Gene diversity in some Muslim populations of North India

North Indian Muslim populations have historical, linguistic, and socioreligious significance to the Indian subcontinent. Although sociocultural and political dimensions of their demography are well documented, no detailed genetic structure of the populations is available. We have undertaken a survey of the gene frequencies of the ABO, Rh, PTC taste ability, sickling, and G6PD systems for different endogamous groups: Sheikh, Syed, Pathan, Ansari, Saifi, and Hindu Bania. All the groups at most loci showed statistically nonsignificant differences, except for ABO and PTC traits, for which interpopulational differences were seen. Heterozygosity ranged from 0.048 to 0.617 among the Sheikh, 0.149 to 0.599 among the Pathan, 0.105 to 0.585 among the Ansari, 0.25 to 0.869 among the Syed, 0.107 to 0.565 among the Saifi, and 0.100 to 0.492 among the Hindu Bania. The average D(ST) and G(ST) values for the five marker loci were 0.0625 +/- 0.098 and 0.1072 +/- 0.041, respectively. A dendrogram was constructed using the UPGMA clustering method. Our results revealed that the Pathan and the Sheikh form one cluster, the Syed and the Hindu Bania form another cluster, and the two clusters join together (the so-called higher caste); also, the Saifi and the Ansari form a separate cluster (lower caste). The results of the genetic distance analysis are useful for understanding the pattern of genetic relationships between different endogamous groups of Muslims.     

Genetic markers in the Hindu and Muslim Gujjars of Northwestern India

A comparative study of serogenetic markers was carried out among the Hindu and Muslim Gujjars from Northwestern India. From each isolate of Gujjars, 200 adult couples were examined for the A1A2BO and Rhesus blood groups, ABH secretion, the serum proteins haptoglobins, transferrins, and albumins, and 200 male subjects were examined for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency. The study showed that the Muslim Gujjars differ significantly from their counterpart, the Hindu Gujjars. The differentiation that has occurred among the Muslim Gujjars may be attributed to their geographical dispersal in diverse habitats, the inflow of genes from Islamic invaders as well as non-Islamic surrounding populations, the inbreeding effect, and the comparative breeding isolation. The genetic affinities of the Hindu Gujjars with the Jats and Rajputs provide strong evidence for their common ethnic origin and probably their recent fissioning owing to biosocial practices and occupational patterns. The computed genetic distance matrix shows diversity of Ahirs from all the concerned population groups.     

Studies on haptoglobin and transferrin types in Khatris and Aroras of Punjab,India

Summary Using horizontal starch gel electrophoresis along with the discontinuous buffer system, resolution of haptoglobin and transferrin bands has been obtained for 200 Khatris and Aroras of Punjab. One Khatri individual possessing Hp1-P variant and another Khatri individual possessing, as yet unclassified, Hp2-1(m) was found in this series. Common CC type transferrin bands characterise Khatris and Aroras.

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Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe der horizontalen Stärkegel-Elektrophorese und eines diskontinuierlichen Puffer-Systems wurden die Haptoglobin- und Transferrin-Typen bei 200 Khatris und Aroras aus dem Punjab untersucht. In dieser Serie fand sich ein Khatri-Individuum mit einer Hp1-P-Variante und ein anderes Khatri-Individuum mit einer noch unklassifizierten Hp2-1(m)-Variante. Beide Bevölkerungen sind durch das ausschließliche Vorkommen des häufigen Transferrin CC-Typs charakterisiert.

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Earlier papers of the author are published in her maiden name of S. Anand.     

Investigations on the variability of haptoglobin, transferrin and Gc polymorphisms in Assam, India

Ten different population groups of Assam - Brahmins, Kalitas, Kaibartas, Rajbanshis, Muslims, Ahoms, Chutias, Kacharis, Karbis and Sandwals - have been typed for haptoglobin and for transferrin (Tf) and Gc subtype polymorphisms. Tf and Gc allele subtype frequencies show a considerable inter-population heterogeneity. From genetic distance analysis it appears that the populations under study form some distinct clusters, which can be explained by the historical and ethnic affiliations of these populations. Especially the distribution of Gc subtype alleles reveals some Mongoloid admixture among Assamese populations, which is reflected by the presence of Gc1A8 alleles in them.     

