Central Asian Populations Research Articles

Forensic features and genetic legacy of the Baloch population of Pakistan and the Hazara population across Durand line revealed by Y-chromosomal STRs

The Hazara population across Durand line has experienced extensive interaction with Central Asian and East Asian populations. Hazara individuals have typical Mongolian facial appearances and they called themselves descendants of Genghis Khan's army. The people who speak the Balochi language are called Baloch. Previously, a worldwide analysis of Y-chromosomal haplotype diversity for rapidly mutating (RM) Y-STRs and with PowerPlex Y23 System (Promega Corporation Madison, USA) kit was created with collaborative efforts, but Baloch and Hazara population from Pakistan and Hazara population from Afghanistan were missing. In the current study, Yfiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit loci were examined in 260 unrelated Hazara individuals from Afghanistan, 153 Hazara individuals, and 111 Balochi individuals from Baluchistan Pakistan. For the Hazara population from Afghanistan and Pakistan overall, 380 different haplotypes were observed on these 27 Y-STR loci, gene diversities ranged from 0.51288 (DYS389I) to 0.9257 (DYF387S1), and haplotype diversity was 0.9992. For the Baloch population, every individual was unique at 27 Y-STR loci; gene diversity ranged from 0.5718 (DYS460) to 0.9371(DYF387S1). Twelve haplotypes were shared between 178 individuals, while only two haplotypes among these twelve were shared between 87 individuals in Hazara populations. Rst and Fst pairwise genetic distance analyses, multidimensional scaling plot, neighbor-joining tree, linear discriminatory analysis, and median-joining network were performed, which shed light on the history of Hazara and Baloch populations. The results of our study showed that the Yfiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit marker set provided substantially stronger discriminatory power in the Baloch population of Pakistan and the Hazara population across the Durand line.

Central Asian wild tulip conservation requires a regional approach, especially in the face of climate change

Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are one of the most widely appreciated plants worldwide, nevertheless species taxonomy and biogeography are often poorly understood. Most wild tulips inhabit the mountains of Central Asia, a recognised biodiversity hotspot, and a centre of tulip diversity. Despite the presence of several country-level endemic Tulipa species, most taxa span the borders of several nations. With no globally Red Listed tulip taxa from this region national level conservation assessments are an important resource. Nonetheless, threats posed to tulips are still inadequately understood, especially climate change, and given the trans-national nature of most species, distributional information is restricted and often misleading. Here we collate 330 species records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility with 85 newly collected records, to undertake species distribution modelling (MaxEnt) for ten native Central Asian species. This work showed that regional level models provide a much more comprehensive understanding of species’ extinction risks, proportions of habitat in different countries, and limitations in protected area coverage. Furthermore, our climate modelling, the first of its kind for tulips, suggests that climate change will have a significant negative impact on the range size of all species; including those that are currently widespread. We therefore add climate change to the list of threats affecting tulip populations in Central Asia, which already includes livestock overgrazing, urbanisation, wild collection, and mining. Overall, our work shows that although national information is important, a regional approach is crucial not just for tulip conservation efforts, but likely for Central Asian plant conservation in general.

Distribution of HLA-DQA1, -DQB1 and -DRB1 genes and haplotypes in Han, Uyghur, Kazakh and Hui populations inhabiting Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China.

Genetic polymorphisms of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 among four main ethnic groups including Han (n=70), Uyghur (n=71), Kazakh (n=52) and Hui (n=40) subjects from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region were investigated using a polymerase chain reaction-sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT). In total, 32 HLA-DRB1 alleles, eight HLA-DQA1 alleles and 14 HLA-DQB1 alleles were identified. The most predominant HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 alleles were DRB1*15:01 (12.50%), DQA1*01:02 (21.43%) and DQB1*03:01 (19.29%) in Han; DRB1*07:01 (18.48%), DQA1*05:01/03/05 (24.65%) and DQB1*02:01/02 (31.69%) in Uyghur; and DRB1*13:01 (13.64%), DQA1*05:01/03/05 (28.85%) and DQB1*02:01/02 (27.88%) in Kazakh, respectively. In Hui, DRB1*07:01, DRB1*11:01 and DRB1*14:01 were the most dominant alleles with the same frequency of 11.8%, while the predominant DQA1 and DQB1 alleles were DQA1*03:01/02/03 (23.75%) and DQB1*02:01/02 (16.25%), respectively. In addition, the most common two-locus haplotypes were DQA1*05:01/03/5-DQB1*03:01 (10.0%) in Han; DQA1*02:01-DQB1*02:01/02 (18.31%) in Uyghur; DQA1*05:01/03/05-DQB1*02:01/02 (15.38%) in Kazakh; and DQA1*03:01/02/03-DQB1*03:03 (11.25%) in Hui. The phylogenetic dendrograms constructed based on the allele frequencies of HLA-DRB1, -DQA1 and -DQB1 in 13 populations (e.g. Asian, Central Asian and European) revealed that the Han and Hui populations were clustered together and closest to Han population from China, while the Kazakh and Uyghur populations were closest to each other and two ethnic groups were clustered together with Central Asian and European populations.

