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Evolutionary Perspectives on the Developing Skeleton and Implications for Lifelong Health
Alexandra E Kralick1, Babette S Zemel2,3
1Department of Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|March 21, 2020
Summary
Osteoporosis, a disease of aging, stems from childhood development and lifestyle factors influencing peak bone mass. Evolutionary perspectives reveal declining bone health since the Pleistocene era.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Human paleontology
- Public health
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a prevalent aging disease characterized by bone fragility, low bone mass, and reduced bone quality.
- The disease's origins are linked to childhood development and the attainment of peak bone mass in early adulthood.
- Peak bone mass is a critical determinant of osteoporosis risk later in life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolutionary implications of osteoporosis, considering its developmental origins.
- To examine how genetic, behavioral, health, and environmental factors interact to shape peak bone mass.
- To interpret changing global patterns of osteoporosis through an evolutionary lens.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on contemporary populations examining determinants of childhood bone accretion.
- Analysis of skeletal populations to understand the role of subsistence, social context, and occupation in bone strength.
- Comparative analysis of bone density and strength between contemporary and archeological skeletal populations.
Main Results:
- Childhood growth, body composition, sexual maturation, physical activity, nutrition, and diet influence childhood bone accretion.
- Subsistence strategies, social context, and occupation significantly impact skeletal strength in past populations.
- Comparisons suggest a decline in bone density and strength from the Pleistocene to contemporary times.
- Western lifestyles, including increased longevity, obesity, and sedentism, affect peak bone mass attainment and lifelong skeletal health.
Conclusions:
- Osteoporosis is a disease of contemporary human evolution, influenced by developmental and environmental factors.
- Evolutionary perspectives are crucial for understanding current global trends in osteoporosis.
- