Effects of drought stress memory on the accumulation of stress-protective compounds in naturally grown pine and spruce

Forest trees are subjected to multiple stressors during their long lifetime and therefore require effective and finely regulated stress-protective systems. Stressors can induce protective systems either directly or with the involvement of stress memory mechanisms. Stress memory has only begun to be uncovered in model plants and is unexplored in coniferous species. Therefore, we studied the possible role of stress memory in the regulation of the accumulation of stress-protective compounds (heat shock proteins, dehydrins, proline) in the needles of naturally grown Scots pine and Norway spruce trees subjected to the subsequent action of long-term (multiyear) and short-term (seasonal) water shortages. Although the water deficit was relatively mild, it significantly influenced the pattern of expression of stress memory-related heat shock factor (HSF) and SWI/SNF genes, indicating the formation of stress memory in both species. In spruce, dehydrin accumulation was increased by water shortage in a manner compatible with Type II stress memory. The accumulation of HSP40 in spruce needles was positively influenced by long-term water shortage, but this increase was unlikely to be of biological importance due to the concomitant decrease in HSP70, HSP90 and HSP101 accumulation. Finally, proline accumulation was negatively influenced by short-term water deficit in spruce. In pine, no one protective compound accumulated in response to water stress. Taken together, the results indicate that the accumulation of stress-protective compounds was generally independent of stress memory effects both in pine and in spruce.

Mineral Nutrition of Naturally Growing Scots Pine and Norway Spruce under Limited Water Supply

The deterioration of plant mineral nutrition during drought is a significant factor in the negative influence of drought on plant performance. We aimed to study the effects of seasonal and multiyear water shortages on nutrient supply and demand in Scots pine and Norway spruce. We studied pine and spruce trees naturally grown in the Bryansk region (Russia). The dynamics of several nutrients (K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Ca) in wood, needles, and bark of current-year twigs and the dynamics of the available pools of these elements at different soil depths were analysed. To assess the physiological consequences of changes in element concentrations, lipid peroxidation products and photosynthetic pigments were measured in the needles. Water shortage increased the wood concentrations of all elements except for Mn. In pine, this increase was mainly due to seasonal water deficit, whereas in spruce, multiyear differences in water supply were more important. This increased availability of nutrients was not observed in soil-based analyses. In needles, quite similar patterns of changes were found between species, with Mg increasing almost twofold and Fe and Mn decreasing under water shortage, whereas the remainder of the elements did not change much under differing water supplies. Neither the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments nor the contents of lipid peroxidation products correlated with element dynamics in needles. In summary, water shortage increased the availability of all elements except Mn for the plant; however, needle element contents were regulated independently of element availability for plants.

[3D modeling for planning of minimally invasive approach to the orbit]

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate own experience in 3D modeling for planning of minimally invasive approach to the orbit and anterior skull base.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 17-year-old patient admitted to the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery with complaints of decreased visual acuity of the left eye, lacrimation and exophthalmos. MRI revealed a tumor of the left orbit. We have preoperatively modeled frontoorbital region, anterior skull, as well as eyeball and tumor within the same model. Considering young age and potentially favorable prognosis of disease, we preferred a minimally invasive intervention (microsurgical resection of tumor through minimally invasive frontoorbital access).

RESULTS

Total resection of tumor was followed by examination of anterior skull base. There was postoperative regression of visual disturbances, lacrimation and exophthalmos. Sutures were removed after 5 days, and the patient was discharged.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive frontoorbital access is adequate for approach to the orbit, anterior and middle cranial fossa, adequate resection of orbital tumor and examination of anterior skull base. 3D modeling is an additional preoperative tool to improve the quality of preoperative planning and facilitate intraoperative navigation.

Instrumental markers of frequent symptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients with arterial hypertension

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Great attention of researchers is focused on the study of the features of electrical and structural remodeling of the heart in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and arterial hypertension (AH). Holter monitoring of the electrocardiogram (HM ECG) and echocardiography are used as methods for evaluating these changes.

Objectives

to determine instrumental markers of frequent symptomatic AF in patients with AH.

Methods

146 patients with AH stage II with AF (males 68 (46.6%)) and 26 patients with AH stage II (males 11 (42.3%)) were examined in Vinnitsa regional center of cardiovascular pathology. Mean age of patients with AH and AF was (61.2 ± 0.7) years and in group with AH (59.3 ± 2.2) years. The duration of AF was (5,7 ± 0,5) years. The frequency of AF attacks was (23,6 ± 1,2) days. Paroxysmal AF was in 56 (38.4%) patients and persistent AF was in 90 (61.6%) patients. 31 (21.2%) patients have vagal, 70 (47.9%) patients have adrenal and 45 (30.9%) patients have mixed variant of AF (by Coumel). All patients underwent HM ECG and transthoracic echocardiography according to the standard protocol.

Results

ECG markers of frequent symptomatic AF are: amount of frequent supraventricular premature beats (SPB) (2198 vs 24, p < 0,0001), including paired and group SPBs (83,3% vs 0, p < 0,0001), presence of short asymptomatic episodes supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia (SVPT)(33,3% vs 0, p < 0,0001) or AF (41,1% vs 0, p < 0,0001), increasing dispersion of QT interval (90 vs 70, p = 0,03) and decreasing dispersion ratio PQ/QT (0,50 vs 0,73, p = 0,03). Using the method of multiple linear regression, we determined the most informative combination of these markers: presence of SPBs more than 330 episodes/day + presence of pair and group SPBs and + presence of asymptomatic episodes of SVPT/AF (R = 0,52, p = 0,00002). Hemodynamic markers of frequent symptomatic AF are: significant increasing of absolute and relative indices of size/volume of left atrium (LA) (p < 0,0001), increasing of LA/right atrium (1,12 vs 0,92, p < 0,0001) and LA volume (LAV)/left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM) (0,27 vs 0,21, p < 0,0001), decreasing Ve/Va (0,82, vs 0,92, p = 0,01) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT)(88 vs 97, p = 0,01); mitral (72,2% vs 46,2%, p = 0,01) and tricuspid (48% vs 23,1%, p = 0,02) regurgitation. Using the method of multiple linear regression, the most informative combination of these markers is: the ratio of LAV/LVMM > 0.23 ml/g + LA> 40 mm + presence of mitral regurgitation (R = 0,49, p = 0,00009).

