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Liu J, Bitsue HK, Yang Z. Skin colour: A window into human phenotypic evolution and environmental adaptation. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17369. [PMID: 38713101 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
As modern humans ventured out of Africa and dispersed around the world, they faced novel environmental challenges that led to geographic adaptations including skin colour. Over the long history of human evolution, skin colour has changed dramatically, showing tremendous diversity across different geographical regions, for example, the majority of individuals from the expansive lands of Africa have darker skin, whereas the majority of people from Eurasia exhibit lighter skin. What adaptations did lighter skin confer upon modern humans as they migrated from Africa to Eurasia? What genetic mechanisms underlie the diversity of skin colour observed in different populations? In recent years, scientists have gradually gained a deeper understanding of the interactions between pigmentation gene and skin colour through population-based genomic studies of different groups around the world, particularly in East Asia and Africa. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of 26 skin colour-related pigmentation genes and 48 SNPs that influence skin colour. Important pigmentation genes across three major populations are described in detail: MFSD12, SLC24A5, PDPK1 and DDB1/CYB561A3/TMEM138 influence skin colour in African populations; OCA2, KITLG, SLC24A2, GNPAT and PAH are key to the evolution of skin pigmentation in East Asian populations; and SLC24A5, SLC45A2, TYR, TYRP1, ASIP, MC1R and IRF4 significantly contribute to the lightening of skin colour in European populations. We summarized recent findings in genomic studies of skin colour in populations that implicate diverse geographic environments, local adaptation among populations, gene flow and multi-gene interactions as factors influencing skin colour diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuming Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Habtom K Bitsue
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaohui Yang
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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2
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Fuller-Thomson E, Deng Z, Fuller-Thomson EG. Association Between Area Temperature and Severe Vision Impairment in a Nationally Representative Sample of Older Americans. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2024; 31:119-126. [PMID: 37338863 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2221727] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several small studies have associated exposure to elevated average temperature with specific vision problems. However, no large-scale studies have examined the relationship between vision impairment and average area temperature in the general population. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a large nationally representative sample of older adults to further explore this relationship. METHODS Secondary analysis of the American Community Survey (ACS). The survey was conducted through mail, telephone and in-person interviews. Data from six consecutive years of the cross-sectional survey were analysed (2012-2017). The subsample analysed included community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults aged 65 and older in the coterminous US who lived in the same state in which they were born (n = 1,707,333). The question on severe vision impairment was "Is this person blind or does he/she have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses?". Average annual temperature data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was combined into a 100-year average and mapped to corresponding US Census Bureau's public use microdata areas from the ACS. RESULTS Higher average temperature is consistently associated with increased odds of severe vision impairment across all cohorts (i.e. age, sex, race, income, and educational attainment cohorts) with the exception of Hispanic older adults. Compared to those who lived in counties with average temperature of < 50 °F (< 10 °C) , the odds of severe vision impairment were 44% higher in counties with average temperature of 60 °F (15.5 °C) or above (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.42-1.46). CONCLUSION If the association is found to be causal, the predicted rise in global temperatures could impact the number of older Americans affected by severe vision impairment and the associated health and economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esme Fuller-Thomson
- Institute for Life Course & Aging, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - ZhiDi Deng
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elysia G Fuller-Thomson
- Institute for Life Course & Aging, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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Lucock MD. Vitomics: A novel paradigm for examining the role of vitamins in human biology. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300127. [PMID: 37727095 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300127] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The conventional view of vitamins reflects a diverse group of small molecules that facilitate critical aspects of metabolism and prevent potentially fatal deficiency syndromes. However, vitamins also contribute to the shaping and maintenance of the human phenome over lifecycle and evolutionary timescales, enabling a degree of phenotypic plasticity that operates to allow adaptive responses that are appropriate to key periods of sensitivity (i.e., epigenetic response during prenatal development within the lifecycle or as an evolved response to environmental challenge over a great many lifecycles). Individually, vitamins are important, but their effect is often based on nutrient-nutrient (vitamin-vitamin), nutrient-gene (vitamin-gene), and gene-gene interactions, and the environmental influence of shifting geophysical cycles, as well as evolving cultural practices. These ideas will be explored within what I refer to as the "adaptive vitome (vitomics)" paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Lucock
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, Australia
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4
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De Dominici M, DeGregori J. Our ancestry dictates clonal architecture and skin cancer susceptibility. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1428-1429. [PMID: 37537258 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01467-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Dominici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - James DeGregori
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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5
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Brandon AA, Almeida D, Powder KE. Neural crest cells as a source of microevolutionary variation. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 145:42-51. [PMID: 35718684 PMCID: PMC10482117 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrates have some of the most complex and diverse features in animals, from varied craniofacial morphologies to colorful pigmentation patterns and elaborate social behaviors. All of these traits have their developmental origins in a multipotent embryonic lineage of neural crest cells. This "fourth germ layer" is a vertebrate innovation and the source of a wide range of adult cell types. While others have discussed the role of neural crest cells in human disease and animal domestication, less is known about their role in contributing to adaptive changes in wild populations. Here, we review how variation in the development of neural crest cells and their derivatives generates considerable phenotypic diversity in nature. We focus on the broad span of traits under natural and sexual selection whose variation may originate in the neural crest, with emphasis on behavioral factors such as intraspecies communication that are often overlooked. In all, we encourage the integration of evolutionary ecology with developmental biology and molecular genetics to gain a more complete understanding of the role of this single cell type in trait covariation, evolutionary trajectories, and vertebrate diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Allyson Brandon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Daniela Almeida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Kara E Powder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
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6
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Pryor Y, Lindo J. Deconstructing Eurocentrism in skin pigmentation research via the incorporation of diverse populations and theoretical perspectives. Evol Anthropol 2023; 32:195-205. [PMID: 37450551 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of skin pigmentation has been shaped by numerous biological and cultural shifts throughout human history. Vitamin D is considered a driver of depigmentation evolution in humans, given the deleterious health effects associated with vitamin D deficiency, which is often shaped by cultural factors. New advancements in genomics and epigenomics have opened the door to a deeper exploration of skin pigmentation evolution in both contemporary and ancient populations. Data from ancient Europeans has offered great context to the spread of depigmentation alleles via the evaluation of migration events and cultural shifts that occurred during the Neolithic. However, novel insights can further be gained via the inclusion of diverse ancient and contemporary populations. Here we present on how potential biases and limitations in skin pigmentation research can be overcome with the integration of interdisciplinary data that includes both cultural and biological elements, which have shaped the evolutionary history of skin pigmentation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yemko Pryor
- Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John Lindo
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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7
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Zhao F, Yang L, Zhang T, Zhuang D, Wu Q, Yu J, Tian C, Zhang Z. Gut microbiome signatures of extreme environment adaption in Tibetan pig. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:27. [PMID: 37225687 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00395-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tibetan pigs (TPs) can adapt to the extreme environments in the Tibetan plateau implicated by their self-genome signals, but little is known about roles of the gut microbiota in the host adaption. Here, we reconstructed 8210 metagenome-assembled genomes from TPs (n = 65) living in high-altitude and low-altitude captive pigs (87 from China-CPs and 200 from Europe-EPs) that were clustered into 1050 species-level genome bins (SGBs) at the threshold of 95% average nucleotide identity. 73.47% of SGBs represented new species. The gut microbial community structure analysis based on 1,048 SGBs showed that TPs was significantly different from low-altitude captive pigs. TP-associated SGBs enabled to digest multiple complex polysaccharides, including cellulose, hemicellulose, chitin and pectin. Especially, we found TPs showed the most common enrichment of phyla Fibrobacterota and Elusimicrobia, which were involved in the productions of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, butanoate and propanoate; octanomic, decanoic and dodecanoic acids), as well as in the biosynthesis of lactate, 20 essential amino acids, multiple B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B7 and B9) and cofactors. Unexpectedly, Fibrobacterota solely showed powerful metabolic capacity, including the synthesis of acetic acid, alanine, histidine, arginine, tryptophan, serine, threonine, valine, B2, B5, B9, heme and tetrahydrofolate. These metabolites might contribute to host adaptation to high-altitude, such as energy harvesting and resistance against hypoxia and ultraviolet radiation. This study provides insights into understanding the role of gut microbiome played in mammalian high-altitude adaptation and discovers some potential microbes as probiotics for improving animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China
| | - Lili Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Laboratory of Evolutionary & Functional Genomics, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Daohua Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Qunfu Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Laboratory of Evolutionary & Functional Genomics, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Jiangkun Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Chen Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650091, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Laboratory of Evolutionary & Functional Genomics, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China.
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8
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Coleman AB, Lorenzo K, McLamb F, Sanku A, Khan S, Bozinovic G. Imagining, designing, and interpreting experiments: Using quantitative assessment to improve instruction in scientific reasoning. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 51:286-301. [PMID: 37014009 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Effectively teaching scientific reasoning requires an understanding of the challenges students face when learning these skills. We designed an assessment that measures undergraduate student abilities to form hypotheses, design experiments, and interpret data from experiments in cellular and molecular biology. The assessment uses intermediate-constraint free-response questions with a defined rubric to facilitate use with large classes, while identifying common reasoning errors that may prevent students from becoming proficient at designing and interpreting experiments. The assessment measured a statistically significant improvement in a senior-level biochemistry laboratory course, and a larger improvement between the biochemistry lab students and a separate cohort in a first-year introductory biology lab course. Two common errors were identified for forming hypotheses and using experimental controls. Students frequently constructed a hypothesis that was a restatement of the observation it was supposed to explain. They also often made comparisons to control conditions not included in an experiment. Both errors were most frequent among first-year students, and decreased in frequency as students completed the senior-level biochemistry lab. Further investigation of the absent controls error indicated that difficulties with reasoning about experimental controls may be widespread in undergraduate students. The assessment was a useful instrument for measuring improvement in scientific reasoning at different levels of instruction, and identified errors that can be targeted to improve instruction in the process of science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B Coleman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093, USA
| | - Kyla Lorenzo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093, USA
| | - Flannery McLamb
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093, USA
| | - Abhiraj Sanku
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University, Vallejo, California, 94592, USA
| | - Sahil Khan
- School of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, 12208, USA
| | - Goran Bozinovic
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093, USA
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9
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Bonilla C, Herrera G, Sans M. What can Mendelian randomization contribute to biological anthropology? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37114747 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Uncovering causal relationships between exposures and outcomes can be difficult in observational studies because of the potential for confounding and reverse causation to produce biased estimates. Conversely, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the strongest evidence for causality but they are not always feasible. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a method that aims to strengthen causal inference using genetic variants as proxies or instrumental variables (IVs) for exposures, to overcome the above-mentioned biases. Since allele segregation occurs at random from parents to offspring, and alleles for a trait assort independently from those for other traits, MR studies have frequently been compared to "natural" RCTs. In biological anthropology (BA) relationships between variables of interest are usually evaluated using observational data, often remaining descriptive, and other approaches to causal inference have seldom been implemented. Here, we propose the use of MR to investigate cause and effect relationships in BA studies and provide examples to show how that can be done across areas of BA relevance, such as adaptation to the environment, nutrition and life history theory. While we consider MR a useful addition to the biological anthropologist's toolbox, we advocate the adoption of a wide range of methods, affected by different types of biases, in order to better answer the important causal questions for the discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Bonilla
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guadalupe Herrera
- Departamento de Antropología Biológica, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Social, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mónica Sans
- Departamento de Antropología Biológica, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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10
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Lucock MD. The evolution of human skin pigmentation: A changing medley of vitamins, genetic variability, and UV radiation during human expansion. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 180:252-271. [PMID: 36790744 PMCID: PMC10083917 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
This review examines putative, yet likely critical evolutionary pressures contributing to human skin pigmentation and subsequently, depigmentation phenotypes. To achieve this, it provides a synthesis of ideas that frame contemporary thinking, without limiting the narrative to pigmentation genes alone. It examines how geography and hence the quality and quantity of UV exposure, pigmentation genes, diet-related genes, vitamins, anti-oxidant nutrients, and cultural practices intersect and interact to facilitate the evolution of human skin color. The article has a strong focus on the vitamin D-folate evolutionary model, with updates on the latest biophysical research findings to support this paradigm. This model is examined within a broad canvas that takes human expansion out of Africa and genetic architecture into account. A thorough discourse on the biology of melanization is provided (includes relationship to BH4 and DNA damage repair), with the relevance of this to the UV sensitivity of folate and UV photosynthesis of vitamin D explained in detail, including the relevance of these vitamins to reproductive success. It explores whether we might be able to predict vitamin-related gene polymorphisms that pivot metabolism to the prevailing UVR exposome within the vitamin D-folate evolutionary hypothesis context. This is discussed in terms of a primary adaptive phenotype (pigmentation/depigmentation), a secondary adaptive phenotype (flexible metabolic phenotype based on vitamin-related gene polymorphism profile), and a tertiary adaptive strategy (dietary anti-oxidants to support the secondary adaptive phenotype). Finally, alternative evolutionary models for pigmentation are discussed, as are challenges to future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Lucock
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleOurimbahNew South WalesAustralia
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11
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Montag A. [The history of skin color is the history of mankind!]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 74:75-79. [PMID: 36593352 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-022-05101-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In the early days of mankind, at a time when various other human species populated the earth coexisting with Homo sapiens, the genetic mixing of mankind had already begun. Today, paleogenetics-as a branch of human genetic research-can prove that individuals from the most diverse human species already produced offspring together long before our era. This intermixing was supported from the beginning by massive migratory movements that started in East Africa and led first Homo neanderthalensis and much later also Homo sapiens to as far as Europe-two human species of which we know today that they were lighter-skinned than their ancestors. The adaptation to life in different climatic zones led to development of specific characteristics, which, in addition to physique and physiognomy, also affect specific features of the skin and the integumentary system. The most striking feature among these is the skin color and all associated skin-specific characteristics. These characteristics ensure special protection, but can also be the origin for specific diseases. Any division of Homo sapiens into races has been scientifically refuted. Due to ongoing genetic mixing of mankind, skin color, hair color and all associated characteristics should always be considered individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Montag
- Praxis für Haut und Geschlechtskrankheiten, Allergologie, Phlebologie, Reisemedizin, Schweriner Str. 17, 22143, Hamburg, Deutschland.
