Yao Minority Research Articles

The Shaping of the Other and the Speech of the Self—Interpretation of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan from a Imagological Perspective

Chinese American writer Lisa See’s novel Snow Flower and the Secret Fan focuses on the Yao minority in China, bringing the ancient and mysterious culture of nu shu to the world. This paper will combine the relevant theories of comparative literary imagological studies to explore Lisa See’s portrayal of the complex image of “China” as the “Other” in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and the reasons for its creation. And then to unearth the image of “Self” reflected through the image of the “Other”, that is, Lisa See’s concern for feminism and her identification with her own identity as a Chinese American, and to further understand the relationship between the “Other” and the “Self”.

Ethnic minority multilingual young learners’ longitudinal development of metacognitive knowledge and breadth of vocabulary knowledge

Ethnolinguistic minority students may have lower levels of metacognitive knowledge and English vocabulary knowledge than non-minority students. Nevertheless, few longitudinal studies have examined their growth trajectories of metacognitive knowledge and English vocabulary knowledge over time. Drawing upon a latent growth curve model, the present study aims to contrast two groups of students’ growth trajectories in metacognitive knowledge and breadth of English vocabulary knowledge: with a sample of 115 ethnolinguistic Yao minority and 108 ethnolinguistic majority Han students. The results showed that both groups improved their metacognitive knowledge and breadth of English vocabulary knowledge from third grade to sixth grade in a cumulative trend. Metacognitive knowledge predicted the breadth of English vocabulary knowledge throughout the examined school years. The results also highlighted differences in the students’ development of metacognitive knowledge and breadth of English vocabulary knowledge. The ethnolinguistic Yao minority students lagged behind their ethnolinguistic majority Han counterparts. The findings suggest a need for pedagogical interventions to enhance ethnolinguistic minority students’ metacognitive knowledge and English vocabulary knowledge.

Prevalence and influencing factors of hyperuricemia in middle-aged and older adults in the Yao minority area of China: a cross-sectional study

Hyperuricemia (HUA) endangers human health, and its prevalence has increased rapidly in recent decades. The current study investigated HUA's prevalence and influencing factors in Gongcheng, southern China. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted; 2128 participants aged 30–93 years were included from 2018 to 2019. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to screen HUA variables. A Bayesian network model was constructed using the PC algorithm to evaluate the association between influencing factors and HUA. The prevalence of HUA was 15.6% (23.2% in men, 10.7% in women). After screening the variables using a logistic regression analysis model, fatty liver disease (FLD), dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, creatinine (CREA), somatotype, bone mass, drinking, and physical activity level at work were included in the Bayesian network model. The model results showed that dyslipidemia, somatotype, CREA, and drinking were directly related to HUA. Bone mass and FLD were indirectly associated with HUA by affecting the somatotype. The prevalence of HUA in Gongcheng was high in China. The prevalence of HUA was related to somatotype, drinking, bone mass, physical activity level at work, and other metabolic diseases. A good diet and moderate exercise are recommended to maintain a healthy somatotype and reduce the prevalence rate of HUA.

Total coumarins of Pileostegia tomentella induces cell death in SCLC by reprogramming metabolic patterns, possibly through attenuating β-catenin/AMPK/SIRT1