Conclusions

As the most informative ECG markers of frequent symptomatic AF in patients with AH is combination of frequent SPBs (> 330 episodes/day) with pair and group SPBs and asymptomatic episodes SVPT/AF (R = 0,52, p = 0.00002 ), while echocardiography combination of markers is ratio of LAV/LVMM > 0.23 ml/g + LA> 40 mm + presence of mitral regurgitation (R = 0.49, p = 0.00009).

[Skull defect repair in children using a 3D-printing technology]

Currently, 3D-printing technologies are increasingly used in neurosurgery. Active development of this approach is valuable to improve preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and manufacturing of realistic training models. In this manuscript, the authors report an experience of the pediatric neurosurgical department of the Almazov National Medical Research Center regarding 3D-printing technologies in manufacturing of individual implants for skull defect closure. The main aspects of this technology, advantages and disadvantages are considered. Moreover, the authors describe several cases of creating individual implants for children with skull defects of various origins, dimensions and complexity.

Long-term impact of cement plant emissions on the elemental composition of both soils and pine stands and on the formation of Scots pine seeds

We investigated the long-term impact of the largest Russian cement plant on mesopodzol sandy soils and Scots pine stands. We determined the distributions of the total and available pools of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb and Cd in the soil profile to a depth of 60 cm (illuvial horizon) as well as the accumulation patterns of these elements in the vegetative and generative organs of Scots pine trees. High Ca accumulation in the impact zone soils was a result of CaO emissions by a cement plant. Also, CaO became the main cause of soil profile alkalization due to neutralization of soil acids and formation of calcium hydroxide or carbonates. Alkalization immobilized substantial amounts of Fe, Mn, Zn and Ni in the soil, reducing their availability. The most prominent effect of long-term cement production was a prominent Mn deficiency in vegetative and generative Scots pine organs due to the exhaustion of the available Mn pool in the illuvial horizon. The miniaturization of cones, a decrease in seed yield and a reduction in seed germinability were observed in the emission impact zones. Pretreatment of Mn-deficient seeds with manganese eliminated Mn deficiency but did not increase seed germination.

[Association of the -844G>A polymorphism in the catalase gene with the increased risk of essential hypertension in smokers]

AIM

To investigate whether the functionally relevant -844G>A promotor polymorphism in the catalase (CAT) gene is associated with the development of essential hypertension (EH).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The investigation enrolled 2,339 unrelated ethnic Russian people, including 1,269 EH patients and 770 apparently healthy individuals. Genotyping of CAT -844G>A (rs769214) polymorphism was performed using a TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

RESULTS

The -844A allele (odds ratio (OR)=1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04 to 1.64; р=0.02) and the -844AA genotype (OR=1.41; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.94; р=0.03) were found to be related to a higher risk of EH in the smokers. No association was found between this polymorphism and EH risk in the non-smokers.

CONCLUSION

Smoking is a predisposing factor for development of EH in CAT -844AA genotype carriers.

Effect of Doxazosin on Autonomic Nervous Control and Urodynamics of Rat Urinary Bladder during Modeled Infravesical Obstruction

The therapeutic effect of doxazosin (40 μg/kg/day over one month) on urinary bladder was examined in female rats with modeled chronic infravesical obstruction (IVO) produced by graduated mechanical constriction of the proximal urethral segment. In one month, IVO induced a pronounced vesical hypertrophy both in treated and untreated rats that manifested in increased bladder weight and capacity, the latter increment being pronouncedly greater in treated rats. In untreated IVO rats, infusion cystometry revealed elevated basal intravesical pressure of void bladder P₀, markedly increased maximal (premicturitional) pressure P_max, and increased amplitude of spontaneous oscillations of intravesical pressure ΔP_det in filled bladder. Doxazosin produced no significant effect on P_max rise during IVO, but prevented elevation of P₀ and increment of ΔP_det in filled bladder. During gradual filling of urinary bladder in control (intact) rats, the parasympathetic vesical influences increased progressively, while in untreated IVO rats, the adrenergic influences prevailed even at maximal filling of the bladder. In IVO rats, doxazosin prevented the bias of the sympathetic-parasympathetic balance in the filled bladder in favor of sympathetic influences, but did not prevent this bias in a void bladder. It is hypothesized that α-adrenoblockers improve micturition during IVO caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia not only by decreasing the urethral resistance to urine flow due to down-regulation of prostate smooth muscle tone, but also by a direct action of these blockers on detrusor adrenergic receptors and central structures involved in urinary bladder control.

[Granulomatous inflammation in the bed of resected cerebral cavernoma in a child, caused by a hemostatic agent]

OBJECTIVE

The study presents a clinical observation of foreign body granuloma, which is rare productive inflammation, developed on treatment with a hemostatic material upon removal of cerebral cavernoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 4-year-old boy operated on for left parietal lobe cavernoma was diagnosed with a mass lesion during a follow-up MRI examination 4 months after surgery. The patient was re-operated in connection with suspected abscess formation. The pathological tissue was subjected to the histological and immunohistochemical examination.

RESULTS

Inflammation was accompanied by the formation of foreign body granulomas, and, in some areas, had immune nature with signs of focal destructive vasculitis, delayed maturation of the granulation tissue, and disturbance of the current organization and encapsulation processes. It is worth noting that granulomatous inflammation around a hemostatic material in the brain has no specific features during introscopy and mimics an abscess or tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The use of hemostatic materials upon resection of cerebral cavernous malformations may cause formation of granuloma mimicking disease relapse or abscess in the long term period. To prevent granulomatous inflammation, removal of a hemostatic material, if possible, from the surgical field is recommended when reliable hemostasis is achieved.