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12
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Pouriayevali F, Tavalaee M, Taktaz-Hafshejani T, Dattilio M, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Overlapping sperm damages from vitamin B or D deficiency in mice: Insights into the role of clinical supplementations. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14592. [PMID: 36123798 DOI: 10.1111/and.14592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the effect of 14 weeks of standard diet (controls) or folate and vitamin B12-free diet (VBD group) or vitamin D-free diet (VDD group) were assessed on mice testicular function, and sperm function. Vitamin D deprivation caused increased body weight with no effect from VBD confirming the calcium-independent role of vitamin D on body weight homeostasis. The two deprivations caused convergent damages including decreased testosterone, worsened Johnson scores, tubular differentiation index and spermatogenesis index, and serious worsening of sperm parameters and of sperm functional tests (DNA methylation, protamination, DNA damage and lipid peroxidation). From a metabolic point of view, the damage from both models converged on the one carbon cycle (methylations) and the transsulfuration pathway (GSH and antioxidant defences) and increased circulating homocysteine, although with different mechanisms: VBD appeared to hamper methylations due to lower ability to regenerate homocysteine to methionine whereas VDD appeared to interfere with homocysteine transsulfuration to cysteine and, thereafter, GSH. VDD also caused a huge paradox increase of vitamin B12, which was likely in a non-functional form and warrants further investigation. These findings strongly endorse the potential benefit of combined folate/B12 and vitamin D supplementation in infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Pouriayevali
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.,Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Taghi Taktaz-Hafshejani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad H Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, Isfahan, Iran
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13
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Kuijpers Y, Domínguez-Andrés J, Bakker OB, Gupta MK, Grasshoff M, Xu CJ, Joosten LAB, Bertranpetit J, Netea MG, Li Y. Evolutionary Trajectories of Complex Traits in European Populations of Modern Humans. Front Genet 2022; 13:833190. [PMID: 35419030 PMCID: PMC8995853 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.833190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have a great diversity in phenotypes, influenced by genetic, environmental, nutritional, cultural, and social factors. Understanding the historical trends of physiological traits can shed light on human physiology, as well as elucidate the factors that influence human diseases. Here we built genome-wide polygenic scores for heritable traits, including height, body mass index, lipoprotein concentrations, cardiovascular disease, and intelligence, using summary statistics of genome-wide association studies in Europeans. Subsequently, we applied these scores to the genomes of ancient European populations. Our results revealed that after the Neolithic, European populations experienced an increase in height and intelligence scores, decreased their skin pigmentation, while the risk for coronary artery disease increased through a genetic trajectory favoring low HDL concentrations. These results are a reflection of the continuous evolutionary processes in humans and highlight the impact that the Neolithic revolution had on our lifestyle and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Kuijpers
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine, CiiM, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jorge Domínguez-Andrés
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Olivier B Bakker
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Manoj Kumar Gupta
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine, CiiM, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Grasshoff
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine, CiiM, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cheng-Jian Xu
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine, CiiM, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jaume Bertranpetit
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (UPF-CSIC), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department for Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yang Li
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine, CiiM, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture Between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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14
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Alhameedy MM, Basendwh MA. Influence of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy on serum folate level in skin of color females: A cross-sectional study. Int J Womens Dermatol 2022; 8:e005. [PMID: 35620029 PMCID: PMC9112384 DOI: 10.1097/jw9.0000000000000005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) (311-312 nm) is widely used for dermatological conditions with a favorable side-effect profile during pregnancy. Recently published data showed that NB-UVB might decrease serum folate level in Fitzpatrick skin phenotype I-III, especially at higher doses; this may predispose newborns to neural tube defects. Objective To compare serum folate levels of skin of color females treated with NB-UVB and healthy females of childbearing age, as well as to note whether subsequent complications have been observed, if any. Methods Multicenter, cross-sectional study of 30 females (N = 30): 15 female patients undergoing NB-UVB phototherapy as well as 15 age-, gender-, and skin phenotype-matched healthy volunteers who were enrolled into the study after excluding factors known to alter serum folate concentration. NB-UVB exposures were performed 2-3 times a week for at least 8-12 weeks (mean cumulative NB-UVB dose ± standard deviation [SD] was 55 ± 79 J/cm2). Results Mean serum folate ± SD in NB-UVB exposed and healthy controls were 10.3 ± 4 and 8.3 ± 3 ng/mL, respectively. This was not a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .14). Limitations Small sample size (N = 30) and a cross-sectional study type. Conclusion Cumulative NB-UVB exposure is not associated with a statistically significant difference in serum folate level (P > .05) in skin of color females of childbearing age in comparison to age-, gender-, and skin phenotype-matched healthy females, even with the relatively higher cumulative doses (mean ± SD was 55 ± 79 J/cm2) that have been shown to reduce serum folate level in lighter skin phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meshal M. Alhameedy
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Buraydah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad A. Basendwh
- Department of Dermatology, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Lucock MD, Jones PR, Veysey M, Thota R, Garg M, Furst J, Martin C, Yates Z, Scarlett CJ, Jablonski NG, Chaplin G, Beckett EL. Biophysical evidence to support and extend the vitamin D-folate hypothesis as a paradigm for the evolution of human skin pigmentation. Am J Hum Biol 2021; 34:e23667. [PMID: 34418235 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the "vitamin D-folate hypothesis for the evolution of human skin pigmentation." METHODS Total ozone mapping spectrometer (TOMS) satellite data were used to examine surface UV-irradiance in a large (n = 649) Australian cross-sectional study population. Genetic analysis was used to score vitamin D- and folate-related gene polymorphisms (n = 22), along with two pigmentation gene variants (IRF4-rs12203592/HERC2-rs12913832). Red cell folate and vitamin D3 were measured by immunoassay and HPLC, respectively. RESULTS Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and pigmentation genes interact to modify blood vitamin levels; Light skin IRF4-TT genotype has greatest folate loss while light skin HERC2-GG genotype has greatest vitamin D3 synthesis (reflected in both TOMS and seasonal data). UV-wavelength exhibits a dose-response relationship in folate loss within light skin IRF4-TT genotype (305 > 310 > 324 > 380 nm). Significant vitamin D3 photosynthesis only occurs within light skin HERC2-GG genotype, and is maximal at 305 nm. Three dietary antioxidants (vitamins C, E, and β-carotene) interact with UVR and pigmentation genes preventing oxidative loss of labile reduced folate vitamers, with greatest benefit in light skin IRF4-TT subjects. The putative photosensitiser, riboflavin, did not sensitize red cell folate to UVR and actually afforded protection. Four genes (5xSNPs) influenced blood vitamin levels when stratified by pigmentation genotype; MTHFR-rs1801133/rs1801131, TS-rs34489327, CYP24A-rs17216707, and VDR-ApaI-rs7975232. Lightest IRF4-TT/darkest HERC2-AA genotype combination (greatest folate loss/lowest vitamin D3 synthesis) has 0% occurrence. The opposing, commonest (39%) compound genotype (darkest IRF4-CC/lightest HERC2-GG) permits least folate loss and greatest synthesis of vitamin D3 . CONCLUSION New biophysical evidence supports the vitamin D-folate hypothesis for evolution of skin pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Lucock
