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Further observations on associations between the ADA gene and past malaria morbidity in Sardinia
Author(s) -
GloriaBottini Fulvia,
Saccucci Patrizia,
Meloni Gianfranco,
Bottini Egidio
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of human biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.559
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1520-6300
pISSN - 1042-0533
DOI - 10.1002/ajhb.22580
Subject(s) - malaria , haplotype , allele , locus (genetics) , adenosine deaminase , biology , allele frequency , genotype , hum , genetics , gene , adenosine , immunology , performance art , art history , biochemistry , art
Objectives Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) contributes to the regulation of adenosine concentration and in turn to T cell activation. Genetic variability of ADA activity may have, therefore, an important role in resistance to malaria. Indeed, previous studies in Sardinia have shown a lower frequency of ADA 1 *2 allele (associated with low ADA activity) in areas, where malaria was heavily endemic compared to areas where malaria was not endemic. We have now studied the ADA 2 locus, another polymorphic site with two alleles ADA 2 *1 and ADA 2 *2 within the ADA gene. Methods In the area of Oristano (where malaria was endemic in the past) 51 consecutive newborns and in the area of Nuoro (where malaria was not as endemic) 48 consecutive newborns were examined. ADA 1 and ADA 2 genotypes were determined by DNA analysis. Results The low frequency of the ADA 1 *2 allele in the area where malaria was endemic is confirmed. The frequency of the ADA 2 *2 allele is higher in Oristano than in Nuoro resulting in a higher frequency of the ADA 1 *1/ADA 2 *2 haplotype in Oristano as compared to Nuoro. This suggests a selective advantage of this haplotype in a malarial environment. Conclusions The ADA gene shows other polymorphic sites further studies on their role in human adaptation to malaria could be rewarding. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:716–718, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.