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Lee OYC, Wu HHT, Besra GS, Minnikin DE, Jaeger HY, Maixner F, Zink A, Gasparik M, Pap I, Bereczki Z, Pálfi G. Sensitive lipid biomarker detection for tuberculosis in late Neanderthal skeletons from Subalyuk Cave, Hungary. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2023; 143S:102420. [PMID: 38012927 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2023.102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal remains of two Neanderthal individuals, a 25-35 year-old woman and a 3-4 year-old child, were discovered in a Subalyuk Cave in North-Eastern Hungary. Radiocarbon dating of the female and child remains revealed an age of 39,732-39,076 and 36,117-35,387 cal BP, respectively. Paleopathological studies of these Neanderthal remains revealed probable evidence of skeletal mycobacterial infection, including in the sacrum of the adult specimen and the endocranial surface of the child's skull. Application of PCR amplification to the juvenile cranium and a vertebra gave a positive result (IS6110) for tuberculosis, backed up by spoligotyping. Lipid biomarker analyses of the same two specimens revealed definitive signals for C32 mycoserosates, a very characteristic component of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). A vertebra from the adult provided weak evidence for mycocerosate biomarkers. The correlation of probable skeletal lesions with characteristic amplified DNA fragments and a proven lipid biomarker points to the presence of tuberculosis in these Neanderthals. In particular, the closely similar biomarker profiles, for two distinct juvenile cranial and vertebral bones, strengthen this diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oona Y-C Lee
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK
| | - Houdini H T Wu
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gurdyal S Besra
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK.
| | - David E Minnikin
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK
| | - Heidi Y Jaeger
- Institute for Mummy Studies, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Frank Maixner
- Institute for Mummy Studies, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Albert Zink
- Institute for Mummy Studies, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Mihály Gasparik
- Department of Palaeontology and Geology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Pap
- Department of Anthropology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Hungary; Department of Anthropology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Bereczki
- Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - György Pálfi
- Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Hungary
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2
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Pálfi G, Molnár E, Bereczki Z, Coqueugniot H, Dutour O, Tillier AM, Rosendahl W, Sklánitz A, Mester Z, Gasparik M, Maixner F, Zink A, Minnikin DE, Pap I. Re-examination of the Subalyuk Neanderthal remains uncovers signs of probable TB infection (Subalyuk Cave, Hungary). Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2023; 143S:102419. [PMID: 38012926 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2023.102419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
In 1932, skeletal remains of two Neanderthal individuals, a young adult female and a 3-4-year-old child, were discovered in Subalyuk Cave in Northern Hungary [1,2]. Results of the anthropological examination were published some years after this important discovery. Methodological progress encouraged re-examination of the material during the last few years. Radiocarbon dating revealed a chronological age of 39,732-39,076 cal. BP for the adult female and 36,117-35,387 cal. BP for the child [3]. Morphological paleopathological studies of these Neanderthal remains uncovered distinct evidence of skeletal infections. Alterations of the adult individual's sacrum suggest probable early-stage sacroiliitis, while several vertebral bodies indicate superficial osseous remodelling of infectious origin. Traces of pathological lesions were observed on the endocranial surface of the child's skull, reflecting a reaction of meningeal tissues, a consequence of a probable TB-related meningeal infectious process. Results of recent paleomicrobiological examinations - lipid biomarker and aDNA studies - support the morphological diagnosis of probable TB infections [4].