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patrice R Jones
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Rohith Thota
- Nutraceuticals Research Group, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Metabolism and Nutrition, Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Manohar Garg
- Nutraceuticals Research Group, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Furst
- Maths and Physical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charlotte Martin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zoe Yates
- Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher J Scarlett
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nina G Jablonski
- Anthropology Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - George Chaplin
- Anthropology Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emma L Beckett
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Feng Y, McQuillan MA, Tishkoff SA. Evolutionary genetics of skin pigmentation in African populations. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:R88-R97. [PMID: 33438000 PMCID: PMC8117430 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin color is a highly heritable human trait, and global variation in skin pigmentation has been shaped by natural selection, migration and admixture. Ethnically diverse African populations harbor extremely high levels of genetic and phenotypic diversity, and skin pigmentation varies widely across Africa. Recent genome-wide genetic studies of skin pigmentation in African populations have advanced our understanding of pigmentation biology and human evolutionary history. For example, novel roles in skin pigmentation for loci near MFSD12 and DDB1 have recently been identified in African populations. However, due to an underrepresentation of Africans in human genetic studies, there is still much to learn about the evolutionary genetics of skin pigmentation. Here, we summarize recent progress in skin pigmentation genetics in Africans and discuss the importance of including more ethnically diverse African populations in future genetic studies. In addition, we discuss methods for functional validation of adaptive variants related to skin pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqing Feng
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael A McQuillan
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sarah A Tishkoff
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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17
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Lasisi T. The constraints of racialization: How classification and valuation hinder scientific research on human variation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2021; 175:376-386. [PMID: 33675042 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human biological variation has historically been studied through the lens of racialization. Despite a general shift away from the use of overt racial terminologies, the underlying racialized frameworks used to describe and understand human variation still remain. Even in relatively recent anthropological and biomedical work, we can observe clear manifestations of such racial thinking. This paper shows how classification and valuation are two specific processes which facilitate racialization and hinder attempts to move beyond such frameworks. The bias induced by classification distorts descriptions of phenotypic variation in a way that erroneously portrays European populations as more variable than others. Implicit valuation occurs in tandem with classification and produces narratives of superiority/inferiority for certain phenotypic variants without an objective biological basis. The bias of racialization is a persistent impediment stemming from the inheritance of scientific knowledge developed under explicitly racial paradigms. It is also an internalized cognitive distortion cultivated through socialization in a world where racialization is inescapable. Though undeniably challenging, this does not present an insurmountable barrier, and this bias can be mitigated through the critical evaluation of past work, the active inclusion of marginalized perspectives, and the direct confrontation of institutional structures enforcing racialized paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Lasisi
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
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18
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McCann KJ, Yadav M, Alishahedani ME, Freeman AF, Myles IA. Differential responses to folic acid in an established keloid fibroblast cell line are mediated by JAK1/2 and STAT3. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248011. [PMID: 33662027 PMCID: PMC7932104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248011] [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: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Keloids are a type of disordered scar formation which not only show heterogeneity between individuals and within the scar itself, but also share common features of hyperproliferation, abnormal extra-cellular matrix deposition and degradation, as well as altered expression of the molecular markers of wound healing. Numerous reports have established that cells from keloid scars display Warburg metabolism—a form of JAK2/STAT3-induced metabolic adaptation typical of rapidly dividing cells in which glycolysis becomes the predominant source of ATP over oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Using the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, along with cells from patients with STAT3 loss of function (STA3 LOF; autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome) we examined the role of JAK/STAT signaling in the hyperproliferation and metabolic dysregulation seen in keloid fibroblasts. Although ruxolitinib inhibited hyperactivity in the scratch assay in keloid fibroblasts, it paradoxically exacerbated the hyper-glycolytic state, possibly by further limiting OxPhos via alterations in mitochondrial phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3Ser727). In healthy volunteer fibroblasts, folic acid exposure recapitulated the exaggerated closure and hyper-glycolytic state of keloid fibroblasts through JAK1/2- and STAT3-dependent pathways. Although additional studies are needed before extrapolating from a representative cell line to keloids writ large, our results provide novel insights into the metabolic consequences of STAT3 dysfunction, suggest a possible role for folate metabolism in the pathogenesis of keloid scars, and offer in vitro pre-clinical data supporting considerations of clinical trials for ruxolitinib in keloid disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn J. McCann
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Manoj Yadav
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mohammadali E. Alishahedani
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexandra F. Freeman
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ian A. Myles
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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19
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Lucock M. Vitamin-related phenotypic adaptation to exposomal factors: The folate-vitamin D-exposome triad. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 87:100944. [PMID: 33551238 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.100944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The biological role of two key vitamins, folic acid and vitamin D is so fundamental to life processes, it follows that their UV sensitivity, dietary abundance (both key exposomal factors) and variability in dependent genes will modify their functional efficacy, particularly in the context of maintaining the integrity and function of genome and epigenome. This article therefore examines folate and vitamin D-related phenotypic adaptation to environmental factors which vary across the human life cycle as well as over an evolutionary time-scale. Molecular mechanisms, key nutrigenomic factors, phenotypic maladaptation and evolutionary models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lucock
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia.
