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PubMed2002

Risk factors for severe respiratory syncytial virus infection among Alaska native children.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among Alaska Native children is much higher than among non-Native populations in the United States. We conducted this study to better understand factors associated with hospitalization attributable to RSV infection in this high-risk population. DESIGN: Case-control study, including collection of cord blood for RSV-neutralizing antibody measurement. SETTING: Remote region of southwest Alaska served by 1 regional hospital and 2 referral hospitals. SUBJECTS: Case-patients identified through surveillance for RSV infection and matched control subjects without acute respiratory infection hospitalization. RESULTS: Breastfeeding was associated with a lower risk of RSV hospitalization (odds ratio: 0.34), whereas underlying medical conditions (primarily prematurity) were associated with increased risk (odds ratio: 6.25). Environmental factors associated with a higher risk of hospitalization included household crowding (4 or more children in the household and crowding index > or =2). The level of maternal RSV-neutralizing antibody was not associated with the risk of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: In this region with extremely high risk of RSV hospitalization, several measures, such as encouraging breastfeeding and reducing household crowding, could reduce the risk of hospitalization attributable to RSV.

Alaska↗
PubMed1990

Hepatitis B-related sequelae. Prospective study in 1400 hepatitis B surface antigen-positive Alaska native carriers.

A total 1400 hepatitis B surface antigen-positive Alaska natives, 824 men and 576 women of all ages, were followed up prospectively over a period of 7815 carrier years for the development of sequelae related to chronic hepatitis B virus infection. During the observation period, 20 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 14 cases of chronic active hepatitis, 8 cases of cirrhosis, and 1 case of glomerulonephritis developed in this cohort. The annual incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was 387 per 100,000 for men and 63 per 100,000 for women. The incidence of chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis was 193 and 107 per 100,000 in men and 158 and 95 per 100,000 in women, respectively. No cases of either essential mixed cryoglobulinemia or necrotizing vasculitis were seen. Sixty of the hepatitis B surface antigen-positive carriers died, with 13 (21.7%) of the deaths due to hepatocellular carcinoma. The leading cause of death in this group was malignant neoplasms compared with accidents in the general Alaska native population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Weight perceptions and weight control practices in American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents. A national survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess weight perceptions and weight control practices among American Indian-Alaska Native adolescents. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Nonurban schools from eight Indian Health Service areas. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 13,454 seventh- through 12th-grade American Indian-Alaska Native youths. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A revised version of the Adolescent Health Survey, a comprehensive, anonymous self-report questionnaire with eating- and body image-related questions. RESULTS: Forty-one percent of the adolescent girls reported feeling overweight, 50% were dissatisfied with their weight, and 44% worried about being overweight. Almost half (48%) had been on a weight-loss diet in the past year, with 27% reporting that they had self-induced vomiting at some time to try to lose weight. Eleven percent reported using diet pills. Girls who reported feeling overweight were more likely to engage in unhealthy weight control practices than were those who felt they were of normal weight or underweight. A larger proportion of boys were satisfied with their weight (68%), with 22% worrying about being overweight. However, compared with rural Minnesota youth, both American Indian girls and boys had greater dissatisfaction with body weight. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that American Indian youth, particularly girls, are dissatisfied with their weight and are worried about being overweight, and that unhealthy weight control practices are common. More attention needs to be placed on developing culturally appropriate weight management programs for Indian youths.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Pervasive occult gastrointestinal bleeding in an Alaska native population with prevalent iron deficiency. Role of Helicobacter pylori gastritis.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm prevalent iron deficiency among Yupik Eskimos living in Alaska and to explore the frequency of and potential lesions accounting for occult gastrointestinal bleeding. DESIGN: Descriptive survey. SETTING: Rural Arctic community. SUBJECTS: A total of 140 adult volunteers from 3 villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of western Alaska. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Daily iron intake, hematologic and biochemical indexes of iron status, fecal hemoglobin levels, stool parasites, and endoscopic findings. RESULTS: While dietary iron intake by Yupiks was similar to that of a reference population, iron deficiency prevalence was increased 13-fold in Yupik men and 4-fold in Yupik women. Fecal hemoglobin levels were elevated in 90% of subjects contrasted with only 4% of a reference group; median levels were 5.9 and 0.5 mg of hemoglobin per gram of stool, respectively. Among 70 Yupik subjects with elevated fecal hemoglobin levels who had endoscopy performed, 68 (97%) had an abnormal gastric appearance consisting of erythema, mucosal thickening, diffuse mucosal hemorrhages, erosions, or ulcerations. Gastric biopsies revealed chronic active gastritis with associated Helicobacter pylori in 68 (99%) of 69. No other hemorrhagic gastrointestinal disease was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study sample, occult gastrointestinal bleeding appears to be pervasive in the Yupik population and likely underlies the prevalent iron deficiency. An atypical hemorrhagic gastritis associated with H pylori infection is present almost universally and may represent the bleeding source.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Human papillomavirus type 16 DNA in esophageal carcinomas from Alaska Natives.