Positive Attitudes To "Dev" In Central Asian People

The article examines the attitude of the ancient population of Central Asia to the culture of Daevаs (Diwas), as well as factors influencing the formation of Zoroastrianism.

The art of the Sixtiers in Soviet Kazakhstan, or how to make a portrait from a skull

ABSTRACT The artists of the Sixtiers generation in Soviet Kazakhstan have typically been understood as the creators of an authentic Kazakh style. This article demonstrates that a web of constructed vectors helped consolidate art as ‘Kazakh’ in the 1960s and early 1970s. I argue that the Sixtiers mined the history of nomadic populations in Central Asia for site-specific cultural forms as a means to connect with an expanding art world and the global context of decolonialization. Neither wholly official nor countercultural, the Sixtiers produced a cultural milieu that stretched the limits of the sayable in late Soviet socialism and defined the margins of modernity with which Kazakh artists continue to contend.

DNA profiling for forensic identification in Bulgarian Turks

Forensic statistical parameters based on allelic frequencies of commonly used STRs (Short Tandem Repeats) were estimated for the Bulgarian Turks. The 6-dye GlobalFiler™ PCR amplification kit incorporates 21 autosomal STRs, providing reliable DNA typing results with enhanced the power of discrimination. Here, we analyzed the GlobalFiler™ STR loci in 150 unrelated individuals from Bulgaria Turks who was born in Bulgaria, lived there and then have settled in Turkey. A total of 329 alleles were observed ranging between 5 and 37 repeat units, and SE33 showed the greatest power of discrimination (40 alleles) in Bulgaria Turks population. Blood and intraoral swab samples were collected from 150 Bulgarian Turks whose consent was obtained beforehand. DNA isolation was performed by using QIamp DNA Mini Isolation Kit. After quantification of the obtained DNA, the next step, PCR, was carried out using the GlobalFiler ™ STR kit. The DNA amplified after PCR was analyzed for profiling by running on ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Allele frequencies and forensic statistical calculations were performed with Arlequin v 3.5.2.2 program. Allele frequencies were compared with Spain, Europe, Middle East, Africa, America, Central Asia, Japan, and Turkish populations. When the loci were examined in general, it was observed that the Turkish population had the closest frequency value to the group we studied, and the African and Central Asian populations had the farthest frequency value. The present study provides precise reference database for forensic applications and population genetic studies.

Reconstruction of the Costume Elements of the Shilikty “Golden Man”

The article contains the reconstruction of the Shilikty “Golden Man” clothing based on multidisciplinary studies of the archeological material from the royal kurgan “Baigetobe” in the Tarbagatai foothills. The authors describe in detail the reconstruction of the anthropological appearance and the results of studying organic samples from the burial complex, as well as explain the final shape of royal attire and justify the details and components of the reconstructed costume. The methodological basis of the study is the systemic approach that allows one to view the categories of the Saka royal clothing as profound systems. Within the approach, the methodology and the recreation of ancient royal clothing rely on a wide range of analogies from Eurasian Saka-Scythian monuments and ethnographic materials. Based on these monuments and materials, the authors have established that certain elements in the clothing of early nomads of Kazakhstan have more in common with the clothing of neighboring tribes of Asian steppes in the early Iron Age. This is evident in the cut, detailing and the décor of clothing recovered from such monuments as Pazyryk, Katanda, Tuyekta and Akalakha. The methodological challenge to study clothing based on archeological data is primarily related to the condition of the source. The authors briefly characterize the organic probes from the kurgan burial chamber that have been studied using regular and digital microscopes and conclude that the clothing of the Shilikty Man was colorful. Within the framework of multidisciplinary research, the authors have conducted an anthropological study of the skeletal remains and the sculptural reconstruction of the person from the Baigetobe kurgan. Anthropologically, this person belongs to the mixed Caucasoid and Mongoloid type with prevalent Caucasoid elements, which agrees with the anthropological features of the ancient population of Central Asia in the early Iron Age. Therefore, gold jewelry, the quality of fabrics and the multilevel burial structure confirm the high profile of the Shilikty Golden Man. The conclusions and results can be used for the reconstruction of the composite image of the nomadic nobility in Central Asia in the early Saka period.