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20
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Slusky DJG, Zeckhauser RJ. Sunlight and Protection Against Influenza. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2021; 40:100942. [PMID: 33340885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2020.100942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent medical literature suggests that vitamin D supplementation protects against acute respiratory tract infection. Humans exposed to sunlight produce vitamin D directly. This paper investigates how differences in sunlight, as measured over several years across states and during the same calendar week, affect influenza incidence. We find that sunlight strongly protects against getting influenza. This relationship is driven almost entirely by the severe H1N1 epidemic in fall 2009. A 10% increase in relative sunlight decreases the influenza index in September or October by 1.1 points on a 10-point scale. A second, complementary study employs a separate data set to study flu incidence in counties in New York State. The results are strongly in accord.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J G Slusky
- Department of Economics, University of Kansas, 1460 Jayhawk Blvd., 415 Snow Hall, Lawrence, KS, 66045, United States.
| | - Richard J Zeckhauser
- Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, 79 JFK St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States.
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21
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Lucock MD. A Brief Introduction to the Exposome and Human Health. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH AND HYPOTHESIS IN MEDICINE 2020; 000:1-6. [DOI: 10.14218/erhm.2020.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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22
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Missaggia BO, Reales G, Cybis GB, Hünemeier T, Bortolini MC. Adaptation and co-adaptation of skin pigmentation and vitamin D genes in native Americans. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:1060-1077. [PMID: 33325159 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We carried out an exhaustive review regarding human skin color variation and how much it may be related to vitamin D metabolism and other photosensitive molecules. We discuss evolutionary contexts that modulate this variability and hypotheses postulated to explain them; for example, a small amount of melanin in the skin facilitates vitamin D production, making it advantageous to have fair skin in an environment with little radiation incidence. In contrast, more melanin protects folate from degradation in an environment with a high incidence of radiation. Some Native American populations have a skin color at odds with what would be expected for the amount of radiation in the environment in which they live, a finding challenging the so-called "vitamin D-folate hypothesis." Since food is also a source of vitamin D, dietary habits should also be considered. Here we argue that a gene network approach provides tools to explain this phenomenon since it indicates potential alleles co-evolving in a compensatory way. We identified alleles of the vitamin D metabolism and pigmentation pathways segregated together, but in different proportions, in agriculturalists and hunter-gatherers. Finally, we highlight how an evolutionary approach can be useful to understand current topics of medical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Oliveira Missaggia
- Genetics Departament, Biosciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guillermo Reales
- Genetics Departament, Biosciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela B Cybis
- Statistics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tábita Hünemeier
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Cátira Bortolini
- Genetics Departament, Biosciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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23
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Wolf ST, Jablonski NG, Kenney WL. Examining "race" in physiology. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H1409-H1413. [PMID: 33064554 PMCID: PMC7792710 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00698.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Racial disparities in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health outcomes are well described, and recent research has shed light on the mechanistic underpinnings of those disparities. However, "race" is a social construct that is poorly defined and continually evolving and is historically based on faulty premises. The continued categorization by race in physiological research suggests that there are inherent differences between races, rather than addressing the specific underlying factors that result in health disparities between groups. The purpose of this Perspectives article is to provide a brief history of the genesis of categorization by race, why such categorization should be reconsidered in physiology research, and offer recommendations to more directly investigate the underlying factors that result in group disparities in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tony Wolf
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Nina G Jablonski
- Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - W Larry Kenney
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
- Graduate Program in Physiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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24
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Paria K, Paul D, Chowdhury T, Pyne S, Chakraborty R, Mandal SM. Synergy of melanin and vitamin-D may play a fundamental role in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections and halt COVID-19 by inactivating furin protease. TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE COMMUNICATIONS 2020; 5:21. [PMID: 33169107 PMCID: PMC7642579 DOI: 10.1186/s41231-020-00073-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the birth of Christ, in these 2019 years, the man on earth has never experienced a survival challenge from any acellular protist compared to SARS-CoV-2. No specific drugs yet been approved. The host immunity is the only alternative to prevent and or reduce the infection and mortality rate as well. Here, a novel mechanism of melanin mediated host immunity is proposed having potent biotechnological prospects in health care management of COVID-19. Vitamin D is known to enhance the rate of melanin synthesis; and this may concurrently regulate the expression of furin expression. In silico analyses have revealed that the intermediates of melanin are capable of binding strongly with the active site of furin protease. On the other hand, furin expression is negatively regulated via 1-α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), that belongs to vitamin-D pathway and controls cellular calcium levels. Here, we have envisaged the availability of biological melanin and elucidated the bio-medical potential. Thus, we propose a possible synergistic application of melanin and the enzyme CYP27B1 (regulates vitamin D biosynthesis) as a novel strategy to prevent viral entry through the inactivation of furin protease and aid in boosting our immunity at the cellular and humoral levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishalay Paria
- Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal India
| | - Debarati Paul
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Sector 125 201313 India
| | - Trinath Chowdhury
- Central Research Facility, Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302 India
| | - Smritikana Pyne
- Central Research Facility, Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302 India
| | - Ranadhir Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Raja Rammohanpur, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734013 India
| | - Santi M. Mandal
- Central Research Facility, Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302 India
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25
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Walsh S, Pagani L, Xue Y, Laayouni H, Tyler-Smith C, Bertranpetit J. Positive selection in admixed populations from Ethiopia. BMC Genet 2020; 21:108. [PMID: 33092534 PMCID: PMC7580818 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00908-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the process of adaptation of humans to their environment, positive or adaptive selection has played a main role. Positive selection has, however, been under-studied in African populations, despite their diversity and importance for understanding human history. RESULTS Here, we have used 119 available whole-genome sequences from five Ethiopian populations (Amhara, Oromo, Somali, Wolayta and Gumuz) to investigate the modes and targets of positive selection in this part of the world. The site frequency spectrum-based test SFselect was applied to idfentify a wide range of events of selection (old and recent), and the haplotype-based statistic integrated haplotype score to detect more recent events, in each case with evaluation of the significance of candidate signals by extensive simulations. Additional insights were provided by considering admixture proportions and functional categories of genes. We identified both individual loci that are likely targets of classic sweeps and groups of genes that may have experienced polygenic adaptation. We found population-specific as well as shared signals of selection, with folate metabolism and the related ultraviolet response and skin pigmentation standing out as a shared pathway, perhaps as a response to the high levels of ultraviolet irradiation, and in addition strong signals in genes such as IFNA, MRC1, immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors which contribute to defend against pathogens. CONCLUSIONS Signals of positive selection were detected in Ethiopian populations revealing novel adaptations in East Africa, and abundant targets for functional follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Walsh
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (UPF-CSIC), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader, 88 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Luca Pagani
- Estonian Biocentre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Yali Xue
- The Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Hafid Laayouni
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (UPF-CSIC), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader, 88 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Bioinformatics Studies, ESCI-UPF, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Chris Tyler-Smith
- The Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK.
