Ecogenetic studies in Atacameño Indians

Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, N-acetyltransferase variation and the polymorphisms of α1-antitrypsin, serum cholinesterase, paraoxonase, and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase were investigated in 180 Atacameño Indians from the North of Chile. The genetic predisposition of these individuals for possible atypical reactions against environmental agents and drugs, as well as general implications of these findings, are discussed.