Prevalence and Clinical Manifestations of Malaria in Aligarh,India

Malaria is one of the most widespread infectious diseases of tropical countries with an estimated 207 million cases globally. In India, there are endemic pockets of this disease, including Aligarh. Hundreds of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax cases with severe pathological conditions are recorded every year in this district. The aim of this study is to find out changes in liver enzymes and kidney markers. Specific diagnosis for P. falciparum and P. vivax was made by microscopic examination of Giemsa stained slides. Clinical symptoms were observed in both of these infections. Liver enzymes, such as AST, ALT, and ALP, and kidney function markers, such as creatinine and urea, were estimated by standard biochemical techniques. In Aligarh district, P. vivax, P. falciparum, and mixed infections were 64%, 34%, and 2%, respectively. In case of P. falciparum infection, the incidences of anemia, splenomegaly, renal failure, jaundice, and neurological sequelae were higher compared to those in P. vivax infection. Recrudescence and relapse rates were 18% and 20% in P. falciparum and P. vivax infections, respectively. Liver dysfunctions and renal failures were more common in P. falciparum patients, particularly in elderly patients. Artesunate derivatives must, therefore, be introduced for the treatment of P. falciparum as they resist to chloroquine as well as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine combinations.     

Regional and genetic variations among the Hindu Gujjars of Northwestern India

Serogenetic investigations among the Hindu Gujjars of Ropar District in Punjab were carried out with special reference to their genetic relationship with populations of other localities. Hindu Gujjars of Northwestern India show intragroup genetic variations, significant especially at the ABO locus. The magnitude of intragroup diversity varies depending upon the physical distance between the two groups. The plausible explanation for their diversity seems to be the founder effect, genetic drift and, their breeding and geographic isolation.     

Genetic relationships and diversity among populations of Paris polyphylla assessed using SCoT and SRAP markers

Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants - The genetic diversity of 33 Paris polyphylla samples collected from the Dabie Mountains was analyzed using SCoT and SRAP molecular markers, revealing...     

Genetic markers among Meiteis and Brahmins of Manipur, India

Genetic polymorphism of 16 red-cell antigens, enzymes, serum proteins and Hb variants was investigated in 214 male and female individuals belonging to the Meiteis and a Brahmin caste group living in Imphal (Manipur, Northeast India). Ethnohistorical records suggest that the Meiteis are of Mongoloid origin, while the original Brahmin settlers represent the easternmost part of the so-called Caucasoids. The markers studied are: A1A2BO, MNSs, Rh-system, Duffy, Diego; Gm, Km, Gc, Hp, Tf, Cp; Hb; aP, AK, EsD and LDH. The comparison between the two groups on the basis of the markers studied showed that the Meiteis and Brahmins are very close to each other with respect to most of the loci except Gm, EsD and Hb, where significant statistical differences were found.     

Assessing genetic diversity among six populations of Gossypium arboreum L. using microsatellites markers

Among the four cultivated cotton species, G. hirsutum (allotetraploid) presently holds a primary place in cultivation. Efforts to further improve this primary cotton face the constraints of its narrow genetic base due to repeated selective breeding and hence demands enrichment of diversity in the gene pool. G. arboreum (diploid species) is an invaluable genetic resource with great potential in this direction. Based on the dispersal and domestication in different directions from Indus valley, different races of G. arboreum have evolved, each having certain traits like drought and disease resistance, which the tetraploid cotton lack. Due to lack of systematic, race wise characterization of G. arboreum germplasm, it  has not been explored fully. During the present study, 100 polymorphic SSR loci were  used to genotype 95 accessions belonging to 6 races of G. arboreum producing 246 polymorphic alleles; mean number of effective alleles was 1.505. AMOVA showed 14 % of molecular variance among population groups, 34 % among individuals and remaining 52 % within individuals. UPGMA dendrogram, based on Nei’s genetic distance, distributed the six populations in two major clusters of 3 populations each; race ‘bengalense’ was found more close to ‘cernuum’ than the others. The clustering of 95 genotypes by UPGMA tree generation as well as PCoA analysis clustered ‘bengalense’ genotypes into one group along with some genotypes of ‘cernuum’, while rest of the genotypes made separate clusters. Outcomes of this research should be helpful in identifying the genotypes for their further utilization in hybridization program to obtain high level of germplasm diversity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12298-015-0326-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Molecular genetic diversity in 5 populations of Madhya Pradesh, India

