Genetic and other factors determining mannose-binding lectin levels in American Indians: the Strong Heart Study
2009

Factors Affecting Mannose-Binding Lectin Levels in American Indians

Sample size: 237 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Best Lyle G, Ferrell Robert E, DeCroo Susan, North Kari E, MacCluer Jean W, Zhang Ying, Lee Elisa T, Howard Barbara V, Umans Jason, Palmieri Vittorio, Garred Peter

Primary Institution: Missouri Breaks Industries Research Inc

Hypothesis

The study investigates the genetic and environmental factors that influence mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels in American Indians.

Conclusion

The study presents new data on how genetic variants and clinical factors affect MBL levels in an American Indian population.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study confirms the effects of known genetic variants on MBL levels.
  • MBL levels were positively associated with male gender and hemoglobin A1c levels.
  • MBL levels were inversely related to triglyceride levels.

Takeaway

This study looks at how certain genes and health factors affect a protein called mannose-binding lectin in American Indians, which is important for their immune system.

Methodology

The study used a longitudinal cohort design, analyzing MBL levels through double sandwich ELISA and comparing them across different genotypic groups.

Potential Biases

The study's reliance on self-reported ethnicity and health status may introduce bias.

Limitations

The matching structure of the sample may limit the interpretation of comparisons between cases and controls.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 51 cases and 186 controls, with a majority reporting American Indian heritage.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.004

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.5–7.0

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2350-10-5

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