Artículo de revista
Perinatal variables from newborns of Aymara mothers suggest a genetic adaptation to high altitude Variables perinatales de recién nacidos de madres Aymara sugieren adaptación genética a la altura
Fecha
2014Registro en:
Rev Med Chile 2014; 142: 961-965
07176163
00349887
10.4067/S0034-98872014000800002
Autor
Pizarro Ortiz, María
Barra, Rodrigo
Gajardo, Felipe
Fuentes Guajardo, Macarena
Rothhammer Engel, Francisco
Institución
Resumen
Background: Studies performed in Andean populations living in high
altitude, indicate that the reduced availability of oxygen could be associated to
both a fetal growth retardation and a lower birth weight. These variables are
predictive of morbidity and mortality during the first year of life. Aim: To study
perinatal variables of newborns of mothers living at contrasting altitudinal levels,
harboring different degrees of Aymara ancestry. Subjects and Methods: Review
of medical records of 5,295 women whose deliveries occurred between February
2004 and August 2010. Information was obtained on place of residence, grouped
into two categories: coast (150 to 3,000 m) and high plateau (3,000 to 4,300 m),
ancestry was estimated using number of Aymara surnames that were homologated to percentages of Amerindian admixture, gestational age, birth weight, height,
head circumference and obstetric variables. Results: Gestational age showed a
tendency to increase and birth weight, height and head circumference to decrease
with altitude of residence. Only weight reached statistical significance. Women
with Aymara ancestry gave birth to children with a significantly higher gestational age, weight and cranial circumference. Conclusions: Altitude of residence is
related to a decrease in perinatal variables that proved to be less pronounced in
newborns of mothers with a higher degree of Aymara ancestry. Results suggest
a genetic adaptation to hypoxia that could be related to candidate genes linked
to the capture, transport or utilization of oxygen.