Association of Flavin Monooxygenase Gene E158K Polymorphism with Chronic Heart Disease Risk

We studied the relationship between the risk of chronic heart disease and FMO3 gene polymorphism E158K analyzed by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The homozygous 158KK genotype of FMO3 gene is associated with high risk of chronic heart disease in women, but not in men. FMO3 gene polymorphism E158K is a significant predictor of predisposition to chronic heart disease in women.

[Genetic and biochemical mechanisms of involvement of antioxidant defense enzymes in the development of bronchial asthma]

In the present review we have analyzed and summarized recent literature data on genetic and biochemical mechanisms responsible for involvement of antioxidant defense enzymes in the etiology and pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. It has been shown that the mechanisms of asthma development are linked with genetically determined abnormalities in the functioning of antioxidant defense enzymes. These alterations are accompanied by a systemic imbalance between oxidative and anti-oxidative reactions with the shift of the redox state toward increased free radical production and oxidative stress, a key element in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.

[The combined effect of E298D polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and smoking on the risk of cerebral stroke]

Violations of the endothelium-dependent regulation of cerebral vessel tone are an important link in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of--86T>C and E298D polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase(NOS3) gene with the risk of ce-ebral stroke (CS) in Russian inhabitants of Central Russia, as well as to evaluate the trigger effect of smoking on the risk of CS in carriers of genotypes NOS3. Genotyping of-786T>C and E298D polymorphisms of the NOS3 gene was carried out through real time. CR and TaqMan allele discrimination assays. It was deter-ined that the genotype 298DD is associated with the risk of CS (OR =-1.71, 95% CII= 1.05-2.78, P= 0.03). Subsequent analysis showed that genotype 298 DD (OR = 3.75; 95% CII= 1.39-10.11; P= 0.01) is associatedw ith an increased risk of CS exclusively in smoking individuals. The combination ofg enotypes -786T/Cx298D/D was associated with the risk of CS. n smokers (OR = 7.71; 95% CI = 1.31-45.34; P = 0.02). In the present study, it was found that smoking is a significant modifying risk factor for cerebral stroke in the carriers of the 298DD and -786T/C. enotypes of endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

[GENDER-SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES OF ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE E298D POLYMORPHISM AND THE RISK OF STROKE]

Genetic factors can account for the differences in the frequency of stroke between men and women. Despite the scarcity of special clinico-genetic studies of stroke frequency in the two genders, analysis of association between DNA polymorphism and risk of stroke may reveal the influence of genetic factors on the sex-related predisposition to cerebrovascular diseases. The present work was aimed to study the relationship between frequent polymorphisms -786T > C of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene E298D and the risk of stroke in men and women. 904 DNA samples were obtained from unrelated Russian residents of Central Russia including 480 stroke patients and 424 healthy volunteers. Genotyping was performed by PCR in real time with allele discrimination using TaqMan probes. The homoygous genotype of NOS3 gene E298D was found to be associated with an increased risk of stroke in men (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.28-5.29, p = 0.01). Neither men nor women showed association of polymorphism -786T > C with the predisposition to stroke. The E298D genotype in men was associated with the enhanced risk of both ischemic (OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.14-4.96, p = 0.02) and hemorrhagic (OR 5,58; 95% CI 1.95-16.05, p = 0.003) stroke. Thus, NOS3 gene E298D polymorphism is a reliable predictor of predisposition to various pathogenetic variants of stroke only in men.

[Association of T174M polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene with the higher risk of cerebral stroke in women]

AIM

To study the association of M235T (rs699) and T174M (rs4762) polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene with the risk of cerebral stroke (CS) in the Russians of the Central Chernozem Region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 638 DNA samples obtained from 353 patients with CS and 285 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals were examined. The polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (T174M) and TaqMan allelic discrimination (M235T) assays.

RESULTS

Heterozygous AGT 174TM genotype carriers were found to be at a higher risk for CS (odd ratio (OR) = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-2.15; p = 0.02). A gender-stratified analysis showed that the mutant 174M allele (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.14-3.03, p = 0.01) and variant 174TM and 174MM genotypes (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.09-3.20; p = 0.02) were associated with the higher risk of cerebral stroke in women.

CONCLUSION

The association of AGT T174M polymorphism with the risk of CS was first found; but the higher risk of the disease in the carriers of variant alleles and genotypes was observed in the women only.

[The association study of the promoter polymorphism -308G>A of tumor necrosis factor gene with the development and severity of acute pancreatitis in Russian population of Kursk region]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the polymorphism -308G>A of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene and the risk and severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in unrelated Russians from Kursk region. DNA samples were obtained from 190 AP patients and 217 healthy controls for genotyping the polymorphism through a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Although -308G>A genotypes did not show a significant association with disease risk, the genotype -308GA was found to be associated only with non-severe type of acute alcohol-related pancreatitis (odds ratio 1.81 (95% CI 1.02-3.23 p=0.04).

[A protective effect of GLY272SER polymorphism of GNB3 gene in development of essential hypertension and its relations with environmental hypertension risk factors]

AIM

To study associations of C825T (rs5443) and G272S (rs16932941) polymorphisms of GNB3 gene in Russian population of the Central Chernozem region with essential hypertension (EH) risk; to elicit the role of environmental risk factors in realization of EH predisposition in this gene genotypes carriers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied DNA samples obtained from 205 EH patients and 207 healthy individuals. EH patients were treated in Kursk hospitals. Genotyping of GNB3 gene polymorphisms was conducted by polymerase chain reaction and restriction analysis.

RESULTS

Prevalence of 82ST allele of GNB3 gene in EH patients and healthy individual was 0.334 and 0.295, respectively, of 272S allele--0.037 and 0.058, respectively. We found no significant differences by prevalence of genotypes of gene GNB3 polymorphisms C825T and G272S in EH patients and healthy individuals. Non-smoking carriers of 272GS genotype had a low risk of EH (OR 0.42 in 95% CI from 0.18 to 0.97; p = 0.04). Smokers had no protective effect of this genotype. The protective effect of 272GS genotype was also found in individuals with low or moderate alcohol drinking habits (OR 0.29 in 95% CI from 0.11 to 0.77, p = 0.02) and in individuals without chronic exposure to stress (OR 0.29 in 95% CI from 0.09 to 0.91, p = 0.04). In contrast, hard drinkers and patients exposed to chronic stress had no protective effect of heterozygous genotype 272GS of gene GNB3.