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Affiliation(s)
- György Pálfi
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Erika Molnár
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Zsolt Bereczki
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Hélène Coqueugniot
- UMR 6034 Archéosciences Bordeaux, CNRS, Université Bordeaux Montaigne, 33607, Pessac Cedex, France; Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes - PSL University Paris, France.
| | - Olivier Dutour
- UMR 6034 Archéosciences Bordeaux, CNRS, Université Bordeaux Montaigne, 33607, Pessac Cedex, France; Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes - PSL University Paris, France.
| | | | | | - Antal Sklánitz
- Central Quality Laboratory, Continental Automotive Hungary Ltd, Budapest, Napmátka u. 6, 1106, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zsolt Mester
- Institute of Archaeological Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; UMR 7194 HNHP CNRS/MNHN/UPVD, Institut de Paléontologie Humaine, Paris, France.
| | - Mihály Gasparik
- Department of Palaeontology and Geology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Hungary.
| | - Frank Maixner
- Institute for Mummy Studies, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Albert Zink
- Institute for Mummy Studies, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - David E Minnikin
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Ildikó Pap
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Institute of Biology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary; Department of Anthropology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Biological Anthropology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
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3
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Lee OYC, Wu HHT, Besra GS. Professor David Minnikin Memorial Lecture: An era of the mycobacterial cell wall lipid biomarkers. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2023; 143S:102415. [PMID: 38012929 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2023.102415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper is dedicated to the memory of Professor David Ernest Minnikin (1939-2021). David was one of the key scientists who pioneered the field of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell envelope research for over half a century. From the classification, identification, and extraction of the unusual lipids of the mycobacterial cell wall, to exploiting them as characteristic lipid biomarkers for sensitive detection, his ideas enlightened a whole world of possibilities within the tuberculosis (TB) field. In addition, his definition of the intricate models now forms a key milestone in our understanding of the M. tuberculosis cell envelope and has resolved many unanswered questions on the evolution of M. tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oona Y-C Lee
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Coventry Road Medical Centre, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0UG, United Kingdom
| | - Houdini H T Wu
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Coventry Road Medical Centre, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0UG, United Kingdom; UK Health Security Agency, Public Health Laboratory, Birmingham, B5 9SS, United Kingdom
| | - Gurdyal S Besra
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
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Papa V, Galassi FM, Varotto E, Gori A, Vaccarezza M. The Evolution of Diagnostic Techniques in the Paleopathology of Tuberculosis: A Scoping Review. Pathog Immun 2023; 8:93-116. [PMID: 37900966 PMCID: PMC10603826 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v8i1.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient chronic infectious disease that remains a global health concern. In human remains, the most common and characteristic clinical signs are the skeletal modifications involving the spine, such as in Pott's disease. Diagnosing TB in ancient human remains is challenging. Therefore, in this systematic review, the authors investigated the studies assessing molecular diagnosis of Pott's disease in ancient human remains with the intention to survey the literature, map the evidence, and identify gaps and future perspectives on TB in paleopathology. Our systematic review offers a full contextualization of the history of Pott's disease in ancient times. Our search strategy was performed between August 2022 and March 2023. The authors initially identified 340 records, and 74 studies were finally included and assessed for qualitative analysis. Due to non-specific clinical signs associated with TB, how best to diagnose tuberculosis in human remains still represents a central point. Nevertheless, ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis, lipid biomarkers, and spoligotyping might be extremely useful tools in the study of TB in human remains. Moreover, we propose the extraction and study of immune response genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity versus Mycobacterium spp. as an innovative and vastly overlooked approach in TB paleopathology. Complementary methodologies should be integrated to provide the best approach to the study of TB in human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Papa
- Forensic Anthropology, Paleopathology and Bioarchaeology (FAPAB) Research Center, Avola, Italy
- Department of Economics, Law, Cybersecurity, and Sports Sciences, University of Naples “Parthenope,” Naples, Italy
- School of Science, Engineering and Health, University of Naples “Parthenope,” Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco M. Galassi
- Forensic Anthropology, Paleopathology and Bioarchaeology (FAPAB) Research Center, Avola, Italy
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - Elena Varotto
