[Interpopulation and sex-specific life span differences in human populations and their modeling in Drosophila]

Significant interpopulation and sex-specific longevity differences among human populations appear enigmatic biodemographic phenomenon. We modeled this problem in Drosophila studying the life span (LS) differences among six stocks isolated from geographically distant European and middle Asian populations and two standard laboratory lines. The survival rate dynamics, male/female mortality profiles (SR) and their variability were compared in optimal (25 degrees C) and stress temperature conditions (29 degrees C). Two old laboratory stocks Canton S and Oregon R manifested drastic differences in LS and SR rate (0,48 for Canton S and 0,86 for Oregon R). Six population stocks grown in normal conditions demonstrated similar differences: from relatively high female and male longevity (Kirgizia and Altay mountain populations) to short living stock (Tashkent). SR rate also manifested significant variations (from 0,79 up to 1,18). Evidently population studied differed on concentration of genes responsible for significant LS and SR differences. Stress temperature maintenance (29 degrees C) twice as decreased the longevity of all studied stocks however remaining interstock LS ranges. At the same time the action of genes which induced in optimal conditions SR differences was partly suppressed under stress conditions. Our genetic/population model data give possibility to predict a possible spectrum of LS and SR genetic variations in human populations and level of their stability under stress.