CONCLUSION

G272S polymorphism of GNB3 gene can be considered as a new genetic marker of predisposition to EH. The protective effect depends of environmental factors associated with high risk to develop EH.

[Polymorphism Gly460Trp of alpha-adducin gene and predisposition to essential hypertension. The role of gene-environment interactions in the development of the disease in Russian population]

In this study we for the first time in Russian population elucidated association between G460W polymorphism of -adducin gene (ADD1) and risk of development of hypertensive disease (HD). DNA samples from 205 patients with HD and 207 healthy nonrelated individuals of Russian nationality were genotyped for G460W polymorphism of ADD1 gene by polymerase chain reaction and restriction analysis. We detected no statistically significant differences between groups of healthy people and patients with HD. But among smokers with 460GW genotype of ADD1 gene we found elevated risk of HD development (OR 2.71, 95%CI 1.01-7.26; p=0.04). Among nonsmokers the given genotype did not influence risk of origination of the disease (OR 0.67, 95%CI 0.39-1.15; p=0.15). Moreover carriers of 460GW genotype who did not consume fresh vegetables and fruits or consumed them insufficiently (once a day or less) had the highest risk of HD development (OR 2.24, 95%CI 1.06-4.73; p=0.03) while in subjects who consumed fresh vegetables and fruits regularly the given genotype possessed protective properties in relation to risk of development of the disease (OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.09-0.68; p=0.005). Thus in the studied Russian population G460W polymorphism of ADD1 gene can be considered as predisposition gene to HD, but its pathological effect is manifested solely under influence of environmental factors.

Genetic variation of myeloperoxidase gene contributes to atopic asthma susceptibility: a preliminary association study in Russian population

BACKGROUND

Recently, we have shown that both antioxidant and oxidant genes are proper candidates for asthma susceptibility genes.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study we investigated whether a common polymorphism -463G > A in the promoter of myeloperoxidase (MPO) gene, an enzyme producing hypohalogenic oxidants, is associated with the risk of bronchial asthma.

METHODS

We studied 429 unrelated Russian subjects including 215 asthmatic patients and 214 sex- and age-matched healthy controls from Central Russia. The genotyping of the polymorphism -463G > A in the MPO gene was performed by the polymerase chain reaction and the restriction fragment length polymorphism assays.

RESULTS

It was found that a carriage of a -463A allele is associated with decreased risk of asthma (OR 0.64 95%CI 0.44-0.91, p = 0.013). Furthermore, variant genotypes (-463GA + AA) of the MPO gene were associated with decreased risk of asthma (OR adjusted by age, gender, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) level was 0.63 95%CI 0.42-0.95), but at a borderline statistical significance (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.017). Further analysis revealed that both a -463A allele and the -463GA/AA genotypes are significantly associated with decreased risk of atopic asthma (p = 0.01). No association of the -463G > A polymorphism of the MPO gene with non-atopic asthma has been revealed. We also found that the allele -463A (OR = 0.47 95%CI 0.27-0.81, p = 0.01) and the -463GA + AA genotypes (OR 0.43 95%CI 0.24-0.78, p = 0.005) are significantly associated with decreased risk of late-onset atopic asthma (the disease onset after 30 years). No association of both allele and genotypes of the polymorphism -463G > A of the MPO gene with early-onset of atopic and non-atopic asthma (the disease before 30 years) was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide novel insights into pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. We put forward a suggestion about a possible mechanism by which the -463G > A polymorphism of the MPO gene is involved into pathogenesis of asthma.

Tobacco smoking, fruit and vegetable intake modify association between -21A>T polymorphism of catalase gene and risk of bronchial asthma

Although oxidative stress is a cardinal feature of bronchial asthma, the role of interactions between environmental oxidant/antioxidant exposures and antioxidant genes in asthma aetiology has yet to be determined. The present study was conducted to investigate whether two common polymorphisms -21A > T and -262C > T of catalase (CAT) gene are associated with susceptibility to asthma in a Russian population and to test the hypothesis that the asthma risk attributed to CAT genotypes could be dependent on both oxidant (tobacco smoking) and antioxidant (fruit and vegetable intake) exposures. A total of 429 unrelated Russian individuals from Central Russia were recruited in the study, including 215 asthmatics and 214 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Genotyping analysis for the CAT gene polymorphisms was performed by PCR-RFLP assays. The frequencies of both allele -21A (OR 0.73 95%CI 0.55-0.96 p = 0.03) and -21AA CAT genotype (OR 0.42 95%CI 0.23-0.76 p = 0.004) were higher among asthmatics than among healthy controls. The frequency of -21AA genotype of the CAT gene was significantly higher in patients with allergic (OR 0.47 95%CI 0.25-0.92 p = 0.024) and nonallergic (OR 0.32 95%CI 0.14-0.71 p = 0.004) asthma in comparison with controls (at the Bonferroni corrected p value less than 0.025). Polymorphisms -21A > T and -262C > T of the catalase gene were in a positive linkage disequilibrium (p < 0.0001). Smokers who carried -21AA genotype had an increased risk of nonallergic asthma (p = 0.002), whereas nonsmoker carriers of this genotype did not have the risk of any variant of the disease. Notably, no association of CAT genotype -21AA with asthma was found in high fruit and vegetable consumers, whereas low fruit and vegetable consumers (one time per day or less often) possessing this genotype were at increased risk of both allergic (p = 0.013) and nonallergic (p = 0.008) asthma. This is the first study reporting an association of polymorphism -21A > T of the catalase gene with allergic and nonallergic asthma. We also found, for the first time, that cigarette smoking and fruit and vegetable intakes have potentially inverse modifying influences on the asthma risk in individuals with -21AA CAT genotype and that the gene-environment interactions that were found support the biologic plausibility of catalase gene for the development of bronchial asthma.