BackgroundSmall-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a high malignant and high energy-consuming type of lung cancer. Total coumarins of Pileostegia tomentella (TCPT) from a traditional folk medicine of Yao minority, is a potential anti-cancer mixture against SCLC, but the pharmacological and molecular mechanism of TCPT remains largely unknown.MethodsScreening of viability inhibition of TCPT among 7 cell lines were conducted by using CCK-8 assays. Anti-proliferative activities of TCPT in SCLC were observed by using colony formation and flow cytometry assays. Morphological changes were observed by transmission electron microscope and Mito-Tracker staining. High Throughput RNA-seq analysis and bio-informatics analysis were applied to find potential targeted biological and signaling pathways affected by TCPT. The mRNA expression of DEGs and protein expression of signalling proteins and metabolic enzymes were verified by qPCR and Western blot assays. Activity of rate-limiting enzymes and metabolite level were detected by corresponding enzyme activity and metabolites kits. Xenograft nude mice model of SCLC was established to observe the in vivo inhibition, metabolism reprogramming and mechanism of TCPT.ResultsTCPT treatment shows the best inhibition in SCLC cell line H1688 rather than other 5 lung cancer cell lines. Ultrastructural investigation indicates TCPT induces mitochondria damage such as cytoplasm shrinkage, ridges concentration and early sight of autolysosome, as well as decrease of membrane potential. Results of RNA-seq combined bio-informatics analysis find out changes of metabolism progression affected the most by TCPT in SCLC cells, and these changes might be regulated by β-catenin/AMPK/SIRT1 axis. TCPT might mainly decline the activity and expression of rate-limiting enzymes, OGDH, PDHE1, and LDHA/B to reprogram aerobic oxidation pattern, resulting in reduction of ATP production in SCLC cells. Xenograft nude mice model demonstrates TCPT could induce cell death and inhibit growth in vivo. Assimilate to the results of in vitro model, TCPT reprograms metabolism by decreasing the activity and expression of rate-limiting enzymes (OGDH, PDHE1, and LDHA/B), and attenuates the expression of β-catenin, p-β-catenin, AMPK and SIRT1 accordance with in vitro data.ConclusionOur results demonstrated TCPT induces cell death of SCLC by reprograming metabolic patterns, possibly through attenuating master metabolic pathway axis β-catenin/AMPK/SIRT1.

The complete chloroplast genome of Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.

Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl. belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Its root is a widely used Yao Medicine (YM) to treat internal and external bleeding at the Yao minority areas in southern China. Here, we provide the complete chloroplast genome of C. macrophylla which was collected from Laibin city in Guangxi, China. The total length of the chloroplast genome is 154,141 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region, a small single-copy (SSC) region, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) regions which are separated by the LSC and SSC, with lengths of 84,904 bp, 17,839 bp, and 25,699 bp, respectively. One hundred and thirty-one genes were identified, including 89 protein-coding genes, 34 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The overall GC content is 38%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that C. macrophylla is closely related to C. integerrima var. chinensis.

Diversity and Variation in China's Yao Ancient Wood Frame Structures Through Genetic Algorithms

This study, focusing on the China's Yao minority community, investigates the feasibility to create a generative computational method to replicate the diversity of the existing Yao traditional wood buildings, addressing the critical issues currently facing computational design methods, in the attempt to adapt genetic-generative algorithms to the study of local ancient architecture. The project develops a computational tool to generate a network of three-dimensional prototypes, or building structures, derived from traditional wood frame village houses. It studies possible housing structures that illustrate some of the key working methods available in digital systems such as ‘generating' and ‘compositing' taking as a starting point computational strategies oriented towards geometry and where a set of local variables play a decisive role: available local technologies, use of raw materials, and the dimensioning of timber components based on data collected from Yao architecture.

Associations between Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism, Diet and Dyslipidemia in a Yao Minority Area, China

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms, dietary nutrient intake, and their interactions on the prevalence of dyslipidemia in a Yao minority area, China. Methods: rs429358, rs7412, rs7259620, and rs405509 of the APOE gene were genotyped in 1014 adults aged ≥30 years by using the MassArray system. Dietary nutrients intake data were ascertained from a 109-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: Multifactorial logistics regression analysis showed that dyslipidemia was associated with rs7412-CT/TT genotype (OR: 0.540, Bonferroni correction confidence interval: 0.336–0.869), high fat intake (OR: 1.644, 95% CI: 1.128–2.395), high saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake (OR: 1.668, 95% CI: 1.146–2.428), medium carbohydrate intake (OR: 0.634, 95% CI: 0.461–0.873) and high carbohydrate intake (OR: 0.591, 95% CI: 0.406–0.858). The results of logistics regression multiplication model showed that medium carbohydrate intake in the carriers of the rs7412 minor alleles was associated with a low risk of dyslipidemia (OR: 0.433, Bonferroni correction confidence interval: 0.199–0.941). Conclusions: Genetic variations at the rs7412, dietary fat, SFA, and carbohydrate intake and the interaction between APOE gene polymorphisms and carbohydrate intake are associated with dyslipidemia in Yao nationality people.