This paper presents data on the distribution of 3 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (D1S80, APOB, and YNZ22) in 5 populations of Central India. Using the polymerase chain reaction technique, 3 caste (Brahmin, Khatri, and Dhimer) and 2 tribal (Gond and Baiga) populations were studied for the 3 loci. The allelic variations observed in the caste populations are compatible with those of many Caucasian populations, but the caste populations showed significant overall and interpopulation variability within the region. D1S80 allele *24 varied from 32% (Dhimers) to 42% (Brahmins). Allele *18 was not observed in Baiga tribal populations, but in caste populations it varied from 11% (Dhimers) to 24% (Brahmins). Both tribal populations showed higher frequencies of allele *31 (17%-18%). For APOB, caste populations again showed bimodal distribution of alleles *35 and *37, but in tribal populations higher allele numbers (*47, *49) were also frequent. For YNZ22, extensive variation was observed for all populations studied. Allele *4 was the most common in caste populations, while alleles *2, *7, and *10 were prominent in tribal populations. The level of gene differentiation is not very high for the 3 systems studied in the 5 populations. Overall, allele frequency distribution, heterozygosity, and genetic diversity analysis show that the genetic diversity observed is socially and geographically structured.     

Distribution of transferrin and group-specific component subtypes among Parsis of India

Transferrin and group-specific component subtypes were studied by isoelectric focusing of sera from 253 Parsis in India. The frequencies of TfC1, TfC2, TfC3 and TfC4 were found to be 0.8083, 0.1719, 0.019 and 0.0020, respectively. TfB was present in a frequency of 0.0059. The frequencies of Gc alleles were found to be 0.4478 for GcIF, 0.3875 for GcIS and 0.1647 for Gc2. The gene frequency of GcIF was rather high in comparison with Iranian and Indian populations.     

Relationship between anthropometric measures and body composition among Muslim females of West Bengal, India

The human body composition is assessed to determine percent body fat (PBF), fat mass (FM), and lean body mass or fat free mass (FFM). The topological distribution of body fat has been the subject of many studies in the world and India. To the best of our knowledge the present paper is the first report on the body composition in terms of PBF and FM, and their relationship with anthropometric measures in Muslim females in India. The present study examines anthropometric measurements and their relationship with the body composition among Muslim females of West Bengal, India. A cross-sectional study of 100 female, Muslim students of Howrah and Kolkata was undertaken to compare the relationships of biceps and triceps skinfold, waist, hip and upper arm circumference, waist hip ratio and conicity index with their body composition variables (PBF and FM). All anthropometric measures displayed significant (p < 0.05) correlation with body composition measures. The triceps skinfold, however, demonstrated a significant correlation with PBF (r = 0.90) and FM (r = 0.93). The greatest amount of variation of PBF (81.3 %) and FM (89.2 %) was explained by the triceps skinfold. In addition, a considerable amount of variation of PBF (72.8 %) and FM (86.0 %) was explained by the mid upper arm circumference. In conclusion, the present study displays a tendency of regional adiposity in the upper arm, triceps skinfold and mid upper arm circumference are much more strongly associated with body fat.     

Analysis of genetic diversity among different geographic populations of Athetis lepigone using ISSR molecular markers

Athetis lepigone (Möschler) is an invasive insect pest that feeds on corn seedlings in the summer corn region of China. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to determine genotype of A. lepigone collected from 15 geographic locations in North China. Data from seven primers resulted in a total of 183 bands that were scored, 174 (95.08%) of which were polymorphic. Genetic distance estimates among the 15 populations of A. lepigone ranged from 0.0133 to 0.0595. At species level, Nei's genetic diversity index was 0.3537 and Shannon information index was 0.5288. Genetic differentiation among the 15 populations was estimated at 0.0747 and historical mean number of migrants (N_m) was 6.19. Clustering analysis revealed no correlation between genetic diversity and geographic proximity among the A. lepigone populations. This lack of significant genetic diversity or correlation with geographic location suggests that gene flow may be high among the 15 A. lepigone populations or homogenization may be a result of recent range expansion. These data provide important preliminary estimates of A. lepigone population dynamics which may help in evaluating local scales required for control of this insect.     