A study on structure and functions of organs involved in the formation of Mongolian Khuumii sound

Khuumii (throat or overtone singing) is a unique form of art derived from the nomadic population of Central Asia, which is a type of singing in which the singer manipulates the resonances (or formants) created as air travels from the lungs, past the vocal folds, and out of the lips to produce a melody. A total of 60 participants, aged 18-60 years (54 men and 6 women), were selected by non-random sampling method using cross-sectional study. X-ray, endoscopy, and sound research method were used in the study, and the composition of blood gas was analysed. X-ray examination determined the state during each different types of Khuumii; Shakhaa and Kharkhiraa. As the basic timbre of Shakhaa Khuumii went up progressively the larynx grew and the compression strength increased, while the basic timbre went down, and the larynx became lower. In the case of Kharkhiraa Khuumii, the larynx position was elevated to a relatively small extent compared to Shakhaa Khuumii and the distance between the sublingual bone and the larynx was large. The sublingual bone trunk lowered during Shakhaa Khuumii, while it was slightly elevated during Kharkhiraa Khuumii. The laryngeal endoscopy evaluated the movement of true and false vocal chords, glottal volume, movements of epiglottis and arytenoid cartilage, and mucosa. Furthermore, the sound frequency is 2-4 times higher than that of normal speech, and sound volume is 0.5-1 times higher. The blood gas composition test showed partial pressure (pO2), and saturation of oxygen (SaO2) decreased after performing Khuumii. In the case of Shakhaa and Kharkhiraa Khuumi, it is appropriate to divide Khuumii into two main types according to structural and functional changes in the organs involved.

Y-DNA genetic evidence reveals several different ancient origins in the Brahmin population.

The ancient geographical origins of Brahmins-a prominent ethnic group in the Indian subcontinent-have remained controversial for a long time. This study employed the AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance) test to evaluate genetic affinities of this group with thirty populations of Central Asia and Europe. A domestic comparison was performed with fifty non-Brahmin groups in India. The results showed that Brahmins had genetic affinities with several foreign populations and also shared their genetic heritage with several domestic non-Brahmin groups. The study identified the deep ancient origins of Brahmins by tracing their Y-chromosome haplogroups and genetic markers on the Y-DNA phylogenetic tree. It was confirmed that the progenitors of this group emerged from at least 12 different geographic regions of the world. The study concluded that about 83% of the Brahmins in the dataset belonged to four major haplogroups, of which two emerged from Central Asia, one from the Fertile Crescent, and one was of an indigenous Indian origin.

Dietary diversity of Bronze-Iron Age populations of Kazakhstan quantitatively estimated through the compound-specific nitrogen analysis of amino acids

The identification of which food sources were important to the diets of Central Asian populations during the Bronze and Iron Age has been heavily debated over the past decade. Stable isotope studies of human bulk collagen have often reported elevated nitrogen isotopic compositions (δ15N) that were more than one step higher in the food chain than consumed terrestrial animals, suggesting the additional contribution of fish to human diets. On the other hand, both fish and C4 plants, possibly millets, could have influenced the elevated carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C) in human bone collagen. Here we report the results of the first compound-specific nitrogen isotopic analysis of amino acids conducted on human and faunal remains from Bronze and Iron Age sites of Kazakhstan. In this paper, we examine the possible role of millet in leading to high δ15N values of human bone collagen, in addition to fish. Typically, high δ15N bulk values in humans, are linked to the consumption of particular resources such as fish and C4 plants, or extreme carnivorous diets. However, the δ15N of individual amino acids of the populations of the Kazakh steppe demonstrate trophic positions lower than what we expect in bulk collagen irrespective of δ15N and δ13C. Besides, hardly any evidence of fish consumption is identified by also the δ15N of phenylalanine. The high δ15N in human bulk collagen which obscure reconstruction of prehistoric diets may be coming from complex and diverse factors such as aridity or other dietary factors beyond fish consumption.