The possible etiological role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in esophageal carcinogenesis was evaluated in Alaska Natives in whom the incidence of esophageal cancer is 1.3 and 3.8 times higher than in US Caucasian men and women, respectively. Fixed paraffin-embedded esophageal tissues from 32 cases of squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) and 3 cases of adenocarcinoma (AC) diagnosed between 1957 and 1988 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization for HPV DNA sequences. Detection of the human beta-globin gene by PCR was used as a control for sufficiency of DNA and its potential for amplification in the tissue samples. Twenty-five of the tumor tissues were considered adequate for PCR analyses; HPV DNA was detected in 10 of 22 SCCs and was not found in 3 ACs. Seven of the 10 HPV-positive tissues contained sequences from the E6 gene of HPV type 16. Koilocytosis, an epithelial change consistent with HPV infection, was found in 80% of the esophageal squamous-cell tumors with HPV DNA and in 75% of those without HPV DNA. The detection of amplifiable cellular DNA was related to recentness of diagnosis; however, the detection of HPV DNA within amplifiable specimens was not related to recentness of diagnosis. A 413-bp sequence from the L1 open reading frame of HPV 16 from esophageal tissue of 2 patients was identical to sequences previously identified in cervical cells from other Alaska Natives. Our results provide molecular evidence of HPV infection, especially type 16, in archival esophageal cancer tissues from 45% of those patients whose specimens contain adequate DNA for PCR analysis.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1980

Incidence of caries and abscesses in archeological Eskimo skeletal samples from Point Hope and Kodiak Island, Alaska.

The incidence of caries and abscesses in 246 archeologically derived skeletal specimens from the Ipiutak and Tigara levels at Point Hope, Alaska, and 79 specimens excavated from Jones Point, Kodiak Island, Alaska were investigated. All three collections span long periods of time. Only pre-white contact specimens were used. Each specimen was sexed and aged in five year groupings, using standard techniques. Caries and abscesses were recorded by type and degree of severity and correlated with age, sex, and site of origin. All samples displayed very low caries rates and few abscesses per tooth and per individual (both observed frequencies, and frequencies corrected for postmortem loss of teeth). DMF scores were tabulated using both observed and corrected frequencies. Very heavy occlusal wear in all three samples could account for the majority of abscesses and pulp exposures, while the low caries rates are attributable to traditional diets totally devoid of refined sugars, starches, and food additives.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Biological activity in traditional Alaska pollack sikhae during low temperature fermentation.

Biological activity was examined on Alaska pollack sikhae produced with 4 treatments (by irradiating at 5 or 10 kGy, or by adding either 0.1 or 0.3% of chitooligosaccharide), compared with control (2-step fermentation only) during fermentation at -2 degrees C. The extracts (500 ppm level) of sikhae had antimicrobial activities against 4 different strains of food poisoning bacteria such as Staphy. aureus, B. subtilis, B. cereus, and L. monocytogenes. Antioxidative activity (EDA(50), 11.55 mg/mL) in control group increased with time up to 60 days of fermentation but decreased thereafter, while those levels in other products were kept within 10.60-18.30 mg/mL ranges during fermentation. Inhibitory activity of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) (IC(50), 1.51-2.89 mg/mL) in all products was observed during fermentation except at 0 day. Inhibitory activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) (IC(50), 0.65-0.87 mg/mL) in all products also increased with time up to 30 days of fermentation. Without irradiating or adding of chitooligosaccharide, Alaska pollack sikhae showing biological activities was enough by 2-step fermentation and storage at -2 degrees C only.

