In our previous population study, we have used twelve Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats loci incorporated in the PowerPlex Y System to determine Y-STR diversity in B&H human population. With intent to obtain additional verification of the previously obtained results as well as to establish specific reference for a local B&H population, we have decided to test DNA samples collected from 100 unrelated healthy male Canton Sarajevo residents (from Sarajevo region) for the same twelve Y-linked short tandem repeats loci. Qiagen DNeasy Tissue Kit (Qiagen, GmbH, Hilden, Germany) was used for DNA extraction from buccal swabs and PowerPlex Y System (Promega Corp., Madison, WI) has been used to simultaneously amplify Y-STR loci by PCR. PowerPlex Y System includes 12 STR loci: DYS19, DYS385a, DYS385b, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS437, DYS438 and DYS439. The total PCR reaction volume was 5 microL. PCR amplifications were carried out in PE GeneAmp PCR System Thermal Cycler (ABI). Electrophoresis of the amplification products was preformed on an ABI PRISM 310 genetic analyzer (ABI, Foster City, CA) according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The raw data were compiled and analyzed using the accessory software: ABI PRISM Data Collection Software and Genemapper version 3.2. In addition, we have compared the obtained "Sarajevo" dataset with the data previously generated for the entire Bosnian and Herzegovinian population, as well as with the available data on geographically close (neighboring) European populations. The results of this study will be used as guidelines in additional improving of research into genetic relationship among recent local B&H populations, both isolated and open, which is a long-term project in our country.

Modern Bosnia and Herzegovina is a multi-ethnic and multi-religion country, with a very stormy history. Certain archaeological findings indicate continuous population of its territory since the Paleolithic. In time, vast number of different factors jointly influenced fascinating diversity of local human populations. A great number of small, more or less isolated, indigenous populations, make this area quite attractive for population-genetic surveys of different levels and approaches. Austro-Hungarian military physicians conducted the very first known bio-anthropological analyses of Bosnia-Herzegovina population at the end of the 19th century. Thus, the first step towards resolving the genetic structures of local B&H human populations was made. The studies that followed (conducted throughout most of the 20th century) were primarily based on the observation of various phenotypic traits. This stage was followed by the examination of various cytogenetic and fundamental DNA based molecular markers. The efforts undertaken over the last three centuries revealed "human genetic treasure" in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, even now, after all the studies that were conducted, many interesting features remain to be discovered and described within the existing local human populations.

AIM To study the distribution of allele frequencies of 15 short tandem repeat (STR) loci in a representative sample of Croatian population. METHODS A total of 195 unrelated Caucasian individuals born in Croatia, from 14 counties and the City of Zagreb, were sampled for the analysis. All the tested individuals were voluntary donors. Buccal swab was used as the DNA source. AmpFlSTR Identifiler was applied to simultaneously amplify 15 STR loci. Total reaction volume was 12.5 microL. The PCR amplification was carried out in PE Gene Amp PCR System Thermal Cycler. Electrophoresis of the amplification products was preformed on an ABI PRISM 3130 Genetic Analyzer. After PCR amplification and separation by electrophoresis, raw data were compiled, analyzed, and numerical allele designations of the profiles were obtained. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, observed and expected heterozygosity, power of discrimination, and power of exclusion were calculated. Bonferroni's correction was used before each comparative analysis. RESULTS We compared Croatian data with those obtained from geographically neighboring European populations. The significant difference (at P<0.01) in allele frequencies was recorded only between Croatian and Slovenian populations for vWA locus. There was no significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for all the observed loci. CONCLUSION Obtained population data concurred with the expected "STR data frame" for this part of Europe.