- Forensic Anthropology, Paleopathology and Bioarchaeology (FAPAB) Research Center, Avola, Italy
- Archaeology, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrea Gori
- I Division of Infectious Diseases, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, 6102 Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, 6102 Western Australia, Australia
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Schats R. Developing an archaeology of malaria. A critical review of current approaches and a discussion on ways forward. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2023; 41:32-42. [PMID: 36930997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper presents the current state of the art in the investigation of past malaria by providing an extensive review of previous studies and identifying research possibilities for the future. MATERIALS All previous research on the detection of malaria in human skeletal material using macroscopic and biomolecular approaches is considered. METHODS The approaches and methods used by scholars and the results they obtained are evaluated and the limitations discussed. RESULTS There is a link between malaria and porous lesions with significantly higher prevalence in malaria-endemic areas, however, they are not pathognomonic or specific for malaria. Malaria can be identified using biomolecular techniques, yet, to date there is no completely satisfactory method that is able to consistently diagnose the disease. CONCLUSIONS Using macroscopic and biomolecular techniques, malaria can be investigated in past populations and the impact of the disease studied. Yet, this is not a straightforward process and the use of multiple lines of evidence is necessary to obtain the best results. SIGNIFICANCE The extensive discussion on ways malaria can and cannot be identified in past populations and the suggestions for new approaches provide a steppingstone for future research into this debilitating, global disease. LIMITATIONS Malaria is a difficult disease to study archaeologically and successful identification depends on many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH More large-scale spatial analyses of porous lesions as well as targeting different tissues or molecules for biomolecular identification may improve the archaeological understanding of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Schats
- Leiden University, Faculty of Archaeology, Laboratory for Human Osteoarchaeology, Einsteinweg 2, 2333CC Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Valdemar-Aguilar CM, Manisekaran R, Acosta-Torres LS, López-Marín LM. Spotlight on mycobacterial lipid exploitation using nanotechnology for diagnosis, vaccines, and treatments. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 48:102653. [PMID: 36646193 PMCID: PMC9839462 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), historically the most significant cause of human morbidity and mortality, has returned as the top infectious disease worldwide, under circumstances worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic's devastating effects on public health. Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causal agent, has been known of for more than a century, the development of tools to control it has been largely neglected. With the advancement of nanotechnology, the possibility of engineering tools at the nanoscale creates unique opportunities to exploit any molecular type. However, little attention has been paid to one of the major attributes of the pathogen, represented by the atypical coat and its abundant lipids. In this review, an overview of the lipids encountered in M. tuberculosis and interest in exploiting them for the development of TB control tools are presented. Then, the amalgamation of nanotechnology with mycobacterial lipids from both reported and future works are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M. Valdemar-Aguilar
- Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, Mexico,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Ravichandran Manisekaran
- Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory (LII), Nanostructures and Biomaterials Area, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Predio el Saucillo y el Potrero, Comunidad de los Tepetates, 37689 León, Mexico.
| | - Laura S. Acosta-Torres
- Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory (LII), Nanostructures and Biomaterials Area, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Predio el Saucillo y el Potrero, Comunidad de los Tepetates, 37689 León, Mexico
| | - Luz M. López-Marín
- Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, 76230 Querétaro, Mexico,Corresponding authors
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Spekker O, Tihanyi B, Kis L, Váradi OA, Donoghue HD, Minnikin DE, Szalontai C, Vida T, Pálfi G, Marcsik A, Molnár E. The two extremes of Hansen’s disease—Different manifestations of leprosy and their biological consequences in an Avar Age (late 7th century CE) osteoarchaeological series of the Duna-Tisza Interfluve (Kiskundorozsma–Daruhalom-dűlő II, Hungary). