Adaptive dimensions of health research among indigenous Siberians

Abstract

Present evidence suggests that modern humans were the first hominid species to successfully colonize high-latitude environments (> or =55 degrees N). Given evidence for a recent (<200,000 years) lower latitude naissance of modern humans, the global dispersal and successful settlement of arctic and subarctic regions represent an unprecedented adaptive shift. This adaptive shift, which included cultural, behavioral, and biological dimensions, allowed human populations to cope with the myriad environmental stressors encountered in circumpolar regions. Although unique morphological and physiological adaptations among contemporary northern residents have been recognized for decades, human biologists are only now beginning to consider whether biological adaptations to regional environmental conditions influence health changes associated with economic modernization and lifestyle change. Recent studies have documented basal metabolic rates (BMRs) among indigenous Siberian populations that are systematically elevated compared to lower latitude groups; this metabolic elevation apparently is a physiological adaptation to cold stress experienced in the circumpolar environment. Important health implications of metabolic adaptation are suggested by research with the Yakut (Sakha), Evenki, and Buriat of Siberia. BMR is significantly positively correlated with blood pressure, independently of body size, body composition, and various potentially confounding variables (e.g., age and smoking). Further, this research has documented a significant negative association between BMR and LDL cholesterol, which remains after controlling for potential confounders; this suggests that high metabolic turnover among indigenous Siberians has a protective effect with regard to plasma lipid levels. These results underscore the importance of incorporating an evolutionary approach into health research among northern populations.

Discrimination-Related Stress, Blood Pressure and Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Among Latin American Immigrants in Oregon, Us

“…A similarly small number of studies have used biomarkers to investigate acculturative stress, and most of these were conducted outside the US and focused primarily on the health effects of economic development (e.g. Hanna, 1998;McDade, 2001;Bongard et al, 2002;Gustafsson et al, 2006;Snodgrass et al, 2007;Matheson et al, 2008). The present study helps to fill this gap by integrating biological as well as self-report measures to investigate what more might be learned about the influence of discrimination-related stress on immigrant health in the US, especially when variables such as SES, family support and aspects of acculturation (e.g.…”

Implications of market integration for cardiovascular and metabolic health among an indigenous Amazonian Ecuadorian population

“…A further complication is that adaptation to local environments may shape how different populations experience the health effects of economic and social change (Waldron et al 1982;McGarvey et al 1989;Bindon 2007;Snodgrass et al 2007). For example, the main cardiovascular risk factor for native Siberians is high blood pressure, yet these populations display relatively favourable blood lipid levels Snodgrass et al 2007).…”

“…For example, the main cardiovascular risk factor for native Siberians is high blood pressure, yet these populations display relatively favourable blood lipid levels Snodgrass et al 2007). This contrasts with the Pima of North America and Aboriginal Australians who appear to be particularly susceptible to insulin resistance and T2D (O'Dea 1991; Resnick et al 2003).…”

Human nutrition in the context of evolutionary medicine

“…2). Damit aber variierten auch die klimatischen Bedingungen, was wiederum das Nahrungsspektrum der jeweiligen Subpopulationen von H. sapiens beeinflusst haben dürfte [125][126]. Im Gegensatz zu den prähistorischen Jägern und Sammler bewohnen viele der rezenten Wildbeuter klimatisch ungünstige, wenig fruchtbare Gebiete mit geringem Pflanzenwachstum.…”