The -514C>T polymorphism in the LIPC gene modifies type 2 diabetes risk through modulation of HDL-cholesterol levels in Mexicans.

PURPOSE: Both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are very prevalent conditions among Mexicans. Genetic variants in the LIPC gene have been associated with both conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the -514C < T (rs1800588) LIPC gene polymorphism with different metabolic traits, particularly the effects of this polymorphism on HDL-C plasma levels and T2D risk. METHODS: Mediation analysis was used to assess the direct and indirect effects of the -514C>T LIPC gene variant on HDL-C levels, T2D risk, and body mass index (BMI), in 2105 Mexican mestizo participants. We also assessed the functional effect of the -514C>T LIPC variant on the promoter activity of a reporter gene in the HepG2 cell line. RESULTS: Direct effects show that the -514C>T LIPC polymorphism is significantly associated with increased HDL-C plasma levels (ß = 0.03; p < 0.001). The -514C>T variant resulted in an indirect protective effect on T2D risk through increasing HDL-C levels (ß = - 0.03; p < 0.001). Marginal direct association between -514C>T and T2D was found (ß = 0.08; p = 0.06). Variables directly influencing T2D status were European ethnicity (ß = - 7.20; p < 0.001), age (ß = 0.04; p < 0.001), gender (ß = - 0.15; p = 0.017) and HDL-C (ß = - 1.07; p < 0.001). In addition, we found that the -514C>T variant decreases the activity of LIPC promoter by 90% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The -514C>T polymorphism was not directly associated with T2D risk. HDL-C acts as a mediator between -514C>T LIPC gene variant and T2D risk in the Mexican population.

[National report on population and development]. / El informe nacional sobre poblacion y desarrollo.

PIP: This article is a three-page description of Peru's national report on population and development, submitted in October 1993 for the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo. The report contains five sections and a statistical annex. The sections describe the demographic context of Peru and trends in the major variables, with projections for the future. The population policy is considered in the framework of development. The National Population Program for 1991-95 and its eight specific subprograms are described. The report also covers activities of the health sector, especially the family planning and reproductive health program, and three other programs in which actions have been undertaken: population education and communication, promotion of women, and research and diffusion. Information on the sources of funding is provided. Some US $52.1 million in external aid was supplied by the US and Japanese governments (47%), the UN system (21%), and international nongovernmental organizations. The report ends with a description of future population actions. The proposed goal is an annual growth rate of 0.94% by the year 2020, which would still mean an addition of 356,000 persons in that year. The proportion using contraception would need to increase to 75% from the current level of 59%, which includes a high proportion of poorly prepared users of periodic abstinence methods. Other goals are a 68% reduction in infant mortality to 20/1000, an increase in vaccination coverage of infants to 95%, and professional attendance at delivery for 90% of pregnant women.^ieng

[Proposal for the world action plan on population]. / La propuesta del plan de accion mundial sobre poblacion.

PIP: This article is a five-page description of the proposed Plan of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, September 1994, which was approved at the third preparatory conference in New York in April 1994. The basic feature of the Plan of Action is its respect for the unique conditions of each country. The document contains 16 chapters, including a preamble and a declaration of principles. The third chapter, on population, sustained economic growth, and sustainable development, stresses the need to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions. The fourth chapter urges an end to discrimination against women and recognition of the rights of girls. Other chapters contain recommendations regarding the family, population growth and structure, reproductive rights and family planning, morbidity and mortality, the need for better health care, population distribution and migration, and international migration. There are also chapters on population, education, and development; and technology, research, and development. The Plan recommends incorporating population issues into development plans and policies, fostering international cooperation, and collaborating with the nongovernmental sector.^ieng