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265416. [PMID: 35737690 PMCID: PMC9223331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To give an insight into the different manifestations of leprosy and their biological consequences in the Avar Age of the Hungarian Duna-Tisza Interfluve, two cases from the 7th-century-CE osteoarchaeological series of Kiskundorozsma–Daruhalom-dűlő II (Hungary; n = 94) were investigated. Based on the macromorphology of the bony changes indicative of Hansen’s disease, KD271 (a middle-aged male) and KD520 (a middle-aged female) represent the two extremes of leprosy. KD271 appears to have an advanced-stage, long-standing near-lepromatous or lepromatous form of the disease, affecting not only the rhinomaxillary region but also both upper and lower limbs. This has led to severe deformation and disfigurement of the involved anatomical areas of the skeleton, resulting in his inability to perform the basic activities of daily living, such as eating, drinking, grasping, standing or walking. The skeleton of KD520 shows no rhinomaxillary lesions and indicates the other extreme of leprosy, a near-tuberculoid or tuberculoid form of the disease. As in KD271, Hansen’s disease has resulted in disfigurement and disability of both of the lower limbs of KD520; and thus, the middle-aged female would have experienced difficulties in standing, walking, and conducting occupational physical activities. KD271 and KD520 are amongst the very few published cases with leprosy from the Avar Age of the Hungarian Duna-Tisza Interfluve, and the only examples with detailed macromorphological description and differential diagnoses of the observed leprous bony changes. The cases of these two severely disabled individuals, especially of KD271 –who would have required regular and substantial care from others to survive–imply that in the Avar Age community of Kiskundorozsma–Daruhalom-dűlő II there was a willingness to care for people in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Spekker
- Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Archaeological Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
| | - Balázs Tihanyi
- Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Institute of Hungarian Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Luca Kis
- Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Institute of Hungarian Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Anna Váradi
- Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Institute of Hungarian Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Helen D. Donoghue
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David E. Minnikin
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Csaba Szalontai
- Archaeological Heritage Protection Directorate, Hungarian National Museum, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tivadar Vida
- Institute of Archaeological Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György Pálfi
- Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Antónia Marcsik
- Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Erika Molnár
- Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Mycobacterial Adhesion: From Hydrophobic to Receptor-Ligand Interactions. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020454. [PMID: 35208908 PMCID: PMC8875947 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adhesion is crucial for the infective lifestyles of bacterial pathogens. Adhesion to non-living surfaces, other microbial cells, and components of the biofilm extracellular matrix are crucial for biofilm formation and integrity, plus adherence to host factors constitutes a first step leading to an infection. Adhesion is, therefore, at the core of pathogens’ ability to contaminate, transmit, establish residency within a host, and cause an infection. Several mycobacterial species cause diseases in humans and animals with diverse clinical manifestations. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which enters through the respiratory tract, first adheres to alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells leading up to transmigration across the alveolar epithelium and containment within granulomas. Later, when dissemination occurs, the bacilli need to adhere to extracellular matrix components to infect extrapulmonary sites. Mycobacteria causing zoonotic infections and emerging nontuberculous mycobacterial pathogens follow divergent routes of infection that probably require adapted adhesion mechanisms. New evidence also points to the occurrence of mycobacterial biofilms during infection, emphasizing a need to better understand the adhesive factors required for their formation. Herein, we review the literature on tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial adhesion to living and non-living surfaces, to themselves, to host cells, and to components of the extracellular matrix.
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van Spelde AM, Schroeder H, Kjellström A, Lidén K. Approaches to osteoporosis in paleopathology: How did methodology shape bone loss research? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2021; 33:245-257. [PMID: 34044198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper will review how different methods employed to study bone loss in the past were used to explore different questions and aspects of bone loss, how methodology has changed over time, and how these different approaches have informed our understanding of bone loss in the past. MATERIALS AND METHODS A review and discussion is conducted on research protocols and results of 84 paleopathology publications on bone loss in archaeological skeletal collections published between 1969 and 2021. CONCLUSIONS The variety in research protocols confounds accurate meta-analysis of previously published research; however, more recent publications incorporate a combination of bone mass and bone quality based methods. Biased sample selection has resulted in a predominance of European and Medieval publications, limiting more general observations on bone loss in the past. Collection of dietary or paleopathological covariables is underemployed in the effort to interpret bone loss patterns. SIGNIFICANCE Paleopathology publications have demonstrated differences in bone loss between distinct archaeological populations, between sex and age groups, and have suggested factors underlying observed differences. However, a lack of a gold standard has encouraged the use of a wide range of methods. Understanding how this array of methods effects results is crucial in contextualizing our knowledge of bone loss in the past. LIMITATIONS The development of a research protocol is also influenced by available expertise, available equipment, restrictions imposed by the curator, and site-specific taphonomic aspects. These factors will likely continue to cause (minor) biases even if a best practice can be established. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH Greater effort to develop uniform terminology and operational definitions of osteoporosis in skeletal remains, as well as the expansion of time scale and geographical areas studied. The Next-Generation Sequencing revolution has also opened up the possibility of ancient DNA analyses to study genetic predisposition to bone loss in the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marijn van Spelde