Functional prediction and comparative population analysis of variants in genes for proteases and innate immunity related to SARS-CoV-2 infection

New coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is capable to infect humans and cause a novel disease COVID-19. Aiming to understand a host genetic component of COVID-19, we focused on variants in genes encoding proteases and genes involved in innate immunity that could be important for susceptibility and resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection.Analysis of sequence data of coding regions of FURIN, PLG, PRSS1, TMPRSS11a, MBL2 and OAS1 genes in 143 unrelated individuals from Serbian population identified 22 variants with potential functional effect. In silico analyses (PolyPhen-2, SIFT, MutPred2 and Swiss-Pdb Viewer) predicted that 10 variants could impact the structure and/or function of proteins. These protein-altering variants (p.Gly146Ser in FURIN; p.Arg261His and p.Ala494Val in PLG; p.Asn54Lys in PRSS1; p.Arg52Cys, p.Gly54Asp and p.Gly57Glu in MBL2; p.Arg47Gln, p.Ile99Val and p.Arg130His in OAS1) may have predictive value for inter-individual differences in the response to the SARS-CoV-2 infection.Next, we performed comparative population analysis for the same variants using extracted data from the 1000 Genomes project. Population genetic variability was assessed using delta MAF and Fst statistics. Our study pointed to 7 variants in PLG, TMPRSS11a, MBL2 and OAS1 genes with noticeable divergence in allelic frequencies between populations worldwide. Three of them, all in MBL2 gene, were predicted to be damaging, making them the most promising population-specific markers related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.Comparing allelic frequencies between Serbian and other populations, we found that the highest level of genetic divergence related to selected loci was observed with African, followed by East Asian, Central and South American and South Asian populations. When compared with European populations, the highest divergence was observed with Italian population.In conclusion, we identified 4 variants in genes encoding proteases (FURIN, PLG and PRSS1) and 6 in genes involved in the innate immunity (MBL2 and OAS1) that might be relevant for the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A linkage disequilibrium-based statistical test for Genome-Wide Epistatic Selection Scans in structured populations.

The quest for signatures of selection using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data has proven efficient to uncover genes involved in conserved and/or adaptive molecular functions, but none of the statistical methods were designed to identify interacting alleles as targets of selective processes. Here, we propose a statistical test aimed at detecting epistatic selection, based on a linkage disequilibrium (LD) measure accounting for population structure and heterogeneous relatedness between individuals. SNP-based ([Formula: see text]) and window-based ([Formula: see text]) statistics fit a Student distribution, allowing to test the significance of correlation coefficients. As a proof of concept, we use SNP data from the Medicago truncatula symbiotic legume plant and uncover a previously unknown gene coadaptation between the MtSUNN (Super Numeric Nodule) receptor and the MtCLE02 (CLAVATA3-Like) signaling peptide. We also provide experimental evidence supporting a MtSUNN-dependent negative role of MtCLE02 in symbiotic root nodulation. Using human HGDP-CEPH SNP data, our new statistical test uncovers strong LD between SLC24A5 (skin pigmentation) and EDAR (hairs, teeth, sweat glands development) world-wide, which persists after correction for population structure and relatedness in Central South Asian populations. This result suggests that epistatic selection or coselection could have contributed to the phenotypic make-up in some human populations. Applying this approach to genome-wide SNP data will facilitate the identification of coadapted gene networks in model or non-model organisms.

Diversity Under Threat: Connecting Genetic Diversity and Threat Mapping to Set Conservation Priorities for Juglans regia L. Populations in Central Asia

