Lejla Kapur

Population Data for the Twelve Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Loci from the Sample of Multinational Population in Bosnia and Herzegovina

POPULATION: We have analyzed the distribution of allele frequencies at 12 Y-chromosornal short tandem repeats loci (DYS 19, DYS385a, DYS385b. DYS389I. DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS437, DYS438 and DYS439) in the representative sample of Bosnian and Herzegovinians. A total of 100 unrelated male individuals (Caucasians) from different regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been sampled for the analysis. Samples were collected with a respect to the approximate proportional participation of three main ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina [Bosniacs-Muslim (35). Serbs (31), Croats (34)].

Comparative Study of Genetic Variation at 15 STR Loci in Three Isolated Populations of the Bosnian Mountain Area

Fifteen autosomal STR loci (D3S1358, TH01, D21S11, D18S51, Penta E, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1PO, Penta D, VWA, D8S1179, TPOX, and FGA) were studied in three geographically close but isolated populations from the Bosnian mountain area. The three villages are Bobovica, Dejcici, and Lukomir. DNA was obtained from 83 individuals, and the allele frequencies and genetic diversity among the three sample groups were compared. In addition, seven of the STR loci (CSF1PO, D13S317, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, FGA, TH01) were used in a comparative population analysis of the Bjelas;aknica-Treskavica region and the Adriatic islands of Brac, Hvar, and Korcula. Although the sample sizes are relatively small, the observed variation within any of the small isolated populations is high and comparable to less isolated groups. In addition, even though the populations are geographically isolated, the STR data are similar among the populations. The most significant frequency differences were observed at the TH01 locus. Although the specific allele distributions in any untyped population cannot be determined a priori, we find support for a high degree of diversity for the STR loci in most populations. In addition, the multiple locus profile is highly informative not only for various population studies but also for forensic studies, even when specific population data are not available.

DNA diversity in the studies of genetic distance among isolated human populations in bosnia

Different degrees of isolation found in various part of Bosnia and Herzegovina may be induced by various factors. Bjelasnica-Treskavica region, located around 40 kilometers southwest from Sarajevo — capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is highly specific in that way. We chose three isolated communities: Dejcici, Bobovica and Lukomir for the study of genetic structure of isolated human populations. Based on general data three relative degrees of isolation/openness among the villages have been presumed as follows: first (lower-Dejcici), second (middle — Bobovica) and third (higher — Lukomir) 15 short tandem repeat (STR) loci and hypervariable region of mtDNA were chosen as a markers for study of population structure. Microsatellite allele frequencies, and mtDNA molecular diversity of Heterozigosity and coefficient of gene differentiation across all observed STR loci were estimated. Also, gene and nucleotide diversity of observed mtDNA regions were obtained. Genetic distance between three populations was calculated using method of Reynolds et al. (1983). For analysis of interpopulation relationship based on polymorphism of HV I and HV II region, estimation of pairwise differences was used. results of this research showed consistence with initial hypothesis on divergence based on socio-cultural factors.

P03-74 - Individual genetic variation and response to antipsychotic medications

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with relatively high occurrence in general population (around 1%). Classical genetic studies (Family, twin and adoption) undoubtedly prove its genetic etiology. On the other hand genetics studies are important in exploration of innate mechanisms responsible for specific response to antipsychotic medications. Significant differences in therapeutic responses to antipsychotic agents in patients suffering from schizophrenia were observed and therefore pharmacogenetics of antipsychotics represents main focus in current psychiatric genetics studies. This is particularly observed at polymorphisms in dopamine and serotonin receptor genes, but also some other biomolecules involved in signal transduction mechanism such are regulators of G-protein signalling in brain (RGS4). In order to test this hypothesis, association between certain variants of RGS4 linked polymorhic marker and responsiveness status towards antypsychotics was evaluated within the group of 52 psychiatric patients under antipsychotics treatment. No association between specific allele or genotype for RGS4 linked loci and therapeutical response using Fisheŕs Exact Test was found (P>0.05).

PW01-189 - Correlation between serum levels of nitric oxide and bilirubin in patients with schizophrenia: preliminary results

Objectives There is a growing evidence that oxidative injury contributes to the patophysiology of schizophrenia (Sch), where higher concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) found to be neurotoxic. Data also suggest that bilirubin (BR) can serve as an endogenous scavenger of NO. The aim of this pilot study was to compare the serum levels of BR and NO among patients suffering from Sch, as well as to estimate whether NO serum levels differ between patients and healthy controls. Methods The study population were consisted of inpatients (n=20) who met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for Sch confirmed by Structured Clinical Interview (SCID 1) and healthy controls (n=20). In order to exclude psychiatric morbidity in control subjects the same diagnostic procedure was applied. Serum BR levels were measured by the method of Ehrlich. NO concentration in serum was determined by classic colorimetric Griess reaction Results In patients with schizophrenia BR serum level were 9.85±1.182 mmol/L ; X±SEM. Serum NO level was significantly higher in patients with Sch (23, 26 ± 1, 76 μmol/L; X±SEM) than in control subjects (14, 36±1, 42 μmol/L; X±SEM, p=0.001). Correlation between serum nitric oxide and BR values were 0.1518. Conclusions Results of this study reveal that BR plays possible protective role in NO cell toxic activity. Our finding of increased serum NO levels in patients with Sch indicates its potential role in pathophysiology of this severe psychiatric disorder. However, those results are preliminary and have to be confirmed in sample of larger size.