Experimental Biology 2010: The Influence Of Culture And Genetics In The Expression Of The Metabolic Syndrome

Purpose of Study: The expression of the metabolic syndrome (Mets) varies depending on the culture and genetics of the nation studied. The nation more influenced by U.S.A. culture is Puerto Rico (P.R.) an Hispanic country. Coronary artery disease is the island is two fold less frequent than in the U.S.A.

Methods Used: We compared the incidence of coronary diseases in Mets in P.R. and U.S.A. We analyzed 169 cases and found no myocardial infarction, stroke or ventricular tachycardia.

Summary of Results: The ejection fraction was reduced (49 ± 8% vs. 62 ± 12%) P <.005. This reduction was based on diabetic (D) cardiomyopathy, because 97% were diabetics Type II and 3% Type I. The prevalence or D in P.R. is 12% vs. 8% in the U.S.A. The lipid profile was normal with a cholesterol= 166 ± 25mg%, HDL= 48 ± 8mg%, LDL= 85 ± 16mg%, triglicerides 60 ± 6mg%. The genetics of the puertorrican population is more influenced by Spanish and Indian cultures. Probably, this will produce a less aggressive disease. Less aggressive is defined as less ventricular tachycardia, myocardial infarction and strokes.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that genetics and culture is an important aspect in the clinical manifestation of Mets.