Polymorphism of conventional genetic markers and HLA system in Turkey

This study is part of a general survey in which the regional variability of various genetic markers in Turkey will be analyzed with special regard to its application in forensic medicine. Blood samples from 3173 unrelated healthy individuals of both sexes and from different regions of Turkey have been sampled and were typed for the blood group polymorphisms AB0, MNSs, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, P, Lutheran and Lewis, for the red cell enzyme polymorphisms adenylate kinase (AK), glyoxalase (GLO), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), esterase D (ESD), red cell acid phosphatase (aP), and for the serum protein polymorphisms group specific component (vitamin D binding protein, GC) and transferrin (TF). In addition to this the HLA-A and HLA-B antigens of the major histocompatibility complex (HLA) were also typed in 973 individuals. The blood group polymorphisms were typed by the classical haemagglutination methods. Serum protein and red cell enzyme polymorphisms were determined by conventional cellulose acetate electrophoresis. HLA antigens were typed by the standard two stage microlymphocytotoxicity technique. Genetic equilibrium can be assumed for all polymorphic systems under study. The results indicate some regional differences in the distribution of allele frequencies.