Approximately 45,000 years ago, Neanderthals and modern humans interacted in Europe, resulting in a close relationship. Despite the passage of around 21,500 generations, traces of Neanderthal genetic influence remain and are responsible for various health issues, including a hand condition commonly known as Viking Disease.
In a recent study, titled "Major Genetic Risk Factors for Dupuytren's Disease Are Inherited From Neandertals" published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, researchers have identified two crucial genetic variants inherited from Neanderthals that significantly contribute to the risk of developing Dupuytren's.
Swedish paleogeneticist Svante Paabo, who sequenced the genome of the Neanderthal and discovered the previously unknown hominin Denisova, won the Nobel Medicine Prize.
Intermingling Between Neanderthals and Modern Humans Led to Certain Diseases
The study, which involved over 7,000 individuals with Viking disease or Dupuytren's disease characterized by permanently bent fingers, has found that the risk of developing the condition increases with the inheritance of Neanderthal DNA.
As per Science Alert, researchers identified three crucial genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's that were inherited from Neanderthals, suggesting their contribution to the prevalence of the disease in populations outside of Africa. The study was conducted with clinical groups in the US, the UK, and Finland.
Hugo Zeberg, the lead author of the study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, said in the news release that they aimed to explore whether Neanderthal gene variants could explain the occurrence of Dupuytren's contracture, which is more commonly observed in men later in life and rarely seen in individuals of African descent. The study revealed the significant influence of Neanderthal genetic inheritance on the disease.
The prevalence of Dupuytren's disease in northern Europe is high, affecting approximately 30% of men over the age of 60, and is estimated to impact up to two million individuals in the UK.
The findings shed light on the role of interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans in shaping the occurrence of certain diseases. Similar studies have shown the impact of Neanderthal-inherited gene variants on the risk of other conditions, such as COVID-19.
This research contributes to the understanding of the genetic legacy left by Neanderthals and the complex interactions between different human ancestors. It highlights the significance of intermingling between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in shaping the prevalence of certain diseases and underscores the substantial genetic similarity between modern humans and our ancient relatives.
READ ALSO: Peter Pan Syndrome Qualities Found in Neanderthal and Human Brains [Research]
Dupuytren's Disease Explained
According to The British Society for Surgery of the Hand, Dupuytren's disease is a common condition that primarily affects middle-aged individuals and is more prevalent in men than women.
It is characterized by the formation of nodules and cords beneath the skin of the palm, causing the fingers to become permanently bent. The cause of the disease remains unknown, although it is more commonly observed in Northern Europe and can run in families.
The disease typically starts with the development of nodules in the palm, often aligned with the ring finger. While these nodules may initially cause discomfort, it tends to improve over time. In some cases, the nodules progress into cords that restrict finger movement, resulting in a fixed bent position.
The condition progresses slowly over months and years, and without treatment, multiple fingers can be affected. In some instances, the web between the thumb and index finger may also become narrower.
While there is no cure for Dupuytren's disease, surgical intervention can help straighten the affected fingers to some extent. However, the disease cannot be completely eradicated, and there is a possibility of recurrence after surgery.
Radiotherapy is not supported by evidence, and collagenase injections have shown some effectiveness in certain cases. Most patients only require one surgery in their lifetime, although the disease may reappear in previously unaffected areas of the hand.
RELATED ARTICLE: First Neanderthal Family: Largest Genetic Research in Ancient Humans Offers a Glimpse of Real-Life Flintstones
Check out more news and information on Neanderthals in Science Times.