| | - Jaume Bertranpetit
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (UPF-CSIC), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader, 88 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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26
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Beckett E. More Than Bone Health: The Many Roles for Vitamin D. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2388. [PMID: 32785003 PMCID: PMC7468693 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is well known for its important roles in maintaining calcium homeostasis and bone mineralization via the regulation of calcium mobilization and renal reabsorption, and the intestinal absorption of both calcium and phosphorus [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Beckett
- School of Environmental and Life Science, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia;
- Australia and Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
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27
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Winegard B, Winegard B, Anomaly J. Dodging Darwin: Race, evolution, and the hereditarian hypothesis. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.109915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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28
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Flegr J, Sýkorová K, Fiala V, Hlaváčová J, Bičíková M, Máčová L, Kaňková Š. Increased 25(OH)D3 level in redheaded people: Could redheadedness be an adaptation to temperate climate? Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:598-609. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.14119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Sýkorová
- Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Fiala
- Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hlaváčová
- Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Šárka Kaňková
- Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
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Rahman A, Al-Taiar A, Shaban L, Al-Sabah R, Mojiminiyi O. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D is positively associated with folate and vitamin B 12 levels in adolescents. Nutr Res 2020; 79:87-99. [PMID: 32653772 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D affects the absorption of folate in vitro, and perhaps of vitamin B12 (B12). However, epidemiological studies on the association of vitamin D with folate and B12 are inconclusive. We hypothesized a positive association of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with folate and B12 levels in adolescents. This hypothesis was tested in a cross-sectional study of healthy adolescents (11-16 years old; n = 1416), selected from public middle schools from across Kuwait, using stratified multistage cluster random sampling. Plasma 25(OH)D was measured by LC-MS/MS. Serum B12 and total folate in hemolyzed whole blood were analyzed with commercial kits; RBC and plasma folate were calculated from total folate. Data on potential confounders were collected from the parents and adolescents. In a univariable model, 25(OH)D as a continuous variable was positively associated with each of total, RBC, and plasma folate (P < .001). After adjusting for potential confounders, this association remained significant with total folate (β = 2.0, P < .001) and red blood cell folate (β = 1.8, P < .001), but not with plasma folate (β = 0.2, P = .34). A similar pattern of association was evident when 25(OH)D was fitted as categorical variable. Correlation between B12 and 25(OH)D was weak but significant (ρ = 0.1, P < .001). 25(OH)D was positively associated with B12 in both univariable and multivariable models (P < .001) when fitted as a categorical variable only. Simultaneous quantile regression confirmed these results. We conclude that plasma 25(OH)D is positively associated with folate and B12 levels in adolescents. Properly designed large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to investigate the causal role of vitamin D in folate and B12 absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rahman
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait.
| | - Abdullah Al-Taiar
- School of Community & Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529.
| | - Lemia Shaban
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait.
| | - Reem Al-Sabah
- Department of Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Box: 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
| | - Olusegun Mojiminiyi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Box: 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
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Warren C. No Magic Bolus: What the History of Rickets and Vitamin D Can Teach Us About Setting Standards. J Adolesc Health 2020; 66:379-380. [PMID: 32199515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Jones P, Lucock M, Chaplin G, Jablonski NG, Veysey M, Scarlett C, Beckett E. Distribution of variants in multiple vitamin D-related loci (DHCR7/NADSYN1, GC, CYP2R1, CYP11A1, CYP24A1, VDR, RXRα and RXRγ) vary between European, East-Asian and Sub-Saharan African-ancestry populations. GENES AND NUTRITION 2020; 15:5. [PMID: 32169032 PMCID: PMC7071568 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-020-00663-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency of vitamin D-associated gene variants appear to reflect changes in long-term ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) environment, indicating interactions exist between the primary determinant of vitamin D status, UVB exposure and genetic disposition. Such interactions could have health implications, where UVB could modulate the impact of vitamin D genetic variants identified as disease risk factors. However, the current understanding of how vitamin D variants differ between populations from disparate UVB environments is limited, with previous work examining a small pool of variants and restricted populations only. METHODS Genotypic data for 46 variants within multiple vitamin D-related loci (DHCR7/NADSYN1, GC, CYP2R1, CYP11A1, CYP27A1, CYP24A1, VDR, RXRα and RXRγ) was collated from 60 sample sets (2633 subjects) with European, East Asian and Sub-Saharan African origin via the NCBI 1000 Genomes Browser and ALFRED (Allele Frequency Database), with the aim to examine for patterns in the distribution of vitamin D-associated variants across these geographic areas. RESULTS The frequency of all examined genetic variants differed between populations of European, East Asian and Sub-Saharan African ancestry. Changes in the distribution of variants in CYP2R1, CYP11A1, CYP24A1, RXRα and RXRγ genes between these populations are novel findings which have not been previously reported. The distribution of several variants reflected changes in the UVB environment of the population's ancestry. However, multiple variants displayed population-specific patterns in frequency that appears not to relate to UVB changes. CONCLUSIONS The reported population differences in vitamin D-related variants provides insight into the extent by which activity of the vitamin D system can differ between cohorts due to genetic variance, with potential consequences for future dietary recommendations and disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Jones
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Mark Lucock
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
| | - George Chaplin
- Anthropology Department, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nina G Jablonski
- Anthropology Department, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Martin Veysey
- Hull-York Medical School, University of Hull, HU6 7RX, Hull, UK
| | - Christopher Scarlett
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia
| | - Emma Beckett
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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32
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Young AR, Morgan KA, Ho TW, Ojimba N, Harrison GI, Lawrence KP, Jakharia-Shah N, Wulf HC, Cruickshank JK, Philipsen PA. Melanin has a Small Inhibitory Effect on Cutaneous Vitamin D Synthesis: A Comparison of Extreme Phenotypes. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 140:1418-1426.e1. [PMID: 31883961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiology suggests that melanin inhibits cutaneous vitamin D3 synthesis by UVR. Laboratory investigations assessing the impact of melanin on vitamin D production have produced contradictory results. We determined the effect of melanin on vitamin D3 photosynthesis in healthy young volunteers (n = 102) of Fitzpatrick skin types II-VI (white to black). Participants, irrespective of skin type, were exposed to the same suberythemal UVR dose, to 85% body surface area, using solar simulated UVR or narrowband UVB (311 nm). This was repeated five times with intervals of 3-4 days between UVR exposures. Blood was taken before, during, and after the irradiation and assessed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) as a marker of vitamin D3 status. Linear UVR dose-dependent increases in 25(OH)D3 were highly significant (P ≤ 7.7 x 10-11). The ratios of regression slopes of the different skin type groups were compared, and only skin type II was significantly steeper than the other groups. Comparisons between extreme skin types II and VI showed melanin inhibition factors of approximately 1.3-1.4, depending on the UVR source. We conclude that the inhibitory effect of melanin on vitamin D3 synthesis is small, compared with erythema, but that this difference may be sufficient to explain the epidemiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony R Young
