Keywords
Calcium homeostasis, Lactase persistence, Degenerative bone disease
Document Type
Research Paper
Abstract
Recent research on the relationship between osteoporosis and lactase persistence has revealed that these two factors are positively correlated. There is existing evidence that shows the domestication of cattle was a selective force for the lactase persistence allele. We hypothesize that this genetic change caused a shift in the ancestral physiological mechanism for calcium homeostasis, resulting in a derived calcium homeostasis. Consequently, individuals with this derived calcium homeostasis are more susceptible to degenerative bone diseases, such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a topic of major health concern in the United States, considering that it is responsible for more hospital stays for women aged 45 or older than any other disease in America. Geriatric populations are the demographic most heavily affected by osteoporosis—particularly postmenopausal women. Research has also indicated that roughly 20 percent of elderly patients die within the first year of a hip fracture and less than 50 percent return to their previous lifestyle. The health concerns associated with osteoporosis along with the expensive costs of treatment place a priority on alternative ways to treat and prevent this disease. We review the development of lactase persistence along with important biological molecules involved in calcium homeostasis. We also discuss the physiology behind the ancestral calcium homeostasis and the derived calcium homeostasis, as well as potential paths for further research.
Genre/Form
articles
Recommended Citation
Glendenning, Ryan J. and Williams, Aaron J.
(2017)
"Co-evolution of Calcium Homeostasis and Lactase Persistence: Implications for Treatment of Degenerative Bone Diseases in the 21st Century,"
Occam's Razor: Vol. 7, Article 6.
Available at:
https://cedar.wwu.edu/orwwu/vol7/iss1/6
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Calcium--Metabolism--Regulation; Homeostasis; Osteoporosis; Lactose; Human evolution
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Type
Text
