Activity of esterases in plasma from Ghanaian and British subjects.

We have measured aspirin esterase, cholinesterase, paraoxonase, and phenylacetate esterase activities in samples of plasma from British and Ghanaian subjects. Aspirin esterase, paraoxonase, and phenylacetate esterase activities were significantly lower in Ghanaians compared with British subjects. However, cholinesterase activities were similar in Ghanaian and British plasma samples. The lower esterase activities in Ghanaian plasma samples may result in higher circulating concentrations and greater pharmacological effects of drugs such as aspirin.