Research on anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity and mechanism of Polygala fallax Hemsl.

Ethnopharmacological relevancePolygala fallax Hemsl. is a kind of traditional medicine of Yao Minority in China. In Chinese medicine practice, Polygala fallax Hemsl. is commonly prescribed to treat all kinds of acute and chronic hepatitis. Aim of the studyThe present study aimed at investigating the effects and its possible mechanism of Polygala fallax Hemsl. on the proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 cells (a kind of human hepatoma cell). Materials and methodsThrough a variety of experimental methods, including MTT technique and Hoechst staining to detect apoptosis in Hepatocyte HepG2 cells, flow cytometry to observe the pro-apoptotic and circulatory arrest effects as well as real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) technique to examine the expression levels of Bcl-2/Bax gene and prote Western blot to examine the expression levels of bcl-2/bax,caspase3,8,9,CyclinA,p21,p27,ERK.Phospho-ERK and AKT, Phospho-AKT in HepG2 cells. ResultsThe results showed that compared with the control group, all polarity fractions of P. fallax had inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells, among which the inhibition effect of ethyl acetate fraction in 0.036 ± 0.001 mg/mL of IC50 for 24 h was the most obvious (P < 0.01). And the HepG2 cells induced at the ethyl acetate fraction could up-regulate Bax gene and protein, while down-regulating Bcl-2 gene and protein (P < 0.05) during S phase in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the ethyl acetate site of Larch can also down regulate the expression of ERK, AKT and activate caspase 3, 8 and 9. ConclusionIt could be concluded that the ethyl acetate fraction of Polygala fallax Hemsl. can significantly prohibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells. The possible mechanism is to promote the expression of Bax, inhibit the expression of Bcl-2, and down regulate the expression of AKT and ERK.

Packaging Design of “Good Cup” Based on Visual Elements of Yao Ethnic Group

With the rapid development of globalization and technology, the inheritance and protection of intangible culture are attracting more and more attention, however, there are fault phenomena existing in the culture of Yao ethnic group. In order to further protect the excellent traditional culture of Yao minority and deeply excavate the Yao’s characteristics, supported by long cultural environment of Yao minority in Jianghua, based on the theory of semiotics and chromatic, this paper aims to make extraction and design of Yao’s long drum design, extracting Yao’s long drum cultural elements and clothing elements then applying in the packaging design of “GOOD CUP”. The development trend of product packaging design on the creative cultural products of Yao minority is analyzed rationally and discussed deeply, so as to boost the innovation of the Yao minority’s traditional creative design and cultural connotation of expression, popularizing Yao’s long drum culture, establishing cultural confidence, and contributing to the local economic development.

Genetic analysis of 50 Y-STR loci in Dong, Miao, Tujia, and Yao populations from Hunan.

To investigate the genetic polymorphism of Y chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) loci in Dong, Miao, Tujia, and Yao minority populations from Hunan Province, China. Fifty Y-STRs (DYS392, DYS389I/II, DYS447, DYS438, DYS527, DYS645, DYS596, DYS391, DYS456, DYS19, DYS593, DYS448, DYS627, DYS557, DYS437, DYS481, DYS533, DYS390, DYS385, DYF387S1, DYS460, DYS393, Y_GATA_H4, DYS439, DYS635, DYS444, DYS643, DYS549, DYS576, DYS570, DYS458, DYS449, DYS518, DYS531, DYS630, DYS622, DYS552, DYS510, DYS459a/b, DYS446, DYS443, DYS587, Y_GATA_A10, DYS520, DYS522) were analyzed for 2553 unrelated healthy male individuals from Hunan (643 Dong males, 666 Miao males, 633 Tujia males, 611 Yao males) using AGCU Y37 and AGCU Y SUPP STR amplification system. There were 624 different haplotypes in 643 unrelated Dong males, 662 in 666 unrelated Miao males, 627 in 633 unrelated Tujia males, and 587 in 611 unrelated Yao males. The haplotype diversities of Dong, Miao, Tujia, and Yao were determined as 0.999879, 0.999982, 0.999970, and 0.999860, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) tests demonstrated that genetic distance between Miao and Tujia was the smallest (0.0003), while the genetic distance between Dong and Yao was the largest (0.0252). The 50 Y-STR loci in the four minority populations from Hunan Province revealed a highly polymorphic genetic distribution, which showed a high potential for population genetics and forensic practice.