Alaska↗
PubMed2005

Regional patterns and trends in cancer mortality among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 1990-2001.

BACKGROUND: National estimates of cancer mortality indicate relatively low rates for American Indians (AIs) and Alaska Natives (ANs). However, these rates are derived from state vital records in which racial misclassification is known to exist. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of cancer mortality among AIs and ANs living in counties on or near reservations, the authors used death records and census population estimates to calculate annualized, age-adjusted mortality rates for key cancer types for the period 1996-2001 for 5 geographic regions: East (E), Northern Plains (NP), Southwest (SW), Pacific Coast (PC), and Alaska (AK). Mortality rate ratios (MRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) also were calculated to compare rates with those in the general United States population (USG) for the same period. To examine temporal trends, MRRs for 1996-2001 were compared with MMRs for 1990-1995. RESULTS: The overall cancer mortality rate was lower in AIs and ANs (165.6 per 100,000 population; 95% CI, 161.7-169.5) than in the USG (200.9 per 100,000 population; 95% CI, 200.7-201.2). In the regional analysis, however, cancer mortality was higher in AK (MRR=1.26; 95% CI, 1.17-1.36) and in the NP (MMR=1.37; 95% CI, 1.31-1.44) than in the USG. In both regions, the excess mortality was attributed to cancer of the lung, colorectum, liver, stomach, and kidney. In the SW, the mortality rate for cancer of the liver and stomach was higher than the rate in the USG, in contrast with that region's nearly 4-fold lower mortality rate for lung cancer (MRR=0.23; 95% CI, 0.19-0.27). Rates of cervical cancer mortality were higher among AIs and ANs (MRR=1.35; 95% CI, 1.13-1.62), notably in the NP and SW. Rates of breast cancer mortality generally were lower (MRR=0.60; 95% CI, 0.55-0.66), notably in the PC, SW, and E. Cancer mortality increased by 5% in AIs and ANs (MRR for 1996-2001 compared with 1990-1995: 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08), whereas it decreased by 6% in the USG (MMR=0.94; 95% CI, 0.94-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Regional data should guide local cancer prevention and control activities in AIs and ANs. The disparity in temporal trends in cancer mortality between AIs and ANs and the USG gives urgency to improving cancer control in this population.

Alaska↗
PubMed1991

Clustering of hepatocellular carcinoma in Alaska Native families.

Alaska Natives have a high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with regional, ethnic, village, and familial clustering. During 1969-1988, 15 of the 45 incident cases of HCC in Alaska Natives occurred in 5 families. This report presents epidemiologic, virologic, and immunogenetic data on these 5 families. The results of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic testing indicates that HBV infection was an important factor in 4 of the 5 families. Human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) testing was performed in 3 families. The HLA results are reviewed in relationship to the familial clustering of HCC.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Cancer incidence in Alaska natives.

A survey of cancer incidence among Alaska Natives for the 5-year period 1969-73 revealed fewer cancer cases overall than expected in relation to US rates, but significantly increased risk for certain cancer sites: the nasopharynx in both sexes (with excesses over 15-fold), the liver in males, and the salivary glands, gallbladder, kidney and thyroid in females. Compared with earlier reports, the observations suggest marked changes in cancer incidence among Alaska Natives over the past two decades, with declines in esophageal and invasive cervical cancers, and increases in cancers of the lung, colon and rectum.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Contaminant exposure and biomarker responses in spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska.

