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PubMed1990

Polynesian face and dentition: functional perspective.

Widely dispersed throughout the Pacific, Polynesians are a biologically distinctive people in form and size of both body and head. Large-bodied and well-muscled, their body phenotype is suited to life in a thermolabile oceanic environment. Their craniofacial skeleton is large and robust, with mandibular size and form (the "rocker" mandible) being especially characteristic. In this paper the Polynesian variants of body form, and of facial size (including dentition) and form, are interpreted from a functional perspective.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2006

Inbreeding and surnames: a projection into Easter Island's past.

The population of Easter Island is one of the most interesting extant human communities due to its unique demographic history, its geographic isolation, and the development of an incomparable culture characterized by the towering "Moais" and its enigmatic writing. Following the colonization of its population by Polynesians from the Mangarevan Islands in the 5th century AD, the island remained isolated up until the middle of the 20th century. Under these conditions, with endogamy levels fluctuating between 61.04-96.54% and given such a small population, a high rate of inbreeding, and consequently, an elevated level of genetic relationships would be expected. Using data from church and civil records, we calculated the consanguinity of the population of Rapa Nui. The results of this analysis do not support the hypothesis of a high level of consanguinity (alpha = 0.00028 and F(t) = 0.0007, with F(r) = 0.00586 and F(n) = -0.00519), suggesting instead the existence of a strategy used to avoid marriage between close relatives. To explain these observations, the structure and exchange dynamics of the population were studied in the tribes, known locally as "Mata." The results of this analysis suggest a tendency toward the avoidance of inbreeding within tribes, in order to decrease the rate of endogamy in each group. This is consistent with ethnographic observations from the beginning of the 20th century that support the existence of strict regulations to prevent inbreeding between closely related individuals. Furthermore, we confirm that this situation dates back to a period before the "refounding" of Easter Island. Our results demonstrate that conditions of geographical isolation are not in themselves sufficient to produce an elevated inbreeding coefficient, revealing Easter Island as an interesting example of how cultural rules can shape the genetic structure of a population.

Cluster Analysis↗
PubMed2006

Brief communication: mitochondrial DNA variation suggests extensive gene flow from Polynesian ancestors to indigenous Melanesians in the northwestern Bismarck Archipelago.

Archaeological, linguistic, and genetic studies show that Austronesian (AN)-speaking Polynesian ancestors came from Asia/Taiwan to the Bismarck Archipelago in Near Oceania more than 3,600 years ago, and then expanded into Remote Oceania. However, it remains unclear whether they extensively mixed with indigenous Melanesians who had populated the Bismarck Archipelago before their arrival. To examine the extent of admixture between Polynesian ancestors and indigenous Melanesians, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations in the D-loop region and the cytochrome oxidase and lysine transfer RNA (COII/tRNA(Lys)) intergenic 9-bp deletion were analyzed in the following three Oceanian populations: 1) Balopa Islanders as AN-speaking Melanesians living in the northwestern end of the Bismarck Archipelago, 2) Tongans as AN-speaking Polynesians, and 3) Gidra as non-Austronesian-speaking Melanesians in the southwestern lowlands of Papua New Guinea. Phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA sequences revealed that more than 60% of mtDNA sequences in the Balopa Islanders were very similar to those in Tongans, suggesting an extensive gene flow from Polynesian ancestors to indigenous Melanesians. Furthermore, analysis of pairwise difference distributions for the D-loop sequences with the 9-bp deletion and the Polynesian motif (i.e., T16217C, A16247G, and C16261T) suggested that the expansion of Polynesian ancestors possessing these variations occurred approximately 7,000 years ago.

