Viking Disease - Genetic Risk Factors and Connection with Neanderthals

Unraveling the Mystery of Viking Disease

Viking disease, also known as Dupuytren’s contracture, is a condition that affects up to 30 percent of men over 60 in northern Europe. The disease has been named so due to its prevalent occurrence among individuals of northern European descent.

• Viking disease is more frequently observed in men than in women. The initial symptom is often a lump in the palm that progressively grows, causing one or more fingers to lock in a bent position. Although the condition is not painful, the nodules can sometimes be sensitive to touch.

Image source: www.health.qld.gov.au

Interpreting the Research Findings:

• The study sought to determine if genetic variants inherited from Neanderthals contribute to Viking disease.
• Neanderthals were inhabitants of Europe and western Asia until approximately 40,000 years ago when they were superseded by modern humans. However, prior to their extinction, Neanderthals interbred with modern humans, leading to about one to two percent of the genomes of people with non-African roots being derived from Neanderthals.
• The study discovered that three of these genetic variants, including the second and third most significant risk factors, were inherited from Neanderthals.

Concluding Remarks:

• The study highlights that the genetic mixing between Neanderthals and early humans has had significant implications for the prevalence of certain diseases, particularly among specific groups.
• However, as Dupuytren’s contracture is seldom observed in individuals of African descent, the gene variants from Neanderthals can only partially explain why people outside of Africa are affected. Therefore, the link between Neanderthals and Vikings should be interpreted cautiously.