The Interethnic Differences of the Human Serum Paraoxonase Polymorphism Analysed by a Quantitative and a Qualitative Method

The polymorphism of the human serum paraoxonase 1 was analyzed by two distinguished methods in six different ethnic groups (Caucasians, Mongoloids, Negroids), using (1) the Computer Method 2 and (2) the Carro-Ciampi Method34. Analysis of the response of the enzyme activities to salts resulting in low and high activity ratios. Comparison of the results: In Caucasians we distinguished three phenotypes by the Computer method. The polymorphism was governed by two alleles. The Hardy—Weinberg rule for a two-allele model was valid. Individuals belonging to the homozygotic group with low activity had a low activity ratio (Carro-Ciampi method). With both methods a frequency between 57% and 61% was observed for this group. Individuals with medium and high activity had a high activity ratio. In Negroids and Mongoloids samples we found (by the Computer method) a low activity group (Ghanaians 9.6%, Jamaicans 13.6%, Indonesians 6.7%, Koreans 19.6%). The Hardy—Weinberg rule for a twoor three-allele model was not valid. Individuals belonging to the low activity group had a low activity ratio, all individuals with higher activity a high activity ratio (Carro-Ciampi method). Our results suggest that the members of the low activity group in the three races are homozygote for an identical allele.