- Archaeological Research Laboratory, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, Stockholm University, Lilla Frescativägen 7, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden; The Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Hannes Schroeder
- The Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Kjellström
- Osteological Research Laboratory, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, Stockholm University, Lilla Frescativägen 7, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Lidén
- Archaeological Research Laboratory, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, Stockholm University, Lilla Frescativägen 7, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
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Váradi OA, Rakk D, Spekker O, Terhes G, Urbán E, Berthon W, Pap I, Szikossy I, Maixner F, Zink A, Vágvölgyi C, Donoghue HD, Minnikin DE, Szekeres A, Pálfi G. Verification of tuberculosis infection among Vác mummies (18th century CE, Hungary) based on lipid biomarker profiling with a new HPLC-HESI-MS approach. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2020; 126:102037. [PMID: 33338873 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2020.102037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) was a large burden of infections that peaked during the 19th century in Europe. Mummies from the 18th century CE, discovered in the crypt of a church at Vác, Hungary, had high TB prevalence, as revealed by amplification of key fragments of TB DNA and genome-wide TB analysis. Complementary methods are needed to confirm these diagnoses and one approach uses the identification of specific lipid biomarkers, such as TB mycocerosic acids (MCs). Previously, MC derivatives were profiled by specialised gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), so an alternative more direct approach has been developed. Underivatized MCs are extracted and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography linked to a mass spectrometer, in heated electrospray ionisation mode (HPLC-HESI-MS). The method was validated using representatives of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and other mycobacteria and tested on six Vác mummy cases, previously considered positive for TB infection. Analysing both rib and soft tissue samples, four out of six cases gave profiles of main C32 and major C29 and C39 mycocerosates correlating well with those of M. tuberculosis. Multidisciplinary methods are needed in the diagnosis of ancient tuberculosis; this new protocol accesses important confirmatory evidence, as demonstrated by the confirmation of TB in the Vác mummies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Anna Váradi
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary. Postal address: Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary. Postal address: Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Dávid Rakk
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary. Postal address: Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Olga Spekker
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary. Postal address: Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gabriella Terhes
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary. Postal address: P.O.B. 427, H-6701, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Edit Urbán
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary. Postal address: Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary. Postal address: Szigeti út 12, H-7624, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - William Berthon
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary. Postal address: Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Ildikó Pap
- Department of Anthropology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Hungary. Postal address: Ludovika tér 2-6, H-1083, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Ildikó Szikossy
- Department of Anthropology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Hungary. Postal address: Ludovika tér 2-6, H-1083, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Frank Maixner
- Institute for Mummy Studies, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy. Postal address: Viale Druso, 1, I-39100, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Albert Zink
- Institute for Mummy Studies, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy. Postal address: Viale Druso, 1, I-39100, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Csaba Vágvölgyi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary. Postal address: Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Helen D Donoghue
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, UK. Postal address: Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - David E Minnikin
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, UK. Postal Address: B15 2TT Birmingham, UK.
| | - András Szekeres
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary. Postal address: Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - György Pálfi
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary. Postal address: Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary.