[Influence of three point mutations in TNF-alpha promoter gene in clinical manifestations and complications of stomach and duodenal ulcer]

The purpose of our study was to investigate whether polymorphisms -238G/A, -308G/A, and -863C/A within the promoter of the TNF-alpha gene are associated with clinical features of gastric and duodenal ulcer disease in a Russian population. DNA samples of 381 unrelated patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer disease and 216 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were used to determine the TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP assay. Logistic regression analysis has revealed significant associations of polymorphism -308G/A with size of ulcerous defect (p=0.03) and intestinal dyspepsia (p=0.05), polymorphism -238G/A with gastric dyspepsia (p=0.04) and reflux-esophagitis (p=0.05), polymorphism -863C/A with perforation of ulcer (p=0.04). The study results highlight impact of the TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms on various clinical features in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

[Polymorphism -930A > G of the cytochrome b gene is a novel genetic marker of predisposition to bronchial asthma]

AIM

To evaluate the link between promotional polymorphism -930A > G of the cytochrome b gene (CYBA) and onset of bronchial asthma; to examine effects of this locus on the risk of the disease development depending on the pro- and antioxidant action of environmental factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied samples of DNA obtained from 214 healthy individuals and 215 patients with bronchial asthma treated in Regional Kursk Hospital. We used polymerase chain reaction and analysed polymorphism of restriction fragments lengths for genotyping of -930A > G polymorphism of CYBA gene.

RESULTS

Incidence of a variant allele -930G of CYBA gene among men with nonallergic bronchial asthma (nBA) was higher than in healthy men (OR 1.95; CI 1.02-3.73; p = 0.04). The homozygous variant genotype -930G/G was associated with a high risk of nBA in males (OR 2.66; CI 1.14-6.20; p = 0.02). In healthy individuals polymorphisms -930A > G and 640A > G were in negative linkage equilibrium (D = -0.057; p < 0.001) while in patients such associations were not registered. Male smokers with genotype -930G/G had the highest risk of nBA (OR 2.86; CI 1.06-7.77; p = 0.04) while non-smokers with this genotype had no risk of the disease (OR 1.50; CI 0.11-19.64; p = 0.70). Males with -930G/G on low or no vegetable diet had the highest risk of nBA (OR 3.11; CI 1.01-9.63; p = 0.04) while regular vegetable eaters had no risk to develop nBA (OR 0.73; CI 0.30-1.82; p = 0.50).

CONCLUSION

We were the first to find relations between -930A > G polymorphism of CYBA gene and predisposition to nBA. This association exists in males and depends on the smoking status and vegetable diet.

[Association of C242T and A640G polymorphisms in the gene for p22phox subunit of NADPH oxidase with the risk of bronchial asthma: a pilot study]

Genetic control of free radical oxidation, generation of reactive oxygen species, as well as of preoxidant and antioxidant balance in airway diseases, including bronchial asthma, is an important issue of the research in pulmonology. The present study is the first investigation of association between two common polymorphisms, C242T (exon 4) and A640G (3' untranslated region), within the NADPH oxidase gene (CYBA) and the risk of bronchial asthma. Samples of asthma patients (n =209) and healthy controls (n = 210) of Russian nationality were examined. Genotyping of the CYBA C242T and A640G polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. It was demonstrated that the frequency of heterozygous CYBA genotype A640G in bronchial asthma patient group was lower than that in control group (OR = 0.66; 95%CI, 0.45-0.97; P = 0.04). Separate analysis of different clinical pathogenetic variants of the disease showed that homozygous wild-type CYBA genotype A640A was associated with the increased risk of allergic bronchial asthma (OR = 1.76; 95%CI, 1.07-2.90; P = 0.03), while heterozygous CYBA genotype A640G was associated with the decreased risk of this form of the disease (OR = 0.63; 95%CI, 0.41-0.96; P = 0.03). Thus, a new candidate gene for allergic bronchial asthma was discovered. Possible mechanisms of the involvement of CYBA in the development of asthmatic phenotype are discussed.

[Investigation of the sensory organs on antennae of the horseflies Hybomitra bimaculata and Tabanus bovinus (Diptera: Tabanidae) by scanning electron microscope]

Sensory organs on the antennae of the horseflies Hybomitra bimaculata Macq. and Tabanus bovinus Loew are represented by the same morphological types of sensilla. Never differences in the topographical distribution of the sensilla on antennae have been also found, which can be explained by the similarity of ecological and behavioural adaptations of these insects. First and second antennal segments are found to be supplied with tactile hairs and proprioceptors. Other antennal segments bear sensory organs of several morphological types. Short thin olfactory hairs are most numerous among them. They are present on all segments of the antennal flagellum and belong to two morphological types different by the hair length. In the upper parts of the antennal segments from third to seventh several sensilla trichoidea are present, which probably serve as tactile and taste receptors.

The relationship between polymorphisms in the glutamate cysteine ligase gene and asthma susceptibility

The present study was designed to investigate an association of common -588C/T and -23G/T polymorphisms within glutamate cysteine ligase modifier subunit gene with susceptibility to bronchial asthma. A total of 435 ethnically Russian subjects were recruited in this study, including 221 patients with asthma and 214 sex and age matched healthy subjects. As previously reported, the -588C/T and -23G/T polymorphisms were completely linked. The -588TT/-23TT genotype was found to be associated with decreased risk of allergic asthma after adjustment for age, gender and smoking status using multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR=0.33 95% CI 0.15-0.70, p=0.036). However, the -588CT/-23GT genotype was associated with increased risk of non-allergic asthma (OR=2.03 95% CI 1.05-3.90, p=0.06). This is a first study reporting the association between genetic variations in the glutamate cysteine ligase gene and susceptibility to bronchial asthma.

Polymorphisms at locus D1S80 and other hypervariable regions in the analysis of Eastern European ethnic group relationships

BACKGROUND

It has been hypothesized that, whereas many loci are used to generate phylogenetic relationships, the utilization of those that yield the most information could increase the accuracy of any multilocus phylogenetic reconstruction. Among these is the D1S80 hypervariable minisatellite region, which has been shown to be highly polymorphic globally, and it was of interest to compare the nearest neighbours and distant populations of Eastern Europe using the D1S80 polymorphism.

