Genomic Correlates of Atherosclerosis in Ancient Humans
Paleogenetic analyses offer a unique opportunity for the study of human evolution, population genetics and disease evolution. Although histologic and computed x-ray tomographic investigations of ancient mummies have clearly shown that atherosclerosis has been present in humans for more than 5,000 years, only few data are available on the presence of genetic predisposition for cardiovascular disease in ancient populations. In a previous whole-genome study of the Tyrolean Iceman, a 5,300 year-old glacier mummy from the Alps, an increased risk for coronary heart disease was detected for the first time in a mummy. The Iceman’s genome revealed several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are linked with cardiovascular disease in genome-wide association (GWA) studies. Future genetic studies of mummies from various geographic origins and time periods have the potential to provide more insights into the presence and possible changes of genetic risk factors in our ancestors. The study of ancient humans and a better understanding of the interaction between environmental and genetic influences on the development of heart diseases, may lead to a more effective prevention and treatment of the most common cause of death in the modern world.