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11
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Oldest evidence of tuberculosis in Argentina: A multidisciplinary investigation in an adult male skeleton from Saujil, Tinogasta, Catamarca (905-1030 CE). Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2020; 125:101995. [PMID: 32979676 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2020.101995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) has affected South American populations since ca. 200 years BCE. In Argentina, possible cases date from ca. 1000-1400 Common Era (CE). This paper describes the oldest (905-1030 CE) confirmed case of tuberculosis (TB) in a young adult male from Lomitas de Saujil (Tinogasta, Catamarca, Argentina). Osteolytic lesions on the bodies of the lower spine were macroscopically and radiographically identified. Bilateral new bone formation was seen on the visceral vertebral third of several ribs and in long bones, compatible with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Representative rib and hand bones gave profiles for MTC-specific C27-C32 mycocerosic acid lipid biomarkers; these were strongest in one heavily-lesioned lower rib, which also had MTC-diagnostic C76-C89 mycolic acids and positive amplification of MTC-typical IS6110 aDNA fragments. During the first millennium CE, the intense social interaction, the spatial circumscription of villages among the pre-Hispanic societies in the mesothermal valleys of Catamarca and the fluid contacts with the Eastern lowlands, valleys and puna, were factors likely to favor disease transmission. It is proposed that TB arrived from northern Chile and dispersed towards the northeast into the Yocavil valley, where several cases of TB infection were macroscopically identified for a later chronology.
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12
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Dangvard Pedersen D, Milner GR, Kolmos HJ, Boldsen JL. Tuberculosis in medieval and early modern Denmark: A paleoepidemiological perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2019; 27:101-108. [PMID: 30522981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide have sickened and died from tuberculosis in recent centuries. Yet for most of human existence, the impact of tuberculosis on society is largely unknown. It is, indeed, unknowable without methods suitable for estimating disease prevalence in skeletal samples. Here such a procedure is applied to medieval and early modern Danish skeletons, and it shows how disease prevalence varied with differences in socioeconomic conditions. The approach is based on sensitivity and specificity estimates from modern skeletons. To augment our understanding of tuberculosis in Danish history, 713 adult skeletons were examined, all from Ribe. Tuberculosis increased from 17% to 40% in the medieval to early modern periods in Ribe. Low status (29%) people were more likely to contract the disease than those of high status (10%). The general model, derived from the modern expression of tuberculosis, fits the early modern sample better than it does the medieval skeletons. Differences in the model's fit indicate the skeletal expression changed over time. Notably, rib lesions increased in frequency from the medieval to early modern periods. The approach developed here can provide insights into host-pathogen relationships and disease expression in future work with tuberculosis and other diseases that affect the skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorthe Dangvard Pedersen
- Unit of Anthropology (ADBOU), Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
| | - George R Milner
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Hans Jørn Kolmos
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lier Boldsen
- Unit of Anthropology (ADBOU), Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
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13
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Dangvard Pedersen D, Milner GR, Kolmos HJ, Boldsen JL. The association between skeletal lesions and tuberculosis diagnosis using a probabilistic approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2019; 27:88-100. [PMID: 30661884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Sensitivity and specificity estimates for 18 skeletal lesions were generated from modern skeletons for future paleoepidemiological analyses of tuberculosis prevalence in archaeological samples. A case-control study was conducted using 480 skeletons from 20th century American skeletal collections. One-half of the skeletons were documented tuberculosis cases (Terry Collection). The remaining age and sex-matched skeletons were controls (Bass Collection). The association between 18 candidate skeletal lesions and tuberculosis was established by comparing lesion distributions in case and control groups. Lesion indicators at six locations - visceral surface of ribs, ventral vertebral bodies, lateral part of ilium, acetabular fossa, iliac auricular surface, and ulna olecranon process - occurred significantly more often among cases than in controls, and were associated with one another. The most useful indicator proved to be a bony reaction on ventral thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies. Its presence means a 53.3% probability of a true tuberculosis diagnosis. Because of the nature of the reference sample - 20th century American cases - sensitivity and specificity estimates will better estimate disease prevalence in archaeological samples from cultural settings where pulmonary tuberculosis predominated. The general approach of this proof-of-concept study is applicable to other diseases that occur commonly and affect bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorthe Dangvard Pedersen
