Clinal patterns of human Y chromosomal diversity in continental Italy and Greece are dominated by drift and founder effects.

We explored the spatial distribution of human Y chromosomal diversity on a microgeographic scale, by typing 30 population samples from closely spaced locations in Italy and Greece for 9 haplogroups and their internal microsatellite variation. We confirm a significant difference in the composition of the Y chromosomal gene pools of the two countries. However, within each country, heterogeneity is not organized along the lines of clinal variation deduced from studies on larger spatial scales.

HLA class II favors clearance of HCV infection and progression of the chronic liver damage.

Background/aims: This study was aimed to determine whether host-dependent genetic factors modulate the outcome of HCV infection.

Methods: HLA class II DRB and DQB typing was performed in 184 infected patients and 200 healthy volunteers. Among the patients, 149 subjects had persistent HCV viremia (Group 1) and 35 subjects underwent spontaneous viral clearance (Group 2).