AIM

The study evaluated the capacity of the D1S80 locus to discriminate between populations from different ethnic groups in Russia and the Republic of Belarus, revealing the polymorphism parameters of the populations studied.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Hypervariable D1S80 minisatellite polymorphism was studied in 15 populations, belonging to six distinct ethnic groups from the Russian Federation (Russians, Komis, Maris, Udmurts, Kalmyks, and Yakuts) and the Republic of Belarus (Byelorussians). The data were analysed with other results reported for D1S80 polymorphism among Eastern Europeans, and were analysed together with those previously reported for Eastern European populations for the 3'ApoB, DMPK, DRPLA, and SCA1 hypervariable loci. Genetic diversity analysis was carried out using multidimensional scaling (MDS) of Nei's genetic distances.

RESULTS

The Eastern Slavonic populations (Russians, Ukrainians, and Byelorussians) are closely associated, and outermost from populations of Asian origin (Kalmyks and Yakuts). The populations that inhabit the Volga-Ural region (Udmurt, Komi, Mari, and Bashkir ethnic groups) revealed intermediate characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The clustering of populations demonstrated here using D1S80 alone coincides with the analysis of five hypervariable region (HVR) loci, and is consistent with linguistic, geographic, and ethnohistorical data. These results are in agreement with most studies of mtDNA, Y-chromosomal, and autosomal DNA diversity in Eastern Europe. The D1S80 locus is convenient for population analyses, and may be used as part of a set of similar markers, which should allow the easy resolution of small differences in population structures.

[Heterozygosity of 198LEU mutant allele in glutathione peroxidase-1 gene as a risk factor of bronchial asthma associated with smoking]

AIM

To investigate whether smoking has a differential effect by Pro198Leu genotypes of the glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx1) gene on the risk of bronchial asthma (BA) in Russian population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

DNA samples from 195 asthmatics and 167 healthy volunteers were genotyped for Pro198Leu polymorphism of the GPx1 gene by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length analysis.

RESULTS

Smoking was significantly associated with an increased risk of non-allergic BA in males but not in females (p < 0.00001). When smoking was examined according to Prol98Leu polymorphism of the GPx1 gene, association of 198Pro/Leu genotype with susceptibility to allergic BA was found only in male smokers (odds ratio = 2.51, 95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 6.06, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The risk of allergic BA associated with smoking is increased in males who are heterozygous carriers for the low-activity 198Leu allele of the glutathione peroxidase-1 gene. The importance of molecular mechanisms is shown by which functional variants of antioxidant defense genes may mediate potentially oxidative effects of tobacco smoke on asthmatic phenotype.

[Molecular diagnosis and frequencies of primary hypolactasia in populations of RUSSIA and neighboring countries]

The digestion of the milk sugar (lactose) is observed every normal child but not in every adult. The decreased lactase synthesis in some adults results in problems with digestion of the whole milk (primary hypolactasy). An association of lactase activity in adults with carrying of the allele T within the polymorphism C/T-13910 located upstream of the lactase gene and 100% association of hypolactasy with the genotype C/C has recently been shown for a Finnish sample. In the present work we determined the LCT* C/T_13910 genotypes and allele frequencies in populations from Russia. The genotype C/C frequencies varied from 36.6% for Russians to 88.2% for Chukchi and were close to the published medical and epidemiological data on hypolactasy frequencies in respective populations. Genotyping was performed by three different methods to identify the optimal one. Our results have shown that the studied locus is the key determinant for the primary hypolactasy development in various human populations. Consequently, the DNA diagnostics of the C/C genotype carrying is a promising predictive test to detect the primary hypolactasy long before its clinical development. Practical application of this type of diagnostics would be a step towards the individual-oriented medicine.

[Dynamics of echocardiography indices in different types of structural and geometric remodeling of the heart left ventricle during long-term treatment]

The author analyzed dynamics of echocardiography figures under different types structural and geometric remodeling of left ventricle of the heart during two-year treatment. 114 patients (average age 62.2 +/- 1.1) with ischemic heart disease in combination with II-III stage arterial hypertension, complicated with heart failure of class II to class II according to the classification of New York Heart Association and different cardiac arrhythmias have been examined. Long term therapy has been demonstrated to be of limited success in terms of influence on diastolic characteristics of structurally changed myocardium in patients with concentric hypertrophy of the heart. The positive effect of the treatment on contraction function of the heart of patients with eccentric hypertrophy was proved to have tendency to increase during long term treatment.

[Polymorphism of Y-chromosomal microsatellites in Russian populations from the northern and southern Russia as exemplified by the populations of Kursk and Arkhangel'sk Oblast]

Allelic polymorphisms at five Y-chromosomal microsatellite loci (DYS19, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393) were typed in 87 individuals from male population samples from two geographically isolated regions (Arkhangelsk oblast and Kursk oblast) of the European part of Russia. The populations examined demonstrated substantial differences in the distribution of the DYS392 (P = 0.005) and DYS393 (P = 0.003) alleles. Estimates of genetic relationships between these populations and some other European populations (including Eastern-Slavic) showed that irrespectively of the measure of genetic distance chosen, Arkhangelsk population was closer to the populations belonging to the Finno-Ugric linguistic group (Saami and Estonians) and to the Estonian geographical neighbors, Latvians, while Kursk population was the member of a cluster formed by Eastern-Slavic populations (Russians of Novgorod oblast, Ukrainians, and Belarussians). Phylogenetic analysis of the most frequent haplotypes indicated that these differences between Kursk and Arkhangelsk populations were associated with high prevalence in the latter of major haplotypes characteristic primarily of the Finno-Ugric populations.

[Forensic chemical detection of furadan]

Isolation of furadan from biological material by ethyl acetate is considered. Column chromatography with silicone gel L 100/160micro was used to purify extractions from biological objects. A technique was elaborated for identification and quantitation of furadan in cadavers. It is possible to use this technique in forensic expert examination.

