[Validation and evaluation of a five miniSTRs kit in forensic genetics]. / Walidacja i ocena przydatnosci zestawu pieciu markerów miniSTR w genetyce sadowej.

The newly designed and optimized miniplex contains the following markers: D3S3053, D6S474, D9S2157, D20S482 and sex-determining marker - amelogenin. The target amplicon lengths for the developed multiplex are 71-135 bp. Amplification products were detected in a fluorescence based automated genetic analyzer. A minimal DNA sample required to obtain full genetic profiles was 250 pg. The usefulness of these miniSTRs in genotyping of severely degraded forensic samples, such as stains of blood and semen, saliva on cigarette butts and telogen hair has been confirmed in validation studies. The designed pentaplex offers a new potential screening tool in cases of old crime scenes, mass disasters, mass graves, etc., where DNA degradation, body fragmentation or large numbers of victims occur. The use of additional non-CODIS markers may increase typeability of severely degraded samples and ensure a higher potential for genetic discrimination.

Inhibition of mitochondrial complex II affects dopamine metabolism and decreases its uptake into striatal synaptosomes.

The mitochondrial toxin, 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), is a specific inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase, complex II in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between inhibition of mitochondrial complex II and dopamine (DA) metabolism and its transport into rat striatal synaptosomes after exposure to 3-NP. The study was carried out using spectrophotometric, radiochemical and HPLC methods. Our data showed that inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 3-NP (cumulated dose 100 mg/kg in 4 days) significantly affected DA metabolism, leading to the accumulation of its metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxylphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the rat striatum. These experimental conditions had no effect on free radical dependent lipid peroxidation in the brain. In vitro experiments revealed that DA and DOPAC significantly decrease lipid peroxidation in the brain homogenate. Moreover, 3-NP significantly inhibited [3H]DA uptake into striatal synaptosomes by specific dopamine transporter (DAT). The scavengers of superoxide radical (O2-) Tempol and Trolox had no effect on DAT function, but the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N w-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM) prevented 3-NP-evoked DAT down-regulation. In summary, our results indicate that inhibition of mitochondrial complex II by 3-NP enhances DA degradation and decreases its uptake into synaptosomes. It is suggested that NO and energy failure are responsible for alteration of the dopaminergic system in the striatum.