Base Pairing↗
PubMed1993

HLA-DR4 subtypes in New Zealand Polynesians. Predominance of Dw13 in the healthy population and association of Dw15 with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze HLA-DR4 alleles in New Zealand Polynesians with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Thirty Polynesians and 30 Caucasians with RA, as well as 65 Polynesian and 60 Caucasian healthy blood donors, were DR4 subtyped using the polymerase chain reaction and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes. RESULTS: The frequency of DR4 (DRB1*04) was increased in both Polynesian (P < 0.001) and Caucasian (P < 0.005) RA patients compared with race-matched controls. Dw4 (DRB1*0401) was detected in 15 of 30 Caucasian patients but only 2 of 30 Polynesian patients (P < 0.001). In Polynesians, RA was associated with Dw15 (DRB1*0405), which was present in 11 of 30 patients and 3 of 65 controls (P < 0.001). Dw13 (DRB1*0403) was the most frequent DR4 allele in healthy Polynesians, but was not significantly associated with RA. CONCLUSION: The predominance of the Dw13 subtype in Polynesians may explain in part the low prevalence of RA in this population. The association of Dw15 with RA in Polynesians supports the hypothesis that the third hypervariable region of DR beta determines susceptibility to RA.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1995

Sources of interracial variation in bone mineral density.

Many studies have demonstrated significant differences in bone mineral density between various racial groups. Although it has been suggested that differences in body weight contribute to such interracial variation, the artifactual effect of the skeletal size inherent in projectional absorptiometry methods has been largely ignored. We have measured bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the lumbar spine and at three femoral sites in 200 premenopausal women of Chinese, Indian, European, or Polynesian origin (50 of similar mean age in each group). In the Chinese and Indian women the measured bone mineral density measurements (g/cm2) were similar, but significantly less, at all sites, than those of European women (p < or = 0.005). The European women were, however, significantly taller than both the Chinese and Indian women (p < 0.0001), and when the scale artifact of absorptiometry was removed by dividing the measured bone mineral density either by the height of the subject, or by the square root of the area over which the X-ray beam was projected, then the differences in mean bone mineral density between the Chinese, Indian, and European women were almost completely eliminated. The Polynesian women were significantly more obese (as judged from mean body mass index) than all the other groups (p < 0.0001) and had significantly greater bone mineral density at all sites than all the other groups both before (p < 0.0001) and after (p < 0.0001) correcting for the scale artifact.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1985

An epidemic of influenza in the population of Niue.

An epidemic of influenza A occurred in the Niue population during May-June 1983. The infection was introduced by two index cases returning from New Zealand to the village of Makefu. The epidemic started in this village and then spread rapidly around the island. The incidence of infection was calculated to be 41 per 100 population based on 1981 census figures. There was no predilection for the infection to affect any particular age bracket, although the elderly were over-represented amongst the hospital admissions because of greater severity of illness in this age group. Two deaths occurred, and 3.4% of cases received treatment in hospital. Apart from generalised symptoms (fever, body pain, and headache), respiratory symptoms, particularly cough, were prominent. Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in a minority. The average duration of illness was 6 days. Virology results indicated that the epidemic was due to influenza A/Bangkok/1/79(H3N3). Paired serological studies also revealed five cases of dengue fever. Previous records reveal that epidemics of influenza are a frequent occurrence in Niue, although not a major cause of mortality since the 1950s. It is suggested that early treatment of complications is the most important measure to decrease the impact of influenza and that measures such as isolation of cases, restriction of population movement and quarantine of incoming cases may be useful to prevent the propagation of epidemics in a small and isolated population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Detection of Loa loa-specific DNA in blood from occult-infected individuals.

Accurate and specific diagnosis of human loiasis is of crucial importance in an endemic area where two-thirds of infected individuals are without circulating microfilariae (occult loiasis). By using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and specific primers to the repeat 3 region (15r3) of the gene coding for Loa loa 15-kDa polyprotein antigen, DNA was amplified from total blood lysate of occult-infected subjects. A 396-bp DNA fragment was specifically detected. We tested the specificity of this method by qualitative hybridization to PCR products using blood lysates of the following subjects: (1) from Gabon (80 individuals residing in L. loa endemic area where loiasis exists sympatrically with Mansonella perstans); (2) from Togo (12 individuals infected with Onchocerca volvulus and M. perstans); (3) from Tahiti (12 individuals infected with Wuchereria bancrofti); and (4) from Mali (12 individuals infected with O. volvulus and M. perstans). Samples from Gabon included 60 L. loa amicrofilaremics and 20 L. loa occult-infected subjects. Qualitative hybridization carried out at 50 degrees C on PCR products, using a 15r3-specific oligonucleotide probe, revealed hybridization with L. loa-infected samples from Gabon and four samples from Togo after 2 days exposure to the film. The positive samples from Togo were characterized by the use of nested PCR. Three nested PCR products have been sequenced. No differences were observed between the three sequences and they are 99.72% identical to L. loa 15r3. None of bancroftian-infected individuals from Tahiti, nor O. volvulus- and M. perstans-infected individuals from Mali reacted after 1 week's exposure (overexposure) to the film. This allows us to conclude first that our 15r3 PCR assay is specific for L. loa and secondly that L. loa infections occur in Togo. The sensitivity of this 15r3 PCR assay was further investigated with occult patients and field-collected amicrofilaremic samples. We found that 19 of the 20 occult-infected individuals were positive on Southern hybridization, whereas 35/60 amicrofilaremics were positive. These results have shown that the sensitivity of this assay in detecting unequivocal, parasitologically proven occult loiasis was 95%, while the specificity with regard to the sympatric M. perstans was 100%.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Descriptive epidemiology of primary cancer of the brain, cranial nerves, and cranial meninges in New Zealand, 1948-88.

