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Overview of the thrifty genotype hypothesis
1Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|January 8, 2014
Summary
The thrifty genotype hypothesis suggests a "thrifty" metabolism evolved due to historical nutritional stress. Modern Western lifestyles exacerbate insulin resistance, contributing to obesity and non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) epidemics.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disorders and evolutionary medicine.
Background:
- The "thrifty genotype" hypothesis, proposed in 1962, explains rising diabetes rates.
- It's frequently cited for global obesity and non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) epidemics linked to Western lifestyles.
- Historical nutritional stresses may have selected for a "thrifty" metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the "thrifty genotype" hypothesis in the context of modern epidemics.
- To explore the metabolic underpinnings and lifestyle factors contributing to insulin resistance and NIDDM.
- To consider the "thrifty phenotype" concept linking perinatal nutrition to adult NIDDM risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of the archaeological record for evidence of historical nutritional stress.
- Analysis of the metabolic basis of the "thrifty" genotype, focusing on insulin resistance.
- Examination of lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity) and their impact on insulin sensitivity.
- Consideration of the "thrifty phenotype" hypothesis and its link to perinatal nutrition.
Main Results:
- Historical nutritional stresses likely selected for metabolisms promoting energy conservation.
- Selective insulin resistance, leading to hyperinsulinaemia and fat deposition, is a proposed metabolic basis.
- Western lifestyle factors like inactivity and poor diet worsen insulin resistance and promote weight gain.
- Perinatal nutrition may influence adult NIDDM risk via effects on beta-cell function or insulin sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The "thrifty genotype" provides a framework for understanding NIDDM epidemics.
- Modern lifestyles critically interact with genetic predispositions, exacerbating insulin resistance.
- Differentiating genetic ("nature") from environmental ("nurture") factors in NIDDM etiology remains challenging.
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