Genetic diversity of South American indigenous groups

2024-08-08 17:01:00

Genetic diversity of South American indigenous groups

Amazonians are as genetically different from the Andean as Europeans are from East Asia when it comes to genetic variations that affect response to certain drugs.

These genetic variations can alter the side effects that people experience and influence drug dosage recommendations. Taking genetic diversity among indigenous groups as an example, scientists highlight the need to address the diversity gap in genetic research.

Historically, the Native American population has been considered a homogenous group, a prejudice and stereotype that researchers say persists to this day. But the reality is much more complicated. Factors such as the environment, history and culture have given significant genetic differences between the populations living in the South American Andes and in the Amazon forests, which are only 240 or 320 kilometers apart.

Researchers analyzed the genetic diversity of 294 people from 17 Peruvian indigenous groups from the Andes and Amazon regions and discovered that certain genetic differences make Amazonians and Andeans respond differently to drugs.

For example, a high percentage of Amazonians have a difference that makes them respond well to rosuvastatin therapy, often prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular events, but that also gives them have higher risks of side effects.

According to clinical guidelines, only 2% of Andeans need a low initial dose of rosuvastatin to avoid side effects, compared to 16% of Amazonian indigenous people. The findings emphasize the need to incorporate genomic research to ensure the effective application of appropriate medicine.

When it comes to warfarin, dosage is key. Too little warfarin makes therapy ineffective, while too much can put patients at risk for major bleeding. Based on genetic differences, 69% of indigenous people in the southern Andes region need a reduced dose of warfarin, compared to 93% of Amazonians. While there are alternatives to warfarin that do not require strict dose control, they are ten times more expensive and out of reach for many people in developing countries. Understanding the genetic factors that influence drug dosage is important to ensure the safe and effective use of affordable drugs in resource-limited settings.

The study was published today in the journal Cell.