Effects of chemical contaminant exposure may be contributing to the decline of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) nesting in coastal areas of western Alaska. We evaluated chemical exposure and potential effects in 20 male eiders collected near St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Analytes included metals, trace elements, chlorinated organics, and (137)Cesium ((137)Cs). Effects of contaminant exposure were evaluated using histopathology and biochemical measures of porphyrin profiles, cytochrome P450 activities, and metallothionein (MT) concentrations. Copper, cadmium, and selenium concentrations were elevated in spectacled eiders when compared to literature values for other marine birds. Only a few samples had trace concentrations of chlorinated organic compounds. Muscle (137)Cs levels were all below the average minimum quantifiable concentration of 0.079 Bq/g. No histopathological lesions were associated with elevated contaminant concentrations in liver, kidney, or testes. Protoporphyrin was found in highest concentration in both the liver and kidneys, followed by coproporphyrin and uroporphyrin, respectively. Hepatic uroporphyrin concentrations correlated significantly to hepatic arsenic concentrations. Mean activities of hepatic EROD, MROD, BROD, and PROD were consistent with other avian species. Comparisons of cadmium/MT ratios from this study to published literature ratios in seven marine avian species suggest that, although adult male spectacled eiders have elevated liver concentrations of certain MT-inducing metals, their MT concentrations are not as strongly induced as would be predicted based on literature values. Despite elevated metal concentrations, the apparent good health of the St. Lawrence Island birds suggests that should these contaminants be a factor in population declines, they likely act by decreasing fecundity or survival of young rather than via direct health impacts on adult male spectacled eiders.

Alaska↗
PubMed2005

Science, policy, and stakeholders: developing a consensus science plan for Amchitka Island, Aleutians, Alaska.

With the ending of the Cold War, the US Department of Energy is responsible for the remediation of radioactive waste and disposal of land no longer needed for nuclear material production or related national security missions. The task of characterizing the hazards and risks from radionuclides is necessary for assuring the protection of health of humans and the environment. This is a particularly daunting task for those sites that had underground testing of nuclear weapons, where the radioactive contamination is currently inaccessible. Herein we report on the development of a Science Plan to characterize the physical and biological marine environment around Amchitka Island in the Aleutian chain of Alaska, where three underground nuclear tests were conducted (1965-1971). Information on the ecology, geology, and current radionuclide levels in biota, water, and sediment is necessary for evaluating possible current contamination and to serve as a baseline for developing a plan to ensure human and ecosystem health in perpetuity. Other information required includes identifying the location of the salt water/fresh water interface where migration to the ocean might occur in the future and determining groundwater recharge balances, as well as assessing other physical/geological features of Amchitka near the test sites. The Science Plan is needed to address the confusing and conflicting information available to the public about radionuclide risks from underground nuclear blasts in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as well as the potential for volcanic or seismic activity to disrupt shot cavities or accelerate migration of radionuclides into the sea. Developing a Science Plan involved agreement among regulators and other stakeholders, assignment of the task to the Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, and development of a consensus Science Plan that dealt with contentious scientific issues. Involvement of the regulators (State of Alaska), resource trustees (U S Fish and Wildlife Service), representatives of the Aleut and Pribilof Island communities, and other stakeholders was essential for plan development and approval, although this created tensions because of the different objectives of each group. The complicated process of developing a Science Plan involved iterations and interactions with multiple agencies and organizations, scientists in several disciplines, regulators, and the participation of Aleut people in their home communities, as well as the general public. The importance of including all parties in all phases of the development of the Science Plan was critical to its acceptance by a broad range of regulators, agencies, resource trustees, Aleutian/Pribilof communities, and other stakeholders.

Alaska↗
PubMed2006

Genetic analysis of a novel Alaska barley yellow dwarf virus in the family Luteoviridae.

