Population Genetic Study in Hainan Island, China

I. Distribution of Blood Genetic Markers

Abstract

Results obtained in a joint Japanese-Chinese field study in Hainan Island are presented. Three national minority groups, Li, Miao and Hui, together with Han as control were studied. A total of 23 blood genetic markers comprising 9 blood groups, 7 red cell enzymes and 7 serum proteins, and also alpha and beta thalassemias were examined, and phenotype and allele frequencies are tabulated. The distributions of allele frequencies differ markedly among the four groups, although falling in general within that of southern Chinese. Two sample groups of Li, i.e., Qi-Li and Benti-Li, are more similar to each other than the two sample groups of Miao, probably reflecting different backgrounds in migratory history of Li and Miao. Judging from high frequencies of both alpha and beta thalassemias and G-6PD deficiency in Li and Miao, it was considered that malaria played a major role in determining these characteristics.