Evolution 'may be causing autism and autoimmune disorders'
Autoimmune disease is one of the top ten leading causes of death among female children, but rise in conditions such as that and autism may be due to human evolution, according to a new study.
Research carried out at across universities in the US and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences show that the ongoing evolution of the human species has a large role to play in why more people than ever are developing autoimmune disorders.
The study was led by Peter Ellison, John Cowles professor of anthropology at Harvard University, who noted that adaptations which once benefited humans may now be helping the conditions to prosper despite advancements in modern culture and medicine.
He told private health cover holders: "This work points out linkages within the plethora of new information in human genetics and the implications for human biology and public health, and also illustrates how one could teach these perspectives in medical and premedical curricula."
The new report claims autism and schizophrenia may be associated with the over-expression of paternally or maternally-derived genes and influences, while people may be susceptible to allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases because of increased hygiene.
Professor Ellison added that the key may now be to remind physicians that the human body is not a perfect form and is constantly evolving, so treatment will have to adapt with it.
"Our biology is the result of many of evolutionary trade-offs and understanding these histories and conflicts can really help the physician understand why we get sick and what we might do to stay healthy," the expert said.
He told those with affordable health insurance that natural selection favours reproduction over health, which is why medical experts must stay on top of the latest remedies.
Posted by Louise Jones
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