A new plant virus belonging to the family Luteoviridae and isolated from diseased oat (Avena sativa L.) plants was discovered in Alaska in 2003. Even though plants with red/orange leaves were indicative of barley yellow dwarf disease, they were not reactive to specific antibodies corresponding to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV)-MAV, -PAV, -SGV, and cereal yellow dwarf virus-RPV from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). An alternative RT-PCR assay that incorporated Shu-F/Yan-R primers for detection of BYDV-MAV, -PAS, -PAV, and SGV was effective in producing approximately 830-nt fragments that contained genomic sequences to the 3'-terminus of the polymerase gene (ORF 2), the intergenic region ( approximately 113 nt), the coat protein gene (ORF 3), and the putative movement gene (ORF 4). The Alaskan isolates were most similar to BYDV-MAV with only about 77 and 80% amino acid identity in the CP and ORF 4, respectively. The Alaska isolates coat protein gene sequences differed in several regions that otherwise are conserved among BYDV-MAV isolates, and may be important in serological variations, accounting for the negative ELISA results. Based upon sequence and serological differences, we concluded that the Alaskan BYDV-MAV-like isolates formed a novel species tentatively in the genus Luteovirus, and propose the name BYDV-ORV (oat red-leaf virus).

Alaska↗
PubMed2005

Changes in heartwood chemistry of dead yellow-cedar trees that remain standing for 80 years or more in southeast Alaska.

We measured the concentrations of extractable bioactive compounds in heartwood of live yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) trees and five classes of standing snags (1-5, averaging 4, 14, 26, 51, and 81 years-since-death, respectively) to determine how the concentrations changed in the slowly deteriorating snags. Three individuals from each of these six condition classes were sampled at four sites spanning a 260-km distance across southeast Alaska, and the influence of geographic location on heartwood chemistry was evaluated. Cores of heartwood were collected at breast height and cut into consecutive 5-cm segments starting at the pith. Each segment was extracted with ethyl acetate and analyzed by gas chromatography. Concentrations of carvacrol, nootkatene, nootkatol, nootkatone, nootkatin, and total extractives (a sum of 16 compounds) for the inner (0-5 cm from pith), middle (5-10 cm from pith), and surface (outer 1.1-6.0 cm of heartwood) segments from each core were compared within each tree condition class and within segments across condition classes. Heartwood of class 1 and 2 snags had the same chemical composition as live trees. The first concentration changes begin to appear in class 3 snags, which coincides with greater heartwood exposure to the external environment as decaying sapwood sloughs away, after losing the protective outer bark. Within core segments, the concentrations of all compounds, except nootkatene, decrease between snag classes 2 and 5, resulting in the heartwood of class 5 snags having the lowest quantities of bioactive compounds, although not different from the amounts in class 4 snags. This decline in chemical defense is consistent with heartwood of class 5 snags being less decay-resistant than heartwood of live trees, as observed by others. The unique heartwood chemistry of yellow cedar and the slow way it is altered after death allow dead trees to remain standing for up to a century with a profound impact on the ecology of forests in southeast Alaska where these trees are in decline.

Acetates↗
PubMed1990

Response to hepatitis B vaccine in Alaska natives with chronic alcoholism compared with non-alcoholic control subjects.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine if (1) alcoholics have a higher prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic markers than do non-alcoholic controls and (2) if they respond to hepatitis B vaccination in a manner similar to that of non-alcoholic controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was designed as a case-control study, and 129 Alaska Natives were recruited. Alcoholics were recruited from inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, a soup kitchen serving the homeless, and several alcohol rehabilitation centers; control subjects were recruited primarily from among Alaska Native Hospital employees. A standardized questionnaire, the Alcohol Dependency Scale (ADS), was administered to all participants. Each participant was screened for hepatitis B serologic markers, had liver function studies performed, and was examined for evidence of liver disease. Participants seronegative for HBV markers received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Linear regression analysis was performed to compare the amount of alcohol intake and variables associated with liver disease with the response to hepatitis B vaccination and antibody levels achieved. Using an ADS score of greater than 13, 64 participants were classified as chronic alcoholics, and 60 were classified as controls. RESULTS: HBV seropositivity was found in 22 alcoholics (34.4%) and seven controls (11.7%). After adjusting for age and sex, this difference was significant (chi 2 MH = 6.57, df = 1; p = 0.012). Abnormal levels of liver transaminase occurred significantly more often in alcoholic participants than in control subjects (chi 2 MH = 4.91, df = 1; p = 0.026). Of 95 seronegative persons, 72 received three doses of hepatitis B plasma-derived vaccine. Alcoholic subjects and control subjects did not differ significantly in their response to vaccination. Only four alcoholics and two controls did not develop antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) after hepatitis B vaccination, and two alcoholics and three controls had anti-HBs levels less than 10 SRU by radioimmunoassay. Mean anti-HBs levels measured in milli-international units (mIU) for the 62 responders showed a decrease in the anti-HBs level with increasing age (p less than 0.001). There was no difference in the mean anti-HBs log10 mIU between alcoholics and controls younger than 45 years of age, but in persons greater than 45 years of age, alcoholics had a lower mean anti-HBs log10 mIU level than did controls; this difference, however, was not significant (p greater than 0.10). CONCLUSION: Chronic alcoholics have a higher prevalence of HBV seromarkers than do age-matched controls. Seronegative alcoholics, especially those under age 45, respond well to hepatitis B vaccination, and such vaccination should be considered in all chronic alcoholic persons.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Apolipoprotein E and atherosclerosis in Alaska Natives.

