The effects of inbreeding and of some genetic polymorphisms on blood pressures, pulse rate and hematocrit in Northeastern Brazil.

The possible role of genetic mechanisms, as revealed by inbreeding depression and pleiotropic effects of the ABO, Es D and CA II loci, on blood pressures, pulse rate and hematocrit, was studied in a sample of 7,642 migrant Brazilian individuals of rural origin. It was not possible to confirm previous claims of the effects of ABO blood groups system and inbreeding on diastolic blood pressure. On the other hand, a significant inbreeding depression on pulse rate of about 1.23 bmp/10% F, among adult individuals, was revealed. The observed significant effects of several markers on hemodynamic variables, due to its number, were attributed to chance.