Age variations in adiposity and body fat composition among older Bengalee Hindu women of Calcutta, India

A cross-sectional study of 279 older (50+ years) urban Bengalee Hindu women was undertaken to study age variations in adiposity, body composition, obesity and central fat distribution. The women were divided into three groups: Group I (G I, 50-59 years), Group II (G II, 60-69 years) and Group III (G III, 70+ years). A significant decreasing age trend was observed in adiposity and body fat composition measures. Women in G I had significantly higher means compared with those in G III. Individuals in G II had intermediate values. However, there was no significant age trend in muscle measures and indices of central body fat distribution. The results revealed that significantly more women in G III (45.8%) were malnourished (BMI < 18.5), while significantly more women in G I (28.7%) were obese (BMI > or = 25). The levels of malnourishment (21.6%) and obesity (24.5%) in G II were intermediate between G I and G III. Age had significant negative correlations with measures of adiposity and body fat composition. Regression analysis revealed that age had significant negative effect on these anthropometric measures. This significant negative impact of age remained even after controlling for the effect of BMI. In conclusion, the present investigation revealed that among older Bengalee Hindu women, there is a significant inverse age trend in adiposity and body fat composition, which is independent of overall adiposity (BMI). However, with ageing, muscle and central body fat distribution remain the same. Furthermore, with increasing age, there is a trend of increasing levels of malnourishment and decreasing levels of obesity.     

Genetic differentiation among the three Hindu low caste groups of Malda district,West Bengal,India

Three descendants of Koch, Indo-Mongolid populations, have been studied for their 12 genetic markers of blood group, red cell enzyme and serum protein. Distribution of their phenotype and allele frequencies shows some variants apart from their common alleles. Analysis on genetic material reveals very low differentiation coefficient (G_ST) value for the total population, and in the distance measure the Poliya and the Tiyor stand close to each other compared to other populations. Data on ethnohistory of the peoples have been discussed in the light of the results obtained from genetic analysis.     

Genetic diversity and structure among natural populations of Sindora glabra in Hainan Island,China as revealed by ISSR markers

Sindora glabra, one of the second-class national protective plants in China, has important ecological and commercial values. To understand the genetic diversity and structure of S. glabra, eleven natural populations from four areas of Hainan Island in China were analyzed by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Thirteen primers were screened out and used to amplify 157 DNA samples. A total of 122 bands were obtained, among which 114 (93.4%) bands were polymorphic. Genetic parameters including average number of effective alleles (1.547), Nei's gene diversity (0.321), Shannon's information index (0.482), and gene differentiation coefficient (0.1944) revealed a high level of genetic diversity maintained in S. glabra populations. The variation within populations accounted for 85.6% of total variation based on analysis of molecular variance. Genetic distance analysis showed that 11 populations could be divided into three groups and populations from the same areas were classified as one group, suggesting that high genetic diversity of S. glabra was attributable to geographic isolation. Together, introduction of germplasm from distant natural distribution areas would be a sound strategy for germplasm resource conservation of S. glabra and selection of elite individuals from populations of far relationship for hybridization is of great importance for breeding improvement programs in future.     

Hierarchical gene diversity and genetic structure of tribal populations of Andhra Pradesh,India

Gene diversity and genetic structure of tribal populations of Andhra Pradesh, India, have been analyzed under a hierarchical model consisting of five regions of the state, tribes within the regions, and local subpopulations within the tribes. Average gene diversity has been estimated from gene frequency data for 15 polymorphic loci by using nested gene diversity analysis of G_ST. The intralocation coefficient of gene diversity was estimated at 96% of the total, whereas the intertribal, within—and between—regional gene diversities were found to be only 1.90, 0.95, and 1.43%, respectively. The estimate of gene diversity was higher for loci with higher degrees of polymorphism such as ABO, MN, ESD, and PTC and lower for loci with low-level polymorphism and extreme gene frequencies such as Hb, Tf, PHI, 6PGD, and Hp. The nature of selective preference or neutrality at the loci seems to be important in this respect. Tribes of the plains exhibit the least gene diversity, apparently because of higher gene flow among them. The contribution of loci with intermediate gene frequencies in intertribal and regional gene diversity was found to be higher than for loci with extreme allelic frequencies. These results suggest that the most significant component of variation is between individuals within locations and that variation between local subpopulations is negligible in the genetic structure of a population. Forces like selection, gene flow and drift also influence the diversity depending upon the nature of the locus. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.