Precision medicine approach of the Yao minority nationality in China

Precision medicine approach of the Yao minority nationality in China

Influence of culture, residential segregation and socioeconomic development on rural elderly health-related quality of life in Guangxi, China.

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess ethnic differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the rural elderly, and to examine the influence of ethnic culture, residential segregation and socioeconomic development on HRQoL.MethodsA total of 6,511 rural elderly aged 60 years and older from 5,541 households in 116 villages across eight ethnic groups in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region were selected and assessed for HRQoL. The EQ-5D index values were calculated based on the Chinese Time Trade-Off values set. The EQ-5D descriptive system scores, visual analogue scale scores, and index values were described by ethnic group. The EQ-5D index was modeled against ethnic culture, residential segregation and socioeconomic development using villages as random effects.ResultsThe median (IQR) of HRQoL among all the ethnic groups was 0.88 (0.80, 0.96). Pain/discomfort was the most prevalent problem, followed by anxiety/depression. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, a significant difference in HRQoL among ethnic groups persisted, but this was not true for residential segregation.ConclusionSocial welfare and health policies designed to improve the health of the rural elderly should focus more on older, female, less-educated, Yao minority individuals as well as lower-income households.

Genetic Polymorphism and Clinical Significance of Human Platelet Antigen-2 in Platelet Membrane Glycoprotein I bα of Yao Minority Population in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Objective To investigate the genetic polymorphism and clinical significance of human platelet antigen (HPA)-2 in platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ⅰ bα in Yao minority population of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.Methods From March 2009 to May 2010,a total of 883 healthy adults from Yao minority in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were randomly selected into the study and their blood samples were collected.HPA genotypes of all the Yao minority population healthy adults were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP).(Informed consent was obtained from all participants before collecting the blood samples.) Results Among the 883 blood samples,the genotype frequencies of HPA-2a/2a,HPA-2a/2b and HPA-2b/2b were 0.763 3,0.218 6 and 0.018 1 respectively.The gene frequencies of HPA-2a and HPA-2b were 0.872 6 and 0.127 4 which were similar to the frequencies reported in most European studies,but quite different from Chinese Han population and Southeast Asia population.Among the 883 blood samples,1 case of HPA-2b/2b 482T/T rare mutation was found.Conclusions The main characteristic of platelet GP Ⅰ bα polymorphisms of Yao minority population in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has now been defined in the study,which will be an important evidence for further studies to assess the role of platelet GP Ⅰ bα in individual predisposition to prothrombotic conditions and response to antithrombotic therapy.Data obtained in this study can be used for better understanding and treatment of immune-mediated platelet disorders in Guangxi Autonomous Region. Key words: Platelet membrane glycoprotein; Antigen, human platelet; Polymorphism, genetic; Yao minority

Short stature in primary school students belonging to a minority ethnic group of Yao in China

Background: There are limited data on growth and diet of Yao minority ethnic children in Guangdong, China.Aim: To examine the growth of a group of Yao minority ethnic children in relation to their diet.Subjects and methods: Anthropometric data on 301 Yao boys and 303 Yao girls aged 9–15 years studying at a boarding school in Liannan, Guangdong were collected. Food and nutrient intakes was assessed by a food weighing method in 30 students and total fat content in diet was measured by chemical analysis on duplicate meals. Results were compared to those of similar aged school children in Hong Kong.Results: The Yao group were shorter than Hong Kong children. Regardless of various international and Hong Kong growth references applied, Yao children consistently showed lower prevalence of overweight and obesity and a higher rate of stunting and thinness compared to Hong Kong children. The Yao group consumed less energy and less protein, derived mainly from natural plant-based food with significantly more grains and vegetables.Conclusion: The relative short stature of Yao children compared with Han Chinese children in Hong Kong may be accounted for by genetics and differences in nutrient intakes.

