Genetic epidemiology of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in north India: preliminary analyses of some genetic markers in Punjabis

Studies on monozygotic (MZ) twins and admixed populations show that the predisposition to non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has a large genetic component. We have examined the distribution of some genetic polymorphisms (ABO, GLO, ESD, AK, ACPA, and GPI) in control and diabetic Punjabis from north India. The distribution of various genetic markers indicate that the differences between the control and diabetic samples are statistically not significant. Moreover, a contingency chi-square analysis over all loci suggests nonsignificant genetic differentiation (p = 0.50) between the Punjabi samples.

Serogenetic variation in four caste populations of Haryana, India

The phenotypes and gene frequencies of 3 blood groups, 7 red-cell enzymes and a serum protein were studied in 4 caste population groups of Haryana, North India. The results indicate that the distribution of these blood markers is rather homogeneous in the 4 groups and generally resembles that observed in various populations from neighbouring North Indian states.

Electrophoretic variants of red cell phosphoglucose isomerase in some caste populations of Punjab

Hemolysates from a total of 640 blood samples from seven endogamous caste groups of the Patiala and Faridkot districts of Punjab, North-West India, were subjected to horizontal starch gel electrophoresis to study the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) types. In addition to the usual pattern PGI 1, the only rare phenotype encountered in the present material was PGI 3-1, present in four out of the seven groups investigated. Examination of the available data from Punjab suggests that apparently rare PGI types other than PGI 3-1 are lacking in populations studied.

Genetic variation of esterase D (EsD) polymorphism in Indian populations

Data are presented on the phenotypes and gene frequencies of esterase D (EsD) polymorphism in various endogamous caste groups of Patiala and Faridkot districts of Punjab, north-west India. The frequency of the EsD2 allele in these groups varies from a minimum of 0.157 in Khatris to a maximum of 0.253 in Ramdasia Sikhs, a range quite typical of the north Indian populations. Examination of the available data on esterase D system in indigenous populations demonstrates the existence of a north-south cline in the distribution of the EsD2 allele in India.

Population genetics of glyoxalase I (GLO) polymorphism in India

Phenotype and gene frequency data are presented on the glyoxalase I (GLO) polymorphism in seven endogamous caste groups: Jat Sikh, Ramdasia Sikh, Ramgarhia Sikh, Khatri, Brahmin and Bania of Patiala district, and Jat Sikh of Faridkot district of Punjab, North-West India. Apparently, there is considerable heterogeneity in the frequency distribution of the GLO1 gene that varies from 0.168 in Bania to 0.287 in Brahmin. However, these differences are not statistically significant, and the overall GLO1 frequency in Punjab is well within the North Indian range.

Serum proteins among Dusads of Bihar

Horizontal starch gel electrophoresis has been employed for the detection of haptoglobin, transferrin and albumin phenotypes among 88 Dusads of Bihar. No variant of the haptoglobins or transferrins has been found in this sample, whereas one individual showed bisalbuminemia.

Placental alkaline phosphatase polymorphism in some Punjabi populations

Placental isozyme of alkaline phosphatase (orthophosphoric monoester hydrolase, EC 3.1.3.1.) has been studied in very few Indian populations with respect to its polymorphic form. The present study surveys the alleles encountered in some Punjabi groups of Northern India. The distinguishing physico-chemical properties of this isozyme, viz. heat stability, steady increase in maternal plasma during the course of pregnancy, and unique electrophoretic mobility have been used for its typing. The Punjabi groups surveyed are Jat (Sikh), Baniya and Khatri (all endogamous castes) and Lower Castes and others (two mixed caste groups). These groups were found to be in Hardy-Weinberg-equilibrium, and some of them revealed intergroup heterogeneity, when compared with each other. Further comparison with other Indian populations, for which data were available, also revealed interesting results.

A study of some genetic markers among Ramgarhias, an artisan caste of Punjab

156 males and 63 females belonging to the Ramgarhia community, an endogamous group of Punjab, were taken for the study of genetical markers like taste ability to PTC, mid digital hair and colourblindness, whereas 75 (50 males and 25 females) were tested for serum proteins. 71.70% males and 73.85% females were found to be tasters. The mid digital hair was absent in 67.34% of females and 64.74% of males. No female was found to be colourblind, however, 4.48% males were found having defective colourvision. The phenotypic frequencies of Hp 2--2, Hp 2--1 and Hp 1--1 were found to be 64.00%, 32.00% and 4.00%, respectively. No variant of transferrins and albumin was found.

Ethnic diversity in Punjab as based on finger dermatoglyphics

Four ethnic groups of Punjab having same dialect viz. Khatris, Jats, Brahmins and Muslims were taken to see ethnic differences in regards to the distribution of whorls, loops, and arches of finger dermatoglyphics. The results show that there is a great diversity in the four groups for these parameters. These groups were compared with similar ethnic groups of other places having different dialect. The results reveal that there seems to be ethnic affinity between the group known by same name and which is true for all the four groups.

Palmar dermatoglyphics in Maharashtrians of India

Both palm prints of 75 ♂ and 73 ♀ unrelated Maharashtrian students aged 8-18 have been collected and analysed according to Cummins & Midlo's methodology. The results are tabulated and discussed.

They concern the principal main line formulae and their terminations at Lines D, C, B, A; the distribution of the axial triradius, as well as the frequencies of whorls, loops, arches, vestiges and open-fields in the hypothenar, thenar and in the interdigital areas.