The Forensic Genetic Profiling of Alcoholism within the Iraqi Population

Abstract

Background. Alcoholism is a multifaceted condition shaped by the interaction of hereditary, environmental, and behavioral elements, affecting gene expression and cellular pathways. Short tandem repeats (STRs) function as essential genetic markers, providing insights into genetic predispositions and population-level changes linked to alcohol consumption. Aim. This study examines the genetic diversity and forensic utility of STR markers in Iraqi communities. Methods. The examined autosomal STRs, encompassing essential CODIS loci, through a five-color fluorescence detection technique to evaluate allele frequency, heterozygosity, and regional genetic variation. The findings indicate considerable variability in allele frequencies, with departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) at specific loci, implying effects from genetic drift, population structure, or selective pressures. Results. There was not much difference between areas regarding allelic variation, average allele count, and allelic size ranges. However, some loci (DYS391) showed changes in regional frequency that past migration patterns and demographic effects may have caused. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium calculation revealed that loci 7 and 23 regularly deviated from equilibrium across all regions. This could be because of selection pressures or non-random mating. Statistical tests of forensic efficiency parameters such as MP, PD, and PE showed that loci like Penta E, D16S539, and D18S51 help exclude individuals. At the same time, markers like DYS391 had lower exclusion capacity, especially in certain areas. Conclusion. This work elucidates the relationship between regional genetic variation and environmental influences, enhancing comprehension of the genetic underpinnings of alcohol dependency in ethnically varied communities. These findings have implications for personalized therapy and the development of predictive biomarkers for alcohol dependence.