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It seems questionable to me that genes aren't even mentioned in passing when summarizing possible reasons for a specific physiological difference observed in a
by 0xcde4c3db 10y ago
It seems questionable to me that genes aren't even mentioned in passing when summarizing possible reasons for a specific physiological difference observed in a small, insular population. Especially considering that there are well-documented cases of both genes that accelerate atherosclerosis and specific families with extremely low rates of heart disease that don't seem to be explained by lifestyle factors. If it were all about macros and staying active, why this population and not dozens scattered throughout the world?
- ginko 10y agoI agree. The most interesting thing to check would be to try finding some Tsimane that left to work in the city and check their heart values.
- 0xcde4c3db 10y agoThat would be interesting, but part of the complexity of this is that "healthy lifestyle" may be as much about fitting together with genetic factors as approaching some universal ideal. I think it would be really interesting (albeit unrealistic) if there were a baby exchange among various populations with high longevity in general or low CVD in particular, and see if there's any significant pattern. Would people with Tsimane ancestry thrive in Okinawa? Would people with Ryukyuan ancestry get a heart attack at 40 living on Sardinia?