- Unit of Anthropology (ADBOU), Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
| | - George R Milner
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Hans Jørn Kolmos
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lier Boldsen
- Unit of Anthropology (ADBOU), Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
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14
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Donoghue HD. Tuberculosis and leprosy associated with historical human population movements in Europe and beyond - an overview based on mycobacterial ancient DNA. Ann Hum Biol 2019; 46:120-128. [PMID: 31137975 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2019.1624822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Context: Tuberculosis and leprosy are readily recognised in human remains due to their typical palaeopathology. Both Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and Mycobacterium leprae (ML) are obligate pathogens and have been detected in ancient human populations. Objective: To demonstrate historical tuberculosis and leprosy cases in Europe and beyond using molecular methods, as human populations are associated with different mycobacterial genotypes. Methods: MTB and ML ancient DNA (aDNA) has been detected by DNA amplification using PCR, or by whole genome sequencing. Mycobacterial cell wall lipids also provide specific markers for identification. Results: In 18th century Hungary, the European indigenous MTB genotype 4 strains have been found. However, many individuals were co-infected with up to three MTB sub-genotypes. In 8th-14th century Europe significant differences in ML genotypes were found between northwest Europe compared with central, southern, or eastern Europe. In addition, several co-infections of MTB and ML were detected in historical samples. Conclusion: Both MTB and ML strain types differ between geographically separate populations. This is associated with ancient human migration after an evolutionary bottleneck and clonal expansion. The absence of indigenous leprosy in Europe today may be due to the greater mortality of tuberculosis in individuals who are co-infected with both organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen D Donoghue
- a Centre for Clinical Microbiology , University College London (UCL) , London , UK
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15
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Elsayed MSAE, Amer A. The rapid detection and differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members from cattle and water buffaloes in the delta area of Egypt, using a combination of real-time and conventional PCR. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:3909-3919. [PMID: 31041672 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04834-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) has the potential to cause infections in animals and human beings. The combination of real-time PCR targeting atpE or lpqT and RD1, and conventional PCR targeting regions of difference (RD) was rigorously evaluated as a descriptive molecular epidemiology tool. A total of 2100 cattle and buffaloes from the Menoufia, Sharkia, Gharbia, Dakahlia, Elbuhaira, and Cairo Governorates were tested by single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (SICCT). The frequency was 74/2100 (3.5%); thereafter, on post-mortem examination (PM), 49/74 (66.21%) showed visible lesions, while only 25/74 (33.78%) were non-visible with a significant difference of (p < .0001). Real-time PCR using atpE or lpqT and RD1 similarly detected the frequency of infection, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy, which represented 73/74 (98.65%), 98.65, 100, 100, 90.91, and 98.81%, respectively. Multiplex conventional PCR targeting RD1, 4, 9, and 12 confirmed that 49/74 (66.21%) were M.bovis, while the simplex conventional PCR targeting RD4 and RD9 confirmed mycobacteria in 71/74 (95.94%) samples, which included 61/74 (82.4%) M.bovis and 2/74 (2.7%) M.tuberculosis. Additionally, 8/74 (10.8%) exhibited mixed patterns of M.bovis and M.tuberculosis, and 3/74 (4.05%) were negative. There was a significant difference between the results of simplex and multiplex conventional PCR (p < .0001). Moreover, simplex conventional PCR targeting RD4 and RD9 proved higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy, which were 95.95, 100, 100, 76.92, and 96.43%, respectively, when compared with the values of multiplex conventional PCR targeting RD1,4,9, and 12 which were 66.22, 100, 100, 28.57, and 70.24%, respectively. The repeatability results of real-time PCR using atpE or lpqT and RD1, and simplex conventional PCR targeting RD4 and RD9 were acceptable. In conclusion, a combination of real-time PCR using atpE or lpqT and RD1 as the first step with simplex conventional PCR targeting RD4 and RD9 as the second step was reliable as a diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Sabry Abd Elraheam Elsayed
- Department of Bacteriology, Mycology, and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Menoufia, 32897, Egypt.
| | - Ali Amer
- Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki-Giza, Egypt
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