The Contribution of Genetic and Environmental Factors to Quantitative Variability of Erythrocyte Membrane Proteins in Primary Hypotension

Our previous studies have shown that, compared with healthy individuals, patients with primary arterial hypotension (PAH) have significant quantitative changes in erythrocyte membrane proteins. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the contribution made by genetic and environmental factors to quantitative variation of erythrocyte membrane proteins in PAH. We studied 109 hypotensive patients, 124 normotensive subjects, 222 of their first-degree relatives and 24 twin pairs by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The decomposition of total phenotypic variance of erythrocyte membrane proteins to genetic and environmental components was performed on the basis of correlations among first-degree relatives by the least squares method. The genetic dominance and shared environmental factors were found to influence the variability of cytoskeletal membrane proteins whose contents were changed in PAH. Furthermore, variations in alpha-spectrin, actin and anion exchanger in hypotensives were substantially influenced by major gene and maternal effects. Ankyrin 2.1 and actin content was under the control of common underlying genes. Variations in membrane-associated glutathione-S-transferase and tropomyosin were predominantly affected by polygenes. These findings suggest that the putative major genes with pleiotropic effects appear to be involved in the control of quantitative disorders of erythrocyte membrane proteins in primary hypotension.

[Behavioral reactions of the horse flies of the genus Hybomitra (Diptera: Tabanidae) during a flight around a host and searching places for bloodsucking]

Flight trajectories of horse flies Hybomitra attacking a single host (a cow) have been registered on record cards by the method of Knipest (1981). The trajectories in a search on integuments of preferred places for feeding are described, as well as the responses caused by defensive activity of the cow are considered. The role of sensory systems in a regulation of the feeding reactions of the horse-flies is discussed.

[Regulation of tonus of the autonomic nervous system in patients with frequently relapsing atrial fibrillation]

An evaluation was carried out of variability of the heart's rhythm in 269 patients with ischemic heart disease and/or hypertensive disease, their age ranging between 43 to 82 years, complicated by frequently relapsing atrial fibrillation. It is shown that in those patients presenting with frequent recurrences of arrhythmia over the course of a 24-hour period, there comes to be a considerable decline in the power of total variability of cardiac rhythm, and all spectral components and a shift in the sympathetic/parasympathetic system balance in favour of the sympathetic one. Analyzed the study were particular features of regulation of tension of the vegetative nervous system in different clinical forms of atrial fibrillation. Patients with frequently recurring atrial fibrillation have been shown to constitute rather a miscellaneous group as to patterns of the cardiac rhythm variability, which fact is to be taken account of in conducting prophylactic antiarrhythmic therapy of recurrencies of atrial fibrillation.

Apolipoprotein B 3'-VNTR polymorphism in Eastern European populations

Apolipoprotein B 3' (3' ApoB) minisatellite polymorphism was studied in healthy unrelated individuals from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, in 10 populations from five ethnic groups: Russians, Byelorussians, Adygeis, Kalmyks and Yakuts. The analysis was carried out using PCR and electrophoresis followed by silver staining. Overall, 25 alleles of the 3' ApoB minisatellite, ranging from 25 to 55 repeats, were detected. Heterozygosity indices were high and varied from 0.73 to 0.84. The distributions of alleles of this minisatellite in the Caucasoid populations (Russians, Byelorussians and Adygeis) had a bimodal character, whereas that for Mongoloid populations (Kalmyks and Yakuts) had a unimodal distribution. Nei's genetic distances between the populations studied and some reference populations of Europe and Asia were estimated. Despite their allele distribution homogeneity, different East Slavonic ethnic groups were clearly resolved by multidimensional analyses. The East Slavonic and Adygei populations revealed a high similarity with European Caucasoids. The Mongoloid populations (Kalmyks and Yakuts) were considerably different from those of the European Caucasoid populations, but were similar to other Asian Mongoloid populations. The results demonstrate the variability of 3' ApoB minisatellite polymorphism not only in distant populations but also, to a certain extent, in genetically relative ones.

The role of gravity in the phylogeny of structure and function in animal sensors of spatial orientation, and their predicted action in weightlessness

The evolution of the structural, functional and cytochemical organization of the gravity receptor which determines a body position in the gravitational field of the earth by means of muscular regulation was traced both invertebrates and vertebrates, using electron microscopic and histochemical methods. In the course of evolution of vertebrates, the specialized gravity receptor-statocyst which, as a rule, consists of primary sensory cells and supplies otoliths, is formed. In vertebrates, there exists a vestibular apparatus made up of secondary sensory cells and also having otoliths. The receptor cells, both of statocysts and the vestibular apparatus, are supplied with special antennas (kinocilia and stereocilia). Deviation of the antennas stimulated by displacement of the otoliths resulting from locomotor activity of animals leads to excitation of the receptor cells. When exposed to a modified gravitational field (linear accelerations of 10 g, for 3 min), the receptor cells of the vestibular apparatus, in all classes of vertebrates, show progressive changes in RNA content and protein synthesis (increase followed by decrease) which return to normal only after 12 days. Thus, immediate transfer of animals and man from acceleration to weightlessness appears to be a reason for movement disease. The above consideration showed the need for an experiment in which an animal (with its vestibular apparatus) which had not undergone previous accelerations, would be exposed to weightlessness. Frog embryos, Rana temporaria, at the stage preceding the organogenesis, when the vestibular apparatus and other organs were lacking, were chosen as a suitable subject. Frog embryos at the stage of an early gastrula were placed in a special container Emkon aboard the Soyuz 10 spacecraft. After short accelerations, they were exposed to weightlessness for 44 hours. The embryos were allowed to continue to develop to the stage of early tail bud. The experimental embryos showed normally developed acoustic vesicles and vestibular ganglia. Clear differentiation of the receptor cells with antennas (kinocilia and stereocilia) was found in the acoustic vesicles. Thus, in weightlessness, vestibular apparatus develops just as well as in the gravitational field of the earth. However, only a much longer stay in weightlessness conditions will indicate whether there are any changes in the structural, cytochemical and functional organization of vestibular apparatus. The similarity in the structural, functional and cytochemical organization of the gravity receptor in vertebrates and invertebrates appears to allow the prediction of the behaviour of the gravity receptor as a whole, and of its receptor elements, both in normal and changed gravitational fields. The first attempts were carried out only on the vestibular apparatus of vertebrates.

