced by the Network.