We used New Zealand data on occurrence of different types of brain cancer to investigate: (i) a possible secular increase which has been seen worldwide and has generated considerable debate; (ii) possibly higher rates among Maori; and (iii) possibly higher risks related to social class and occupation. Data from the NZ Cancer Registry on the 5,684 brain cancers diagnosed among NZ residents from 1948-88 were used to study the pattern of occurrence by gender, age, race, calendar year, social class, occupation, and histology. Age-standardized brain-cancer incidence rates per 100,000 more than doubled over the 41-year period (from 2.9 to 6.9 in males and from 2.1 to 5.1 in females). A strong trend of increasing incidence with increasing social class is seen in males (Ptrend = 0.01). Among Maori, the proportion of all brain cancer that is medulloblastoma is four times that among non-Maori, and the proportion of all brain cancers that lack histologic confirmation is about 40 percent higher. Elevated risks are seen among: dairy farmers (odds ratio [OR] = 3.4, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-6.0); sheep handlers (OR = 2.7, CI = 1.4-5.3); livestock workers (OR = 3.8, CI = 1.7-8.4); and farm managers (OR = 3.2, CI = 1.4-7.2); as well as among electrical engineers (OR = 8.2, CI = 20-34.7); electricians (OR = 4.6, CI = 1.7-12.2); and other electrical workers. Brain cancer rates in NZ have increased steadily since 1948, but this increase has leveled off in the most recent five-year period. Although brain cancer rates are likely to be underestimated among the Maori, an excess of medulloblastoma is evident in this group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Hypertension and indicators of coronary heart disease in Wallis Polynesians: an urban-rural comparison.

A comparative study of hypertension, and indicators of and risk factors for coronary heart disease was undertaken in samples of rural Wallisians of Wallis Island, and first generation Wallisian migrants in the urban centre of Noumea, New Caledonia. Approximately 20% of the adult population of the two communities was included in the study. Higher mean blood pressure and hypertension prevalence in Wallisians in Noumea compared to those in Wallis was documented. There was no significant rise in blood pressure with age in rural Wallisian males. Wallisians in Noumea tended to be more obese than those in Wallis (particularly females). Although differences in the extent of obesity appeared to explain some of the differences in blood pressure between populations of Wallis and Noumea, other environmental factors (such as salt intake) are probably important. There was a trend for a higher prevalence of Q wave changes on the ECG in urbanized Wallisians compared to their rural counterparts. There was no significant or consistent differences in plasma lipid concentrations between the two groups. The prevalence of diabetes was 7 and 4 times higher in Noumea compared to Wallis for males and females respectively. Differences in diabetes and hypertension prevalence are more likely to account for the variation in ischaemic heart disease than plasma lipid levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in Melanesians and part-Polynesians in rural New Caledonia and Ouvea (Loyalty Islands).