Polymorphism of trinucleotide repeats in loci DM, DRPLA and SCA1 in East European populations

A normal polymorphism at three triplet repeat loci (myotonic dystrophy (DM), dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1)) were examined in healthy unrelated individuals from the Siberian Yakut (Mongoloid) population, the Adygei (Caucasian) population and nine East European populations: populations from Russia (Holmogory, Oshevensk, Kursk, Novgorod, Udmurts, Bashkir), two Ukrainian populations (Lviv and Alchevsk) and one Belarussian. The distribution of alleles for DRPLA and SCA1 were similar for all East-European populations. For the DM locus, East European populations had typical allele distribution profiles with two modes, (CTG)5 and (CTG)11-14, but some differences were found for the Bashkir population where alleles containing 11-14 CTG repeats had relatively higher frequency. The Yakut population had different allele spectra for all types of repeats studied. Higher heterozygosity levels and insignificant differences between expected and observed heterozygosity were found for all tested loci. The latter led us to suggest that the trinucleotide repeat loci analysed are not influenced by selection factors and could be useful for genetic relationship investigations in different populations.

[Contents of the main erythrocyte membrane proteins in patients with primary arterial hypertension and its relationship with hereditary predisposition to cardiovascular diseases]

AIM

To study quantitative content of main erythrocyte membrane proteins in patients with primary arterial hypotension and its relationship with hereditary predisposition to cardiovascular disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Quantitative content of main erythrocyte membrane proteins in 109 patients with primary arterial hypotension (PAH) and 124 healthy persons was measured with unidimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Hereditary determination of PAH was studied by the clinical-genealogical method.

RESULTS

PAH patients showed quantitative alterations in erythrocyte membrane protein composition: increased content of alpha-spectrin, ankyrin (band 2.1), anion exchange protein (band 3) and decreased content of actin, tropomyosin and glutathione-S-transferase. Patients with aggravated heredity for PAH had higher content of beta-spectrin and ankyrin (band 2.1 and 2.2) then patients without aggravated heredity for PAH.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative alterations of membrane proteins in patients with PAH could significantly modify the structure of cytoskeleton and result in modification of the enzyme activity of transmembrane proteins (ATPases) regulating cation transport across erythrocyte membrane. Moreover, aggravated heredity for PAH predisposes to high content of cytoskeletal proteins (beta-spectrin, 2.1 and 2.2 ankyrin) which could form more compact structure of erythrocyte membrane and limit cation influx into cytoplasma.

[Distribution of ABO and Rhesus phenotypes and genes in the population of Kursk region]

The distributions of AB0 and Rhesus phenotypes and the corresponding genes in the population of Kursk oblast were studied. Based on these data, genetic differentiation of rural populations with respect to the d gene frequency was revealed. The differentiation was determined by the differences in the genetic and demographic structure of these rural populations. The frequency of homozygotes for the recessive gene d and the incidence of malformations affecting the children's viability increased with an increase in the inbreeding level of a population. Genetic distances between the population of Kursk oblast and other populations were estimated.

[Population-demographic structure of the population of Kursk region: anthropometric profile of newborn children]

Based on the characteristics of body height and weight in 4905 newborns, the population-genetic structure of the rural raions (districts) of Kursk oblast (region) and in the city of Kursk was determined. An "adaptive norm area" with respect to body weight and height was distinguished for newborns in Kursk oblast. On the average, the anthropometric parameters of 20% of infants from the studied populations fell within this area. The height and growth of newborns exhibited a pronounced geographic variation and depended on the level of urbanization, as well as the sex and the health status of the newborns. In district populations, the body height and the variances of the body height and weight increased with an increase in endogamy. Therefore, the relative numbers of newborns with large values of both weight and height, as well as those with a medium body height and a small body weight, were increased. Conversely, the relative numbers of newborns with a low weight and height and with a disturbed weight-height correlation were decreased.

[Biosynthesis of leucine aminopeptidase by Xanthomonas rubrilineans 67 in culture with various concentrations of nitrogen containing compounds]

The dynamics of consumption of amine and ammonium nitrogen and glucose in the process of Xanthomonas rubrilineans 67 growth and biosynthesis of leucine aminopeptidase was studied. It was shown that the rate of leucine, alanine and glycine consumption as a source of amine nitrogen out of 16 amino acids was the highest during the fermentation. Addition of these three amino acids or their mixtures to the medium at definite stages of the fermentation process increased the leucine aminopeptidase biosynthesis by 50 to 100 per cent. Ammonium nitrogen was not used by X.rubrilineans 67. The consumption of glucose during the fermentation was even: by the 24th hour of the process the medium contained about 10 per cent of the glucose initial concentration. The optimal temperature for the culture growth and leucine aminopeptidase biosynthesis was determined. It was shown to be 28 degrees C. Higher aeration increased the culture productivity.

[The population-demographic structure and the prevalence of multifactorial diseases affecting the viability of the population of Kursk region]

A significant effect of the population structure on the incidence of multifactorial diseases affecting the viability of the adult population was found in rural districts of Kursk oblast. The diseases studied were chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, pneumosclerosis, and atherosclerosis. The incidence of multifactorial pathology increased with an increase in the homozygosity level of district populations. On average, the population structure affected the incidence of multifactorial diseases by 30-50%.

[Distribution of family names in rural populations of Kursk region]

The coefficient of inbreeding and its components were calculated for populations of rural districts of Kursk oblast with the use of the isonymic method. The following values were obtained: F(it) = 0.000567, Fst = 0.000650, and Fis = 0.000083. The Fst value agreed with the value of Malecot's local inbreeding coefficient (0.000201). In the districts where the proportions of families with frequent family names (FFNs; a frequency of 0.001 and more) were 50% and over, these family names were sufficient to adequately describe the population structure. The migration index and the index of family-name diversity were calculated. Significant correlations were revealed between Fst, the migration index, the index of family-name diversity, Malecot's local inbreeding, the mean square distance between birthplaces of spouses, the effective migration pressure, and the coefficient of linear systematic pressure.