S.K. Das

Genetic distance analysis among nine endogamous population groups of Maharashtra, India

Abstract Genetic distance analysis based on 16 biochemical markers, following Neis distance measure has been performed on nine endogamous groups of Maharashtra: Nava Budha, Maratha, Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin, Chitpavan Brahmin, Chandrasenya Kayastha Prabhu, Parsis, Bhil, Pawara and Katkari. The distances between these groups are small as compared to the within group heterogeneity. The average heterozygosity per gene per locus is high for all the populations (in the range of 20–22%). The observed clusterings among these nine groups, in general, are compatible with the known ethnic history of Maharashtra.

The Haptoglobin and Transferrin Types in West Bengal and a Case of Haptoglobin ‘Johnson’

A series of 456 serum samples obtained from blood donors in Central Blood Bank, Calcutta, were examined by starch gel electrophoresis for haptoglobin types, and 424 samples out of them were examined f

Serological and biochemical investigations among five endogamous groups of Delhi, India

Phenotype and gene frequencies for four blood group systems (ABO, MN, Rh and P) and haptoglobin among five endogamous groups of Delhi, India, are reported. All the systems are polymorphic in all the population groups. The average heterozygosity per locus in high (in the range 48-52 per cent) for all the groups. The extent of genic variability among the groups in terms of net codon differences per locus has been studied; the heterogeneity within the groups is large as compared to the between-group heterogeneity. There is no definite clustering of the of the groups with respect to their biological rank.

Genetic polymorphism analysis among nine endogamous population groups of Maharashtra, India

The present paper reports results of analysis of 14 genetic marker systems-ABO, MN, Rh, Hp, Tf, Cp, Alb, AcPH, PGM, LDH, MDH, Est-D, Hb and G-6-PD studied on a number of subjects of 9 endogamous groups of Maharashtra: Bhils, Katkaris and Pawaras, (all tribal groups); Deshastha Rigvedi and Chitpavan (two Brahmin groups); Nava Budhas (a scheduled caste); Chandrasenya Kayastha Prabhu and Marathas (two middle caste groups); and Parsis a migrant group from west Asia. Analysis of heterogeneity of gene frequencies reveal considerable heterogeneity for most of the loci among these groups.

Blood Groups, Serum Proteins, Haemoglobin and Some Serum and Red Cell Enzymes among the Kaoras of 24-Parganas in West Bengal (India)

Blood groups of ABO, M-N, Rh, Lewis and P systems; serum proteins (albumin, haptoglobin, transferring and ceruloplasmin); haemoglobin; serum alkaline phosphatase and pseudocholinesterase C5+, and red cell acid phosphatase and PGM1 have been studied among the Kaoras, a most backward caste in West Bengal living in the district of 24-Parganas.

Study of some serum group systems in the Mahishyas and the Muslims in 24-Parganas District, West Bengal.

SummaryA survey of serum Pi, Cp, Hp and Tf was carried out in 104 Bengali Hindu Mahishya and 123 Bengali Muslim of West Bengal, India.The frequency of PiM allel was very high (over 99%) in both populations. The alleles CpA or CpB are rare in Indian populations, but have been detected in the present study. The Hp1 gene frequencies obtained in both populations was within the range so far found in other Indian populations (5% to 22%). Any Tf variant other than CC is rare in Indian populations but an appreciable frequency of CD (nearly 3%) was detected in both our populations.The two groups studied here appear to be homogenous in respect of the distribution of the alleles in the various systems, except for haptoglobin (ϰ=5.533, 1 df).ZusammenfassungBei 104 Hindu-Mahishya-Bengalen und 123 Muslim-Bengalen aus West-Bengalen (Indien) wurde eine Erhebung über die Serumgruppen Pi, Cp, Hp und Tf durchgeführt.Die Häufigkeit des PiM-Allels ist sehr hoch (über 99%) in beiden Bevölkerungen. Die Allele CpA oder CpB sind in der indischen Bevölkerung selten; sie wurden jedoch in dieser Studie gefunden. Die Hp1-Genhäufigkeiten in beiden Bevölkerungen bewegen sich in dem Bereich, der bisher schon für andere indische Bevölkerungen wurde (5–22%). Außer CC sind alle Tf-Varianten in der indischen Bevölkerung selten; jedoch fand sich in den beiden untersuchten Bevölkerungen eine nicht unbeträchtliche Häufigkeit von CD (fast 3%).Die beiden untersuchten Gruppen sind homogen bezüglich der Verteilung der Allele in den verschiedenen Systemen; eine Ausnahme macht hier nur das Haptoglobin (ϰ=5.533, 1df).

A Note on Esterase D Polymorphism in Some Indian Populations

The distributions of the isozyme esterase D have been studied in a few endogamous groups of India. The Es D2 gene frequency is, in general, around 0.25.

Caste variation in the distribution of placental alkaline phosphatase genes among the Hindus of West Bengal

798 placentas (Brahmin 141, Kayastha 303, Mahishya 91 and mixed low castes 263), from Calcutta hospitals, have been studied by starch gel electrophoresis for alkaline phosphatase types. The estimated gene-frequencies resemble those found else-where in caucasoid populations. Statistically significant differences (P approximately 0.02) were, however, noticed between the broadly divided upper caste group (Brahmin and Kayastha) and the lower caste group (Mahishya and mixed low castes) in respect of Plf 1 and Pls 1) gene distributions. The upper caste group has higher Plf 1 and lower Pls 1 frequencies than the lower caste group. The two broad caste groups are, however, quite uniform in Pli 1 distribution. All the six common phenotypes (S1, F1, I 1, S1F1, S1 I 1 and F1 I 1) and seven rare phenotypes (S1S2, S1S3, F1F2, F1S2, F2S1, F1S3 and I 1S2) were found.

Four Types of Genetic Variants of LDH Found in India

The four types of genetic variants of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) found so far in the Indian populations surveyed by starch-gel electrophoresis of haemolysates are described, pointing out their characteristic features. Two of these variant types, namely, ‘Calcutta-1’ and ‘Madras-1, were reported earlier. The other two discovered subsequently and named trivially as ‘Calcutta-2’ and ‘Delhi-1 are now reported for the first time. A comparison between the four LDH variants found in India and those by others outside India has also been drawn.

Caste and age variations of the incidence of LDH variants in the Bengali Hindus

SummaryIn continuing our studies on the incidence of the genetically determined variants of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) among the Indian populations, it has been possible to collect some suitable material presented here to examine the question of caste and age variations in the incidence rates of the commonly occurring variant, LDH Cal-1, among the Bengali Hindu. It is a “Faster A-subunit variant”.ZusammenfassungIn Fortsetzung unserer Untersuchungen über die Häufigkeit der genetisch determinierten Varianten der Lactat-Dehydrogenase (LDH) in der indischen Population wurde einiges Material gesammelt, das sich zur Untersuchung des Problems eignet, ob Häufigkeitsunterschiede nach Kasten und Alter für das Vorkommen der häufigen Variante LDH Cal-1 unter den Hindus in Bengalen bestehen. Es handelt sich um eine rasche Variante der A-Untereinheit.