Amish Gene Mutation

There has been a recent gene mutation found among the Old Order Amish population that significantly reduces the level of triglycerides in the blood and appears to help prevent cardiovascular disease. This information was released by the researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

The lead investigator said they found that about 5 percent of the Amish have a gene mutation that speeds up the breakdown of triglycerides. The study results were published in the December 12 issue of Science.

They also looked at calcium deposition in the arteries and found the people with the gene mutation were much less likely to have any calcification.

This information may help with further gene manipulation in the future to help those at risk and may offer new mechanisms for drug research.