Central Asia is an important center of diversity for common walnut (Juglans regia L.). We characterized the genetic diversity of 21 wild and cultivated populations across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. A complete threat assessment was performed evaluating the short-term threats from overexploitation, overgrazing, landslides, and fragmentation as well as long-term threats from climate change. Based on key indicators of genetic diversity and threat magnitude, we developed an approach to identify wild populations for priority conservation and defined appropriate measures to conserve their genetic diversity based on the specific threat magnitudes. We propose (i) ex-situ conservation in areas with ‘severe threat level’ due to climate change and (ii) in-situ conservation in areas with ‘minor threat level’ due to climate change. In addition, we suggest (iii) assisted natural regeneration in areas where ‘minor threat levels’ from climate change coincide with ‘severe threat levels’ from one or more short-term threats. Our research shows high levels of genetic diversity as well as high threat levels in the walnut populations examined across three countries. Overgrazing and overexploitation were identified as the two most important threats whereas climate changed turned out to be of minor concern in the near future. Four out of the five populations selected for priority conservation are severely threatened: Kara-Alma (KGP3) and Sariosiyo (UZP4) by overexploitation and overgrazing, Vanj (TJP2) by landslides and fragmentation and Bostanlyk_2 (UZP2) by overexploitation. Only the Baljuvon population (TJP4) in Tajikistan shows minor threat levels in the short and long term. Thus, for all five priority populations the most appropriate conservation approach appears to be in-situ conservation. Spontaneous natural regeneration should be sufficient to ensure the long-term survival of the Baljuvon population (TJP4), while for the other four priority populations assisted natural regeneration may be needed. This network of five sites represents the minimum number of conservation areas for wild walnut in the three countries that should be established to capture a significant amount of the species genetic diversity. Conservation efforts could be extended to home gardens, which are a valuable genetic reservoir for the wild diversity found in the region.

Регулирование внешних миграционных процессов молодежи в странах Центральной Азии (Казахстан, Кыргызстан, Узбекистан, Таджикистан)

Young people make up a significant share of migrants in the modern world. The research featured the problems of migration control regarding the young population of Central Asia. The paper focuses on the causes and effects of this type of migration, as well as the means used by the authorities of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to control it. External migration has become a significant problem for both host countries and sending states. Therefore, new effective regulation methods have to be developed. The research objective was to assess the youth migration control in Central Asia, as well as to identify the motives behind this process, including the phenomenon of one-way migration. The problem of migration in the countries of Central Asia proved to be a highly-researched issue. The author used the methods of quantitative and theoretical research, as well as legal methods (formally logical) and sociological methods (statistical data and expert opinions). The work is based on a comparative analysis of regulatory documents in the field of migration and youth policy, as well as the methods and institutions that control migration processes in Central Asia. The article describes the growth rate of migration, the positive and negative consequences of youth migration, and the impact of youth migration on the socio-demographic, economic, and political development of Central Asia, as well as on the human resources in the related countries. This research contributes to the development of a more effective conceptual and doctrinal framework of migration control and youth policy in Central Asia as it helps to identify the shortcomings of the existing legal system.

UN POPULATİON PROSPECTS: CASE OF CENTRAL ASİA

The world’s populatıon is expected to increase by 2 billion people within the next 30 years, from current 7.7 billion to 9.7 billion in 2050. By 2050, the population of Central Asia is expected to grow by 36.9%, which is faster than the world average of 26.2%, crossing benchmark of 100 million people. Under conditions of UN demographic projections, Kazakhstan would need to maintain its yearly real GDP growth between 4.3% and 4.7% throughout 2020-2050 in order to maintain its current level of welfare relative to the rest of the world. Kazakhstan, as well as the entire region of Central Asia, has a demographic profile that is very favorable for having economic growth within the next three decades.

LRRK2 Mutations and Asian Disease-Associated Variants in the First Parkinson's Disease Cohort from Kazakhstan.

Background LRRK2 mutations have emerged as the most prevalent and potentially treatable determinants of Parkinson's disease (PD). Peculiar geographic distribution of these mutations has triggered an interest in genotyping PD cohorts of different ethnic backgrounds for LRRK. Objective Here, we report on the results of LRRK2 screening in the first Central Asian PD cohort. Methods 246 PD patients were consecutively recruited by movement disorder specialists from four medical centers in Kazakhstan, and clinicodemographic data and genomic DNA from blood were systematically obtained and shipped to the Institute of Neurology University College London together with DNAs from 200 healthy controls. The cohort was genotyped for five LRRK2 mutations (p.Gly2019Ser, p.Arg1441His, p.Tyr1699Cys, p.Ile2020Thr, and p.Asn1437His) and three East Asian disease-associated variants (p.Gly2385Arg, p.Ala419Val, and p.Arg1628Pro) via Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assay analysis. Results None of the study subjects carried LRRK2 mutations, whereas the following Asian variants were found with insignificant odds ratios (OR): p.Gly2385Arg (1.2%, minor allele frequency (MAF) 0.007, OR 1.25, p=0.8), p.Ala419Val (3.7%, MAF 0.02, OR 1.5, p=0.8), p.Ala419Val (3.7%, MAF 0.02, OR 1.5, Conclusions We showed that East Asian LRRK variants could be found in Central Asian populations but their pathogenicity remains to be elucidated in larger PD cohorts.