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Kylie A Morgan
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tak-Wai Ho
- Department of Nutritional Science, Division of Life-Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ngozi Ojimba
- Department of Nutritional Science, Division of Life-Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Dietetics Department, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham I Harrison
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karl P Lawrence
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nihull Jakharia-Shah
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - J Kennedy Cruickshank
- Department of Nutritional Science, Division of Life-Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter A Philipsen
- Department of Dermatology D92, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Skin fairness is a better predictor for impaired physical and mental health than hair redness. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18138. [PMID: 31792316 PMCID: PMC6888829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54662-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
About 1-2% of people of European origin have red hair. Especially female redheads are known to suffer higher pain sensitivity and higher incidence of some disorders, including skin cancer, Parkinson's disease and endometriosis. Recently, an explorative study performed on 7,000 subjects showed that both male and female redheads score worse on many health-related variables and express a higher incidence of cancer. Here, we ran the preregistered study on a population of 4,117 subjects who took part in an anonymous electronic survey. We confirmed that the intensity of hair redness negatively correlated with physical health, mental health, fecundity and sexual desire, and positively with the number of kinds of drugs prescribed by a doctor currently taken, and with reported symptoms of impaired mental health. It also positively correlated with certain neuropsychiatric disorders, most strongly with learning disabilities disorder and phobic disorder in men and general anxiety disorder in women. However, most of these associations disappeared when the darkness of skin was included in the models, suggesting that skin fairness, not hair redness, is responsible for the associations. We discussed two possible explanations for the observed pattern, the first based on vitamin D deficiency due to the avoidance of sunbathing by subjects with sensitive skin, including some redheads, and second based on folic acid depletion in fair skinned subjects, again including some (a different subpopulation of) redheads. It must be emphasized, however, that both of these explanations are only hypothetical as no data on the concentration of vitamin D or folic acid are available for our subjects. Our results, as well as the conclusions of current reviews, suggest that the new empirical studies on the concentration of vitamin D and folic acids in relation to skin and hair pigmentation are urgently needed.
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Lin T, Man M, Abuabara K, Wakefield JS, Sheu H, Tsai J, Lee C, Elias PM. By protecting against cutaneous inflammation, epidermal pigmentation provided an additional advantage for ancestral humans. Evol Appl 2019; 12:1960-1970. [PMID: 31700538 PMCID: PMC6824065 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigmentation evolved in ancestral humans to protect against toxic, ultraviolet B irradiation, but the question remains: "what is being protected?" Because humans with dark pigmentation display a suite of superior epidermal functions in comparison with their more lightly pigmented counterparts, we hypothesized and provided evidence that dark pigmentation evolved in Africa to support cutaneous function. Because our prior clinical studies also showed that a restoration of a competent barrier dampens cutaneous inflammation, we hypothesized that resistance to inflammation could have provided pigmented hominins with yet another, important evolutionary benefit. We addressed this issue here in two closely related strains of hairless mice, endowed with either moderate (Skh2/J) or absent (Skh1) pigmentation. In these models, we showed that (a) pigmented mice display a markedly reduced propensity to develop inflammation after challenges with either a topical irritant or allergen in comparison with their nonpigmented counterparts; (b) visible and histologic evidence of inflammation was paralleled by reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-1α and INFα); (c) because depigmentation of Skh2/J mouse skin enhanced both visible inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels after comparable pro-inflammatory challenges, the reduced propensity to develop inflammation was directly linked to the presence of pigmentation; and (d) furthermore, in accordance with our prior work showing that pigment production endows benefits by reducing the surface pH of skin, acidification of albino (Skh1) mouse skin also protected against inflammation, and equalized cytokine levels to those found in pigmented skin. In summary, pigmentation yields a reduced propensity to develop inflammation, consistent with our hypothesis that dark pigmentation evolved in ancestral humans to provide a suite of barrier-linked benefits that now include resistance to inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu‐Kai Lin
- Department of DermatologyHualien Tzu Chi HospitalBuddhist Tzu Chi Medical FoundationHualienTaiwan
- School of MedicineTzu Chi UniversityHualienTaiwan
| | - Mao‐Qiang Man
- Department of DermatologyVA Med Ctr/UCSFSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Katrina Abuabara
- Program for Clinical ResearchDepartment of DermatologyUC San Francisco School of MedicineSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | | | - Hamm‐ming Sheu
- Department of DermatologyNational Cheng Kung University College of MedicineTainanTaiwan
| | - Jui‐chen Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmaceutical SciencesCollege of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Chih‐Hung Lee
- Department of DermatologyKaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of MedicineKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Peter M. Elias
- Department of DermatologyVA Med Ctr/UCSFSan FranciscoCalifornia
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35
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Maulik D, van Haandel L, Allsworth J, Chaisanguanthum KS, Yeast JD, Leeder JS. The effect of race and supplementation on maternal and umbilical cord plasma folates. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:3057-3065. [PMID: 31630592 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1677597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that race and supplementation affect the concentration and correlation of various folate species in maternal and umbilical cord blood. METHODS This is a single-center, prospective, cross-sectional cohort of cord blood samples obtained from 40 uncomplicated term pregnancies as a pilot study, following a protocol approved by the Institutional Review Board. High performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry quantitated the following concentrations in extracted plasma samples: 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5MTHF), 5,10-methenyl-tetrahydrofolate (5,10-MeTHF), tetrahydrofolate (THF), and unmetabolized folic acid. RESULTS Folate concentrations in the umbilical cord plasma were consistently higher than maternal samples for 5MTHF (p < .001), 5,10-MeTHF (p < .001), and THF (p < .001); cord blood folic acid levels, however, were lower than maternal samples (p < .03). While 5MTHF was the most prevalent folate, ratios comparing cord blood to maternal blood folates suggests a fourfold preponderance of THF in cord blood folate signature, a trend unchanged by supplementation. Prenatal supplementation increased the concentrations of 5MTHF, for both maternal (p < .01) and cord blood samples (p < .005). In comparison to the other two racial groups, African American 5MTHF concentration demonstrated a lower total folate concentration in both maternal samples and cord blood samples, in addition to a relatively blunted response to supplementation. A significantly positive correlation between maternal and cord blood 5MTHF concentration was noted in all three racial groups. Supplementation resulted in a positive correlation between maternal and cord blood 5MTHF concentrations (r = 0.85, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS 5MTHF is the most prevalent folate in both cord and maternal plasma, and race and supplementation primarily affect variations in maternal and fetal 5MTHF concentrations and their correlation with each other. However, the greater concentration of THF in cord blood relative to maternal blood offers preliminary insight into the importance of how folate metabolism differs in the specific context of fetal development and physiology, with greater emphasis on DNA synthesis and stability. Furthermore, supplementation appeared to not have as great an impact on African American maternal or cord blood folates, suggesting a variable benefit of current repletion strategies to certain subsets of the population. Future studies that further elucidate these differences and their impact on birth outcomes may help inform supplementation protocols that are more personalized, with greater efficacy in promoting positive perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devika Maulik
