Vol 7, No 1 (2009)

Our goal was to investigate whether a polymorphism in IGF-1 gene (wild-type, 192 base pairs) and in the PGC-1 gene (Gly482Ser polymorphism) influence life expectancy. Different distribution of IGF-1 (CA repeats) gene polymorphism was shown. Increasing of 20/- genotype in elderly people compared with newborn group (26,7 and 44,1 %, accordantly, ϰ² = 8,57, p = 0,0034) and decreasing of 19/19 genotype (51 and 27,9%, accordantly, ϰ² = 14,815, p = 0.0001) were founded. Furthermore, it was shown different distribution of IGF-1 (CA repeats) gene polymorphism in man and woman. It was detected increasing of 19/20 genotype in newborn man compared with newborn woman (23,2 and 11,3%, accordantly), and significantly increasing of 19/20 genotype in elderly man compared with elderly woman (44,4 and 21,1%, accordantly, ϰ² = 5,009, p = 0,025). A possible role of IGF-1 gene CA-polymorphism in ageing that is suggested. The prevalent Gly482Ser polymorphism of the PGC-1 gene has not been shown to be associated with life expectancy. It was detected increasing of Gly/Gly genotype in elderly woman compared with elderly man (51,0 и 27,3%, accordantly, ϰ² = 4,063, p = 0,0438). The joint contribution of IGF-1 gene and PGC-1 gene is involved in ageing between groups of newborn and elderly people (20%, 41,8%, accordantly, ϰ² = 4,858, p = 0,0275).

The study of cytogenetic characteristics of weeping birch (Betula pendula Roth) seed progeny was carried out on anthropogenically polluted territories of Voronezh city, and on ecologically «clean» territory. Four groups of seedlings on each territory were revealed. They are «mutable», «low-mutable» and two intermediate groups. The description of cytogenetic characteristics of these groups was made. The results of the study may be used for recommendation on selection of maternal trees producing seeds resistant to unfavorable conditions of the environment.