The study of different ethnic groups living in the same physical environment provides the opportunity to examine interaction of genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of diabetes mellitus. In rural New Caledonia, the prevalence of diabetes was higher in part-Polynesians than in Melanesians: males - 6.6 versus 0.5%; females - 6.3 versus 3.5% respectively. The prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance (impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes) was 11.5 and 15.7% in part-Polynesian males and females, respectively, and 4.7 and 9.2% in Melanesian males and females. Mean age and degree of obesity in these ethnic groups were sufficiently similar to suggest that these factors played no significant role in the difference in diabetes prevalence. Furthermore, adjustment of relative risk of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes for age and obesity indicated that the modest differences between groups were not responsible for the observed variation in diabetes prevalence. The differences in prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes between Melanesians and part-Polynesians may be genetically determined, although the role of certain environmental factors other than obesity, e.g. differences in physical activity or qualitative aspects of diet, cannot be excluded.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Differences in umbilical cord insulin and birth weight in non-diabetic pregnancies of women from different ethnic groups in New Zealand.

Many ethnic groups at high risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are hyperinsulinaemic by early adult life. This study assessed whether such hyperinsulinaemia is present at birth. Cross sectional comparisons of maternal biochemistry, umbilical cord biochemistry and neonatal anthropometry were made between one 'low risk' and three 'high risk' ethnic groups, without diabetes in pregnancy in Auckland, New Zealand. The study comprised 123 European, Polynesian (Maori and Pacific Islands) and Indian normal pregnancies. Indian mothers were the smallest, with the highest insulin and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations. Polynesian mothers were the most obese with a higher fructosamine concentration. From these pregnancies, Indian neonates were smaller, slimmer, with the highest cord triglyceride (0.6 mmol/l vs 0.4 mmol/l, p < 0.01), and lowest cord insulin concentrations (7.1 mU/l vs 8.6 mU/l (European), 9.2 mU/l (Polynesian), p < 0.05). Polynesian babies had a high cord insulin: C-peptide ratio (52.5 mU/nmol vs 44.4 mU/nmol (European), 44.1 mU/nmol (Indian), p = 0.05). Although reduced intrauterine growth may contribute to the excess of diabetes and heart disease in Indians, it cannot explain the excess of diabetes in Polynesians. Exposure to minor relative maternal hyperglycaemia in the mother and abnormal neonatal insulin handling (as demonstrated by the higher insulin: C-peptide ratio) may be of long-term significance in Polynesians.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1985

Stress and health among Polynesian migrants to New Zealand.

A survey study of 228 Samoans, 212 Cook Islanders, and 224 native-born New Zealanders of European background randomly selected from the same working-class neighborhoods of Auckland was interviewed in their own language by same-sex interviewers on their adaptation to life in New Zealand's major industrial city. Strong positive associations were found between the number of symptoms of poor health reported and both the frequency of external situational stressors and the strength of Type A psychological attributes, which together account for 25% of the variance in health status. These statistical relationships were replicated within all ethnic and both sex groups. Social support systems, however, did not provide the stress-buffering effects anticipated, raising the issue of the possible psychic costs of maintaining these kinship ties, particularly among Samoan migrants.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1996

Molecular basis for erythrocyte Le(a+ b+) and salivary ABH partial-secretor phenotypes: expression of a FUT2 secretor allele with an A-->T mutation at nucleotide 385 correlates with reduced alpha(1,2) fucosyltransferase activity.

The SewA385T mutation of the FUT2 gene was found to correlate with both the erthrocyte Le(a + b+) and/or salivary ABH partial-secretor phenotypes of Polynesians. Constructs with FUT1 and FUT2 wild type genes, and the FUT2 SewA385T, seG428A and seC571T mutated alleles, were cloned into pcDNAI, and expressed in COS-7 cells. COS-7 cells transfected with the SewA385T allele had weak, but detectable, alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase activity, with an acceptor substrate pattern similar to the wild type FUT2 gene. Comparative kinetic studies from cell extracts with mutated SewA385T and wild type FUT2 alleles gave similar Km values, but less enzyme activity was present in cells transfected with SewA385T (Vmax 230 pmol h-1 mg-1), as compared to those transfected with FUT2 (Vmax 1030 pmol h-1 mg-1), suggesting that the mutated enzyme is more unstable. These results confirm that the molecular basis for the erythrocyte Le(a + b+), and the associated ABH salivary partial-secretor phenotype, is an amino acid change of Ile129-->Phe in the secretor alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase.

ABO Blood-Group System↗