The interethnic differences of the human serum paraoxonase polymorphism analysed by a quantitative and a qualitative method

Abstract

The polymorphism of the human serum paraoxonase1 was analyzed by two distinguished methods in six different ethnic groups (Caucasians, Mongoloids, Negroids), using (1) the Computer Method2 and (2) the Carro‐Ciampi Method3‘4. Analysis of the response of the enzyme activities to salts resulting in low and high activity ratios. Comparison of the results: In Caucasians we distinguished three phenotypes by the Computer method. The polymorphism was governed by two alleles. The Hardy‐Weinberg rule for a two‐allele model was valid. Individuals belonging to the homozygotic group with low activity had a low activity ratio (Carro‐Ciampi method). With both methods a frequency between 57% and 61% was observed for this group. Individuals with medium and high activity had a high activity ratio. In Negroids and Mongoloids samples we found (by the Computer method) a low activity group (Ghanaians 9.6%, Jamaicans 13.6%, Indonesians 6.7%, Koreans 19.6%). The Hardy‐Weinberg rule for a two‐ or three‐allele model was not valid. Individuals belonging to the low activity group had a low activity ratio, all individuals with higher activity a high activity ratio (Carro‐Ciampi method). Our results suggest that the members of the low activity group in the three races are homozygote for an identical allele.