Search

Allele and genotype frequencies of the − 174G/ C polymorphism (rs1800795) in the regulatory region of the IL6 gene, which encode anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6, were determined in seven populations representing five ethnic groups from the European part of Russia (440 individuals), as well as in small cohorts that represent populations from 24 countries of Africa and Eurasia (365 individuals). The maps of the geographic distribution of the − 174G/ C allele frequencies were constructed based on personal (22 populations) and the literature data (66 populations), and the data from dbSNP database obtained by the HapMap project (10 populations). The frequency of the − 174G allele varied from 45 to 100% and was characterized by nonrandom geographic distribution. These data could reflect the adaptive load of the alleles examined, which was different in different regions of the world. It is suggested that the level of pathogen prevalence is one of the environmental factors that determine different adaptive values of the IL6*-174G/ C alleles. This suggestion is supported by a positive correlation between the − 174G allele frequency and level of pathogen prevalence calculated based on historical data ( R = 0.768; p < 0.0001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time quantitative PCR (Dentofl or kit) was used to detect DNA of periodontal pathogens in specimens from 92 patients with chronic periodontitis and from a control sample of 12 normal subjects. A bimodal distribution of patients by periodontium colonization with A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythensis, and T. denticola was demonstrated. A new approach to interpretation of the results of quantitative evaluation of periodontal pathogens, including the notion of pathological colonization level, led to classification of all cases with chronic generalized periodontitis into 3 groups: associated with A. actinomycetemcomitans, with T. forsythensis/ T. denticola complex, and cases of uncertain genesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Torque teno virus (TTV) is a circular, single-stranded DNA virus that chronically infects healthy individuals of all ages worldwide. There is a lot of data on the prevalence and genetic heterogeneity of TTV in healthy populations and in patients with various diseases now available. However, little is known about TTV load among healthy human population. In this study we analyzed TTV load in the group of 512 Russian elite athletes, who are supposed to be, by some standards, the healthiest part of the human population. Results The prevalence rate of TTV among the Russian Olympic Reserve members was 94% (for test sensitivity about 1000 genome equivalents per 1 ml of blood). Quantities varied from 103 (which corresponded to detection limit) to 1010 copies per 1 ml of blood, with median at 2.7 × 106 copies. Conclusion About 94% of healthy individuals in Russian population have more than 1000 TTV genome copies per 1 ml of blood. This result exceeds the previously published data, and can be explained by either more sensitive PCR test system or by higher TTV distribution in Russian population or both. TTV viral load neither depends on gender, nor age.