Abstract
BackgroundIncreasing age is associated with elevated risk of non-communicable diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a risk factor not only for AD, but also for cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, stroke, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) is undergoing development; consequently, life expectancy has risen. To evaluate the future risk of non-communicable diseases, we investigated APOE genotypes and anthropometric characteristics in the Laotian population.Methodology/Principal FindingsSubjects were 455 members of the Lao Loum majority and 354 members of ethnic minorities. APOE genotypes, anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, and blood glucose were recorded. To compare individual changes, health examination data collected 5 years apart were obtained from a subset of Lao Loum subjects. APOE ε4 allele frequencies were higher among minorities (31.3%) than among Lao Loum (12.6%). In Lao Loum, but not in minorities, mean waist circumference and blood pressure increased significantly across age groups. Comparisons of health conditions between the beginning and end of the 5-year period revealed significant increases in obesity and blood glucose levels in Lao Loum. APOE ε4 carriers exhibited significant increases in resting heart rate in both ethnic groups.Conclusions/SignificanceA higher ε4 allele frequency was observed in Laotian minorities than in the Laotian majority. Furthermore, higher obesity, blood pressure and blood glucose were observed in the middle-aged ethnic majority. Therefore, given these genetic and non-communicable disease risk factors, it seems likely that as the Laotian population ages, elevated rates of non-communicable aging-related diseases, such as dementia, will also become more prevalent.
Highlights
As countries undergo economic development and associated lifestyle changes, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases may increase rapidly and become a serious problem, as in developed countries
In order to elucidate the clarify in risk of non-communicable diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), between members of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) Loum majority and ethnic minorities, we investigated apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 frequency, anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, and blood glucose
The proportions of genotypes were significantly different in each minority group, Talieng (P < 0.001) and Alak (P < 0.001), relative to Lao Loum
Summary
As countries undergo economic development and associated lifestyle changes, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases may increase rapidly and become a serious problem, as in developed countries. The main causes of mortality and morbidity in Laos are still communicable diseases, including dengue fever, malaria, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal diseases, the incidence of non-communicable diseases are increasing as the nation undergoes economic development[1]. Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is the most serious public health concern in developed countries. The same report predicts that the largest increase in dementia prevalence in the coming decades will occur in the low- and middleincome countries [2], including Laos. Increasing age is associated with elevated risk of non-communicable diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) is undergoing development; life expectancy has risen. To evaluate the future risk of non-communicable diseases, we investigated APOE genotypes and anthropometric characteristics in the Laotian population
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have