Variability of candidate genes for cardiovascular risk in the Mediterranean

A screening of 22 DNA polymorphisms has been performed in western Mediterranean populations. The analyzed markers correspond to polymorphic sites in several candidate genes for cardiovascular disease including apolipoproteins and their receptor, genes implied in the hemostasis regulation and the angiotensin converting enzyme gene. The results showed a significant degree of interpopulation diversity, in agreement with previous data from other polymorphisms. The genetic distance pattern is compatible with a south-to-north African influence in the Iberia Peninsula and a remarkable gene flow sub-Saharan Africa into Morocco.