- Children's Mercy Hospital/University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Leon van Haandel
- Children's Mercy Hospital/University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Jenifer Allsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Kris S Chaisanguanthum
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - J Steven Leeder
- Children's Mercy Hospital/University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
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36
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Pflüger LS, Pink KE, Böck A, Huffman MA, Wallner B. On the sunny side of (new) life: Effect of sunshine duration on age at first reproduction in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e23019. [PMID: 31243793 PMCID: PMC6773204 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To produce offspring early in life is energetically demanding and depends greatly on environmental conditions. In female primates, age at first reproduction (AFR) has been associated with social parameters (e.g., population density and social rank), food availability and meteorological conditions (e.g., photoperiod, rainfall patterns, and temperature). Regarding the latter, less attention has been given to the influence of sunshine. In nonhuman primates, including the northern‐most distributed Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata), sunbathing is an effective thermoregulatory strategy to maintain sufficient energy intake during harsh winter months. Furthermore, the energetic value of sunshine and its role in the synthesis of essential vitamins important for sexual development and overall fertility is well investigated using human and animal models. In the present study, we hypothesized that female's AFR is influenced by the amount of sunshine in a semi‐free‐ranging, provisioned a group of Japanese macaques. To test this, we gathered data on sunshine duration in the year females theoretically experienced the onset of puberty. This phase of the female life cycle is particularly prone to the effects of environmental conditions. In addition to the investigation of sunshine duration and other meteorological conditions (i.e., rainfall and temperature) we controlled for social parameters (i.e., group size and sex ratio) as potential covariates. We found a clear effect of sunshine duration on female AFR: Females who entered puberty in years with more sunshine reproduced for the first time at significantly younger ages than females who experienced less sunshine during this specific period of their development. Possible mechanisms for how the sunshine influences sexual maturation in Japanese macaques are discussed. We investigated the influence of sunshine during the year of puberty onset on a female's age at first reproduction (AFR).
We used 20 years of birth data from a semi‐free‐ranging group of Japanese macaques and meteorological data provided online by local weather stations
We controlled for the influence of other meteorological conditions as well as for group size and socionomic sex ratio
Higher mean sunshine duration in the year of puberty onset significantly decreased females’ AFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena S Pflüger
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Research Center for Primatology, Ossiach, Austria.,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina E Pink
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Family and Population Studies, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Böck
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael A Huffman
- Austrian Research Center for Primatology, Ossiach, Austria.,Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Bernard Wallner
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Research Center for Primatology, Ossiach, Austria
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Powers JM, Murphy JEJ. Sunlight radiation as a villain and hero: 60 years of illuminating research. Int J Radiat Biol 2019; 95:1043-1049. [PMID: 31157572 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1627440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the 60 years since the inaugural edition of the International Journal of Radiation Biology, much of our understanding of the biological effects of solar radiation has changed. Earlier in the century, sunlight played a 'hero's' role in reducing disabling rickets, while today debate still continues on the amount of sun required before exposure reveals the 'villainous' side of solar radiation. Although knowledge of the ultra violet (UV) component of sunlight as a carcinogen has become widespread, skin cancer rates are still rising yearly. Twentieth century attitudes have seen an about-face in the field of dermatological sun protection, with sunscreens changing from recipes designed to promote a 'healthy tan' to formulations proven to block both ultraviolet B (UVB) and more recently, ultraviolet A (UVA), to minimize premature sun-aging and skin cancer risk. In the early 1960s, DNA was first found to exist within mitochondria, while recently the connections between mitochondrial changes and UV radiation exposure have been expanded. Sixty years ago, understanding of the endocrine systems of mammals was enjoying its infancy. Early discoveries that light, particularly natural light, could have profound effects on functions such as sleep patterns and hormonal balance were made, while today more advanced knowledge has led to lighting improvements having pronounced effects on human wellbeing. Photosensitization 60 years ago was a health concern for both humans and their domestic animals, while today chemically engineered photosensitizing drugs can be administered along with highly directed light to pinpoint delivery targets for drug action. Life on earth is inextricably bound up with solar radiation. This article attempts to outline many of the ways in which our opinions about solar radiation have changed since the journal's inception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Montelin Powers
- a Cellular Health and Toxicology Research Group, Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences , Institute of Technology Sligo , Sligo , Ireland
| | - James Edward John Murphy
- a Cellular Health and Toxicology Research Group, Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences , Institute of Technology Sligo , Sligo , Ireland
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Abstract
Human skin and hair color are visible traits that can vary dramatically within and across ethnic populations. The genetic makeup of these traits-including polymorphisms in the enzymes and signaling proteins involved in melanogenesis, and the vital role of ion transport mechanisms operating during the maturation and distribution of the melanosome-has provided new insights into the regulation of pigmentation. A large number of novel loci involved in the process have been recently discovered through four large-scale genome-wide association studies in Europeans, two large genetic studies of skin color in Africans, one study in Latin Americans, and functional testing in animal models. The responsible polymorphisms within these pigmentation genes appear at different population frequencies, can be used as ancestry-informative markers, and provide insight into the evolutionary selective forces that have acted to create this human diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Pavan
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;
| | - Richard A Sturm
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia;
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Jones P, Lucock M, Veysey M, Beckett E. Reply: "Comment on: The Vitamin D⁻Folate Hypothesis as an Evolutionary Model for Skin Pigmentation: An Update and Integration of Current Ideas, Nutrients 2018, 10, 554". Nutrients 2018; 10:E1759. [PMID: 30441793 PMCID: PMC6265952 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We thank Elias and Williams for their interest in our review [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Jones
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia.
| | - Mark Lucock
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia.
| | - Martin Veysey
- Hull-York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Emma Beckett
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia.
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia.
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40
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Elias PM, Williams ML. Comment on: The Vitamin D⁻Folate Hypothesis as an Evolutionary Model for Skin Pigmentation: An Update and Integration of Current Ideas, Nutrients 2018, 10, 554. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1753. [PMID: 30441753 PMCID: PMC6265719 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to a recent article by Jones et al. (Nutrients 10: 554⁻568, 2018) [1], we agree that three distinctive features evolved in Homo erectus prior to the emergence of modern humans.[...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Elias
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
| | - Mary L Williams
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
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