ABO system combination with Rh, Kell and MN group in Georgian blood donors.

There are numerous scientific data about the study of the prevalence of blood group antigens in the different donor population. Several studies showed that the profile of major blood group antigens is not similar in blood donors from different local areas. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: Our scientific goal was to study of the prevalence blood group antigens in the Georgian blood donor population. In the current study, we analyzed the 48 phenotypically combinations based on four major (ABO, Rh, Kell, and MN) blood groups. RESEARCH METHODS: The blood of 1009 donors has been studied on RBC antigens. The sample were collected from the diagnostic laboratory of Medina Ltd Health Centre of Batumi. Blood typing of the sample has been carried out on the basis of the immunogenetics laboratory of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. The universal monoclone antibodies was used for identify minor blood group antigens. We used as forward as reverse grouping methods. For identification erythrocytes, blood group antigens also were used ID cards, such as ABO/D + Reverse Grouping. RESULT: 12 phenotypic combinations have been identified in each O, A, B, AB group of ABO system. Out of 48 theoretically possible phenotypic combinations, we can actually find 1,9 times less phenotypes and the real amount is 25 phenotypes. The remaining 23 phenotypic combinations have not been observed in the studied donors. These are: 1. O, Rh-K+ MM; 2. O, Rh-K- MN; 3. O, Rh-K- NN; 4. A, Rh-K+ MN; 5. A, Rh-K+ MM; 6. A, Rh-K+ NN; 7. A, Rh-K- MM; 8. A, Rh-K- NN; 9. B, Rh+K+ NN; 10. B, Rh-K+ MN; 11. B, Rh-K+ MM; 12. B, Rh-K+ NN; 13. B, Rh-K- MN; 14. B, Rh-K- MM; 15. B, Rh-K- NN; 16. AB, Rh+K+ MN; 17. AB, Rh+K+ NN; 18. AB, Rh+K- NN; 19. AB, Rh+K- MM; 20. AB, Rh-K+ MN; 21. AB, Rh-K+ MM; 22. AB, Rh-K+ NN; 23. B, Rh-K- NN. The value of χ2 in the case is equal to 3221,16. The P-Value is < .00001. The result is significant at P < .05. Out of 1009 studied donors 349 are carriers of phenotypic group A (II), while 19 donors carry AB (IV) group specification. This means that 36.23% of the studied donors have A antigen on the surface of erythrocyte membrane. The majority of them A1 subgroup. CONCLUSION: As our research showed there is a quit high polymorphism of blood group phenotype combinations in Georgian blood donors in the example of one clinic. This kind of data is very important for the clinics' rational preparation of whole blood or blood components.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphism (C677T) as a Risk Factor for Arterial Thrombosis in Georgian Patients.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) gene polymorphism (C677T)] is a well-recognized genetic risk factor for venous thrombosis; however, its association with arterial thrombosis is still under debate. Herein, we evaluated the prevalence of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in Georgian patients in comparison with healthy individuals and its association with arterial thrombosis. We enrolled 214 participants: 101 with arterial thrombosis (71.3% males; mean age: 66.3 ± 12.1 years) and 113 controls (67.3% males; mean age: 56.6 ± 11.3 years). Genomic DNA was extracted from dry blood spot on Whatman filter paper. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Frequency of C677T allele polymorphism in controls was 21.2%, which corresponded to heterozygous and homozygous stage frequencies of 35.4% and 3.5%, respectively. In patient group, an allelic frequency of 33.2% was found, which corresponded to the presence of 48.5% of heterozygous and 8.9% of homozygous individuals. Comparing the frequency of mutated alleles between the 2 groups, a significantly high frequency of mutated alleles was found in patient group ( P < .05). In conclusion, high frequency of MTHFR C677T polymorphism found in arterial thrombosis patient group suggests that this polymorphism might increase the risk of arterial thrombosis in Georgian patients.

Gerontology research in Georgia.

Gerontology research carried out in different scientific centers of Georgia follows the basic directions of most work in this field: epidemiology, investigation of the mechanisms of aging, and finding ways to prevent senile pathologies and to prolong life. The genealogy and epidemiology of long-living peaple have been studied in areas with high occurrence of these people by considering the sex ratio and social status of the long-living, the influence of environmental factors, and the development of senile pathologies. According to the centrosome (centriole) model of aging, the centrosomes and the cytoskeleton, important structures in cellular differentiation and morphogenesis, may be involved in the initiation of the replication senescence mechanism. Our analysis of genetic studies shows that progressive chromosome heterochromatinization (condensation of eu- and heterochromatin regions) occurs in aging. Decreases in the repair processes and increases in the frequency of chromosome aberrations during aging are secondary to this progressive chromosome heterochromatinization. Chromosome heterochromatinization is a key factor in aging but may be reversible under the influence of bioregulators, some chemical substances, and heavy metal salts. The study of chromosome heterochromatinization may provide clues to the potential for prolonging the human lifespan.