Genetic studies in four tribal populations of the Surat District, Gujarat (India)

Four tribal populations (Chaudhuri, Vasava, Kotwalia and Gamit) of the Surat District in Gujarat (India) have been investigated for the distribution of 22 polymorphic systems of the blood. The main results of this study are as follows: The allele frequencies show considerable heterogeneity among these populations. From the genetic structure analysis it is seen that only a small fraction of the total gene diversity accounts for genetic differences among them, and the major portion of it is due to genetic variation within them. Analysis of genetic distance according to Nei (1972) reveals that the Vasava and Kotwalia show a rather close genetic relationship, while the Chaudhuri and Gamit differ from both the Vasava and Kotwalia.

A study of the distribution pattern of fat in male gymnasts

Girth and skinfold measurements were taken on male gymnasts of international standing. The results were compared with other groups, the data for which were taken from the literature. The ratio of central to appendicular girth was studied to find the differences in the fat proportions on extremities and trunk region. This ratio was found to be similar in power lifters and Olympic lifters. The skinfold rankings show the gymnasts to be the leanest of all the groups.

Transferrin subtypes in four Northwest Indian tribal populations and some remarks on the anthropological value of this new polymorphism

Serum samples from four tribal Populations--Chaudhuri, Kotwalia, Vasava, Gamit-living in Gujarat (Northwest India) were tested for transferrin subtypes. The results are compared with those reported for other Indian populations. Reviewing all the hitherto published Tf subtype data some interesting racial differences in the distribution of gene frequencies emerge. A possible geographical distribution pattern of the variants is explored.

Anthropological studies among Pangwalas and Gaddis of Himachal Pradesh, North India

The present paper is based on the Research Project entitled "Impact of Technological and Economic Development Programme on Bio-Cultural Heritage of Gaddis and Pangwalas Population Groups of Himachal Pradesh". The project was framed after UNESCO/MAB Project Nos. 6 and 12 under UNESCO Programme on Man Biosphere (MAB) and supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The population groups under investigation are: 1. Transhumant Gaddis of Bharmour Sub-Tehsil, Chamba District; 2. Settled Gaddis of Kangra District; and 3. Pangwalas of Pangi Tehsil, Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh. The carrying capacity has been calculated for Pangi and Bharmour Sub-Tehsil and it has been observed that in both the places the size of population is beyond the capacity of the land. The pattern of body growth and respiratory functions among Transhumant Gaddis of Bharmour Sub-Tehsil, Chamba District and Settled Gaddis of Kangra District have been studied. Statistically non-significant differences in most of the biological variables have been observed among these groups.

Geographic and ethnic distribution of genetic markers in India. 2. Inv, Gm, Gc, ADA, AK, ap, PGM1, 6-PGD and EsD polymorphisms

In the literature widely scattered Indian data on the gene frequencies of Inv, Gm, Gc, ADA, AK, ap, PGM1, 6-PGD and EsD polymorphisms have been compiled. The geographic and ethnic impacts of these data are discussed.--Additionally the results of blood group (A1A2BO, MN), serum protein group (Hp, Gc, Tf, Gm, Inv) and enzyme group (AK, aP, PGM1, 6-PGD, EsD) typings on a sample of 101 Jains, a population group in the area around Delhi, are presented here.

Geographic and ethnic distribution of genetic markers in India. 1. Haptoglobin and transferrin polymorphisms

In the literature widely scattered Indian data on the gene frequencies of two polymorphic serum protein systems--haptoglobin (Hp) and transferrin (Tf)--have been compiled. In addition, the results of Hp and Tf typings on 111 individuals belonging to the caste groups of Brahmans (32), Rajputs (66), and Scheduled Caste (13) of Kausani of the Almora District, Uttar Pradesh (India) are presented.

Transferrin subtypes in six Indian population samples

Transferrin subtypings have been performed on three population samples originating from Himachal Pradesh, North India (Pangwala, Gaddi-Bharmour valley, Gaddi-Kangra district) and on three samples from Andhra Pradesh, South India (Koya, Konda Kammara, Lambadi). Among these six populations, marked differences in the distribution of Tf phenotype and allele frequencies are present. All Indian samples differ clearly from the hitherto reported TfC1 and TfC2 allele frequencies. In one of our Indian samples, the Pangwala, the most likely existence of a new Tf subtype variant (Tf Pangwala) could be demonstrated.

Fat distribution in lean and obese young Indian women: a densitometric and anthropometric evaluation

The pattern of fat distribution in lean and obese young Indian women was studied using seven girths and ten skinfold thicknesses. Though the lean and obese subjects differed significantly with respect to their body weight and total body fat content, body girths indicted that the proportion of fat distributed between the extremities and over the trunk region was essentially similar. By comparing skinfold thicknesses, it was observed that the fat women were merely an exaggeration of the fat profile pattern of the lean women. Although the pattern of subcutaneous fat distribution was similar in lean and obese subjects, the rate of fat deposition differed on different parts of the body with increase in total adiposity.

Genetic studies among Kanet and Koli of Kinnar district in Himachal Pradesh, India

Data are presented on serological and electrophoretic variants of 18 systems of red cells in 228 individuals belonging to a scheduled tribe (Kanet) and a scheduled caste (Koli) of Kinnar district in Himachal Pradesh, India. Differences in gene frequencies clearly indicate biological distinction in the local population. The possible cause of this genetic heterogeneity is discussed.

Ventilatory capacity among highland Bods: a possible adaptive mechanism at high altitude

Ventilatory capacity (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume and maximal voluntary ventilation) among Highland Bods (3514 m altitude) was higher than in an ethnically similar population residing at a lower altitude in Kulu Valley (1500--2200 m). Increased ventilatory capacity appears to have developed among native highlanders as a consequence of a biological response to high altitude. Numerous factors such as low oxygen pressure, increased work-load and minimal air pollution may explain these findings.

Lung function in highlander Bods of Ladakh

A cross-sectional sample of 221 male Bods, 11 to 19 years, from Leh, Ladakh, was studied to determine some biological responses to the environment. The higher forced vital capacity and increased association between chest measurements and respiratory function as well as increased chest dimensions of the Bods resemble the findings on highland Peruvians. These differences from lowland Bods and Indians may partially be attributable to low oxygen pressure in higher areas. However, the contributing effect of factors, viz. varying activity levels and genetics, cannot be dismissed.