Scientists believe that genetically inherited diseases had existed even at the time of the Neanderthals and Denisovans. A recent study proves that genetically transmitted diseases date back to historic times and they still exist for a reason. Diseases such as psoriasis, Chrohn’s disease, and sickle cell anemia are being carried forth from our ancestors to us.
Health conditions that were transmitted genetically have been among us for millions of years, and they continue to exist for a reason. Dr. Omer Gokcumen presented the findings of a study that prove that certain genetically transmitted diseases were known to have existed even in ancient times. The study was carried out at the University of Buffalo by Ph.D. Gokcumen and his team. He is the chief author of the study, which claims that some of these diseases offer an advantage and helped people adapt better in the evolutionary phase.
Gokcumen termed any inherited disease as a “trade off,” while trying to explain how they benefit our survival. He took sickle anemia as a prime example. The disease is categorized by a transformation of the shape of the red-blood cells. As the RBCs become crescent-shaped, they keep malaria parasites out because of the new shape. Gokcumen claims that the shape was retained and transferred genetically to prevent further spread of Malaria.
In regards to Crohn’s disease and psoriasis, he explained that although these diseases are damaging, they typically cause the body to present a pathogen-rich environment. This is because these diseases are essentially auto-immune disorders. He argued that although they are damaging, it could be that the highly active immune environment poses some benefits. However, he also said that it is some unknown factor, either from the past or present, which triggered the condition.
The study challenges present understanding of human health in that these genetically retained conditions could be more relevant to human health than considered.