The occurrence of DChi and new D and B transferrin variants among caste groups of Andhra Pradesh (S. India).

Serum samples from a total of 862 unrelated individuals belonging to seven Hindu endogamous caste groups residing in Hyderabad and Warangal cities of Andhra Pradesh were examined for electrophoretic variation of transferrin (Tf). In four caste groups, namely, Brahmin, Vysya, Padmashali, and Kapu, the Mongoloid genetic marker DChi was found, with polymorphic frequencies in Brahmin and Vysya groups. The two new D variants found in individuals of Madiga and Mudiraj castes were designated as DMadiga and DMudiraj. Similarly, two new B variants found in individuals of Goldsmith and Madiga castes were designated as BGoldsmith and BMadiga, respectively. These findings suggest a widespread transferrin variation in caste groups of Andhra Pradesh and in the tribal populations of this region.