Association of rs5888 SNP in the scavenger receptor class B type 1 gene and serum lipid levels

BackgroundBai Ku Yao is a special subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of rs5888 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) gene and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.MethodsA total of 598 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 585 subjects of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotypes of the SCARB1 rs5888 SNP were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) AI were lower but ApoB was higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.05-0.001). The frequencies of C and T alleles were 78.3% and 21.7% in Bai Ku Yao, and 73.7% and 26.3% in Han (P < 0.01); respectively. The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes were 60.0%, 36.6% and 3.4% in Bai Ku Yao, and 54.2%, 39.0% and 6.8% in Han (P < 0.01); respectively. The subjects with TT genotype in both ethnic groups had lower HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the subjects with CC or CT genotype (P < 0.05 for all). Subgroup analyses showed that the subjects with TT genotype in Bai Ku Yao had lower HDL-C and ApoAI levels in males than the subjects with CC or CT genotype (P < 0.05 for all), and the T allele carriers had higher TC, LDL-C and ApoB levels in females than the T allele noncarriers (P < 0.05 for all). The participants with TT genotype in Han also had a lower tendency of HDL-C and ApoAI levels in males than the participants with CC or CT genotype, but the difference did not reach statistically significant (P = 0.063 and P = 0.086; respectively). The association of serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels and genotypes was confirmed by the multiple linear regression analysis in both ethnic groups. Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors.ConclusionsThe differences in serum lipid levels between the two ethnic groups might partially attribute to the differences in the SCARB1 rs5888 SNP and several environmental factors.

Low density lipoprotein receptor gene Ava II polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

BackgroundSeveral common genetic polymorphisms in the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) gene have associated with modifications of serum total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, but the results are not consistent in different populations. Bai Ku Yao is a special subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.MethodsA total of 1024 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 792 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe levels of serum TC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 and the ratio of ApoA1 to ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.01 for all). The frequency of A- and A+ alleles was 65.5% and 34.5% in Bai Ku Yao, and 80.7% and 19.3% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. The frequency of A-A-, A-A+ and A+A+ genotypes was 42.6%, 45.9% and 11.5% in Bai Ku Yao, and 64.9%, 31.6% and 3.5% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. There was also significant difference in the genotypic frequencies between males and females in Bai Ku Yao (P <0.05), and in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between normal LDL-C (≤ 3.20 mmol/L) and high LDL-C (>3.20 mmol/L) subgroups in Bai Ku Yao (P < 0.05 for each) and between males and females in Han (P < 0.05 for each). The levels of LDL-C in males and TC and HDL-C in females were different among the three genotypes (P < 0.05 for all) in Bai Ku Yao, whereas the levels of HDL-C in males and HDL-C and ApoA1 in females were different among the three genotypes (P < 0.05-0.001) in Han. The subjects with A+A+ genotype had higher serum LDL-C, TC, HDL-C or ApoA1 levels than the subjects with A-A+ and A-A- genotypes. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed that the levels of LDL-C in Bai Ku Yao and HDL-C in Han were correlated with genotypes (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; respectively).ConclusionsThe association of LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism and serum lipid levels is different between the Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. The discrepancy might partly result from different LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism or LDL-R gene-enviromental interactions.

Genetic variant of V825I in the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 gene and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations

BackgroundSeveral genetic variants in the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) gene have associated with modifications of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the susceptibility for coronary heart disease, but the findings are still controversial in diverse racial/ethnic groups. Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in southern China. The present study was undertaken to detect the possible association of V825I (rs2066715) polymorphism in the ABCA1 gene and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.MethodsA total of 677 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 646 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay combined with gel electrophoresis were performed for the genotyping of V825I variant, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) AI and ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.01 for all). The frequency of G and A alleles was 57.4% and 42.6% in Bai Ku Yao, and 57.7% and 42.3% in Han (P > 0.05); respectively. The frequency of GG, GA and AA genotypes was 33.7%, 47.4% and 18.9% in Bai Ku Yao, and 33.4%, 48.6% and 18.0% in Han (P > 0.05); respectively. There was no difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between males and females in the both ethnic groups. The subjects with AA genotype in Bai Ku Yao had higher serum TC levels than the subjects with GG and GA genotypes (P < 0.05). The participants with AA genotype in Han had lower serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the participants with GG and GA genotypes (P < 0.05 for each), but these results were found in males but not in females. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the levels of TC in Bai Ku Yao and HDL-C and ApoAI in male Han were correlated with genotypes (P < 0.05 for all). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with sex, age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and blood pressure in both ethnic groups (P < 0.05-0.001).ConclusionThe present study suggests that the V825I polymorphism in the ABCA1 gene is associated with male serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels in the Han, and serum TC levels in the Bai Ku Yao populations. The difference in the association of V825I polymorphism and serum lipid levels between the two ethnic groups might partly result from different ABCA1 gene-enviromental interactions.

Sex Work in the Sino-Vietnamese Borderlands

This report explores cross-border sex work in the borderlands of the sub- Mekong region between Vietnam and China. We focus particularly on the town of Hekou. Hekou is situated in the Yao Minority Autonomous County in the Honghe Hani and Yi Minority Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan, China, on one bank of the Red River, which forms an international border between Hekou and the Vietnamese city of Lao Cai, the capital of Lao Cai province.

Polymorphism of rs1044925 in the acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 gene and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations

BackgroundThe association of rs1044925 polymorphism in the acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) gene and serum lipid profiles is not well known in different ethnic groups. Bai Ku Yao is a special subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The present study was carried out to clarify the association of rs1044925 polymorphism in the ACAT-1 gene and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.MethodsA total of 626 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 624 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of rs1044925 polymorphism in the ACAT-1 gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) AI and ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.01 for all). The frequency of A and C alleles was 79.0% and 21.0% in Bai Ku Yao, and 87.3% and 12.7% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. The frequency of AA, AC and CC genotypes was 63.2%, 31.4% and 5.2% in Bai Ku Yao, and 75.6%, 23.2% and 1.1% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. The levels of TC, LDL-C and ApoB in Bai Ku Yao but not in Han were different between the AA and AC/CC genotypes in females but not in males (P < 0.05 for all). The C allele carriers had lower serum TC, LDL-C and ApoB levels as compared with the C allele noncarriers. The levels of TC, LDL-C and ApoB in Bai Ku Yao but not in Han were correlated with genotypes in females but not in males (P < 0.05 for all). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with sex, age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and blood pressure in both ethnic groups (P < 0.05-0.001).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the polymorphism of rs1044925 in the ACAT-1 gene is mainly associated with female serum TC, LDL-C and ApoB levels in the Bai Ku Yao population. The C allele carriers had lower serum TC, LDL-C and ApoB levels than the C allele noncarriers.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta +294T &gt; C polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations

BackgroundThe association of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) +294T > C polymorphism and serum lipid levels is inconsistent in several previous studies. Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of PPARD +294T > C (rs2016520) polymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.MethodsA total of 609 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 573 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the PPARD +294T > C polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) AI and ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.001 for all). The frequency of T and C alleles was 77.50% and 22.50% in Bai Ku Yao, and 72.43% and 27.57% in Han (P < 0.01); respectively. The frequency of TT, TC and CC genotypes was 60.59%, 33.83% and 5.53% in Bai Ku Yao, and 52.18%, 40.50% and 7.32% in Han (P < 0.05); respectively. The subjects with CC genotype in Bai Ku Yao had higher serum LDL-C and ApoB levels and lower the ratio of ApoAI to ApoB than the subjects with TT and TC genotypes in females but not in males. The C allele carriers in Han had higher serum TC levels in males (P < 0.01) and ApoB levels in females (P < 0.05) than the C allele noncarriers. Serum TC and ApoB levels were correlated with genotypes in Han (P < 0.05 for each) but not in Bai Ku Yao. Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with sex, age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and blood pressure in both ethnic groups.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the association of PPARD +294T > C polymorphism and serum lipid levels is different between the Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. The discrepancy between the two ethnic groups might partly result from different PPARD +294T > C polymorphism or PPARD gene-enviromental interactions.