Age group-associated variations in the pattern of Hp type distribution in Jordanians

The relationship between haptoglobin (Hp) type and life expectancy was inve stigated by determining the pattern of Hp type distribution in 790 unrelate d Jordanians divided into four age groups: A (1-19 years), B (20-39 years), C (40-59 years) and D (60-85 years). While the frequency of Hp 2-2 gradual ly decreased from 0.576 in A to 0.393 in D, the frequency of Hp 2-1 gradual ly increased from 0.348 in A to 0.526 in D. Hp2 allele decreased from 0.750 in A to 0.656 in D while that or Hpl allele increased from 0.250 in A to 0 .344 in D. Hp type distribution in A, B and D age groups was in agreement w ith the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). These findings demonstrate that t he pattern of Hp polymorphism varies in different age groups, indicating th at life expectancy might be Hp phenotype-associated. Additionally, the resu lts suggest that Hp 2-2 phenotype might be an age-associated risk factor. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.