Polymorphism of Trp64Arg in beta(3)-adrenergic receptor gene among Bolivian people in rural areas at high and low altitudes

Background To investigate whether population differences in food and/or lifestyle could affect the distribution frequencies of polymorphism in the gene for beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)-AR), the frequency of Trp64Arg polymorphism was studied among Bolivian people living in rural areas of high (about 4000 m above sea level) and low (about 300m above sea level) attitudes. Methods Genomic DNA samples of Bolivian subjects (n = 508) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for part of the beta(3)-AR gene. The amplified PCR products were digested with restriction enzyme Ncil and analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results We found no significant difference in the frequency of Arg allele in the beta(3)-AR gene between 331 native low-altitude Bolivian subjects (18.1%) and 177 native high-altitude Bolivian subjects (17.5%). Body mass index was not associated with Trp64Arg polymorphism among native Bolivian adults. The frequency of this allele in the complete Bolivian population (18%) was lower than that reported in Pima Indians (32%), is comparable to the Japanese (19%) and is higher than several ethnic groups, including Finns (12%) and French (4%). Conclusions Our data indicate that the altitude-related lifestyle of a population has had little influence on the frequency of Trp64Arg polymorphism and obesity in Bolivian natives.