The Physical Anthropology of the Odino People, Western Siberia

The physical features of individuals buried at Odino cemeteries Tartas-1 and Preobrazhenka-6 are compared to those of people belonging to other Neolithic and Early Bronze Age cultures of the Barabinskaya forest-steppe. This study tests the hypothesis about the morphological diversity of the autochthonous substrate, which correlates with various chronological stages and cultures of the region. Measurements of the Odino group were supplemented by published data on the Sopka-2/4A population. We examine individual measurements and average characteristics, processed by principal component analysis. Local populations belonging to the Odino culture were craniometrically diverse. The hypothesis about the ties between Odino and the contemporaneous population of Central Asia is not supported. The analysis of individual data revealed several crania sharply differing from others, and similar to those of the Botai sample of the late fourth and third millennia BC.

Tashkent, Bukhara and Khorezm republics, epidemics, and fight against them

The article concludes that the outbreak of epidemics is a major factor in the poor living conditions of the population. In human history, epidemics are a real catastrophe for the population, which is based on the fact that wars, natural conditions, coastal and famine-stricken factors are its companions. History tells about the "Justinianova chuma" spread throughout the Eastern Roman Empire, the "Black Death" epidemic in Europe, and the Spanish flu after the First World War. The population of Central Asia has been suffering from epidemics since ancient times due to hot climatic conditions and other factors. Turkistan is one of the main sources of the cholera and malaria epidemic, and in 1881 it was mentioned in New Marghilan and in 1898 in Tashkent.
 Health care in Turkestan, Bukhara and Khorezm is accompanied by sanitary and epidemic work, but the difficult historical conditions, particularly political, socioeconomic problems, poor living conditions and civil war. It is also noted that droughts caused by natural disasters and, as a consequence, famine have spread epidemics. Frequent medical and sanitary measures to fight epidemics sociation units. The Turkestan ASSR Public Health Commission operated the Department of Medical Education and Sanitation, and the staff of the department was propagandizing the fight against the epidemic.
 Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that in each state, the most important factor in preventing epidemics is to improve living conditions and to increase public health education.

Tashkent, Bukhara and Khorezm republics, epidemics, and fight against them

The article concludes that the outbreak of epidemics is a major factor in the poor living conditions of the population. In human history, epidemics are a real catastrophe for the population, which is based on the fact that wars, natural conditions, coastal and famine-stricken factors are its companions. History tells about the "Justinianova chuma" spread throughout the Eastern Roman Empire, the "Black Death" epidemic in Europe, and the Spanish flu after the First World War. The population of Central Asia has been suffering from epidemics since ancient times due to hot climatic conditions and other factors. Turkistan is one of the main sources of the cholera and malaria epidemic, and in 1881 it was mentioned in New Marghilan and in 1898 in Tashkent.
 Health care in Turkestan, Bukhara and Khorezm is accompanied by sanitary and epidemic work, but the difficult historical conditions, particularly political, socioeconomic problems, poor living conditions and civil war. It is also noted that droughts caused by natural disasters and, as a consequence, famine have spread epidemics. Frequent medical and sanitary measures to fight epidemics sociation units. The Turkestan ASSR Public Health Commission operated the Department of Medical Education and Sanitation, and the staff of the department was propagandizing the fight against the epidemic.
 Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that in each state, the most important factor in preventing epidemics is to improve living conditions and to increase public health education.

Role of Water Resources in Central Asia

Central Asia is the territory connecting Europe, Near East, South and East Asia. This is a bridge between East and West, the cross-road of civilizations, one of the key geopolitical regions that has acquired special importance after breakup of the Soviet Union. However, this is also the unstable region, a tough player threatening world peace. Central Asia locates in complicated natural and climatic conditions where the key and vital natural resource is water which requires, on the one hand, its saving and, on the other, the permanent search for possibilities to increase its reserves.This is the region with the world’s highest rate of population growth — to 2.0 % per annum. At present the population of Central Asia without Afghanistan is 70.6 million and with Afghanistan 105.2 million.The uneven distribution of water resources over the territory and their insufficiency, the constantly growing water consumption lead to the competitive demand for water at the national and regional levels. The water deficit and deterioration of water quality are the serious challenges which have been faced by many regional countries. The key issue determining the internal stability in the region was and still remains the water-energy balance.