Arterial, liver, and serum specimens were collected from 130 Alaska Natives who underwent forensic necropsy (mean age, 36.9 years; age range, 9-85 years; 38 females and 92 males). Based upon the observed frequencies of the six common apo E genotypes, the estimates of the relative frequencies of the corresponding alleles in the population are 0.020 +/- 0.009 for E2, 0.787 +/- 0.026 for E3 and 0.193 +/- 0.025 for E4. Analysis showed significant differences, by apo E genotype, in the extent of total surface lesion involvement in both the right and left coronary arteries. In all but the abdominal aorta, the pattern of lesion involvement by genotype is consistent with a decrease in lesions for genotypes with the E2 allele and an increase in lesions for the genotypes with the E4 allele, relative to the E3 homozygotes. After adjustment for low + very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL + VLDL-C), the differences fell below statistically significant levels. Analysis by genotype of total serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL + VLDL-C showed no statistically significant differences in analyte levels among genotypes. However, evidence is seen of a pattern in which total cholesterol and VLDL + LDL-C is less in genotypes with the E2 allele and greater in those with the E4 allele. We conclude that there does appear to be an effect by apo E genotype upon extent of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries of Alaska Natives and this effect is likely due to the previously reported effect of apo E polymorphisms on serum cholesterol, particularly LDL + VLDL-C.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Biological specimen banking in Arctic research: an Alaska perspective.

The cryogenic archival of biological specimens for retrospective analysis is of significant value for present and future research on population genetics, pathology, systematics, toxicology and environmental monitoring. This realization is emphasized by the increasing support of this activity by various government agencies, institutions and international groups. The international Arctic community is no exception. Canada has been conducting such activities in association with environmental monitoring programs for many years. Similar efforts appear to be underway in other polar nations. From the perspective of the United States Arctic, the Alaska Marine Mammal Tissue Archival Project (AMMTAP) was the earliest organized effort to develop an environmental specimen bank specifically designed for longterm archival of biological specimens under cryogenic conditions. The AMMTAP emphasizes use of standardized rigorous sampling and archival protocols, procedures that minimize contamination of samples during collection and maintaining a detailed record of sample history. The development of this specimen bank, recent activities of this project and other cryogenic specimen banks being developed in Alaska are described.

Alaska↗
PubMed1993

Atherosclerosis in Alaska Natives and non-natives.

Low mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) among Eskimos has been attributed to less atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries because of a high dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Other investigators attribute this low mortality to the fact that Eskimos have a high mortality from other causes before middle age, when CHD is common. However, most studies have been epidemiological, either by death-certificate review or risk-factor evaluation. We evaluated the extent of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries and aortas from Alaska Natives. Standardised comparisons between samples from 103 Native and 101 non-native residents show that the extent of raised lesions increases with age in both groups, but the prevalence of raised lesions in native specimens was consistently lower than in those from non-natives. This difference was statistically significant. The data suggest that the differences in CHD mortality between Alaska Natives and non-natives are, at least in part, the result of less atherosclerosis in natives.

Adolescent↗