Exploring Phenotypic Diversity of Human Iris Features and Skin Color in Punjabi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Population of Pakistan.

PUNJAB; PAKISTAN; KHYBER Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan)

Phenotypic variations of eye color, skin color, and iris surface features have been well-explored in certain populations. However, there has been comparatively little research on variations in these features in Pakistani population. The aim of this study is to discover phenotypic diversity and correlations of pigmented traits and iris surface features in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan. Digital images of eyes and skin were examined by investigators to determine color using Fitzpatrick Phototype Scale. Similarly, iris patterns were characterized by Edward iris feature software and association studies were conducted through SPSS program. Intermediate eye color was frequent in KPK (44%) while brown was higher in Punjab (47%). Contrarily, light to medium brown skin color was recurring (55%) in Punjab whereas lighter skin color prevailed in KPK (69%). Furthermore, Fuchs' crypts were significantly correlated with contraction furrows in both populations. Likewise, crypts were significantly associated with Wolfflin nodules and furrows were significantly related to conjunctival melanosis and pigment spots in KPK sample set. Based on unique iris patterns, these phenotypic traits would be helpful for individuals' discrimination in the population. In future, there is need to explore genetic associations and functional differences of these traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]