The Nrf2 antioxidant system can be negatively effected by heavy metals. Native Americans and their descendants may have a higher risk for toxicity from metal pollutants because of an inherited polymorphism. Because most of us are no longer one race or another -- no one can tell just exactly what their gene makeup is...and so we must make some assumptions. Areas of higher populations of Native Americans or those who have NA ancestry will have a higher incidence of health problems associated with environmental damage. Often environmental pollutants can be dispersed from their original production site through evaporation of contaminated water.When considering placement of mines-- this needs to be considered.
Comments:
1)Nrf2 system is one of the two master regulators for detoxification of drugs, compounds in foods, heavy metals, chemicals, etc. Impairments of which can have a profound effect on the health of the individual. IN animals with polymorphisms in the Nrf2 - do survive to adulthood but have a lower normal level of fitness....
2) Other environmental factors such as high fat and high sugared diet can also negatively influence the functioning of the Nrf2 system which is one reason why the typical Western diet has such negative health consequences. The Nrf2 also controls and modulates inflammatory responses.
3) The effects of the environment and the relationship to the Nrf2 system may drive epigenetic changes that last generations. It also may help drive speciation as well as, influence why wildlife biologists should be very careful in comparing the effects of environmental toxicants in different species...Nrf2 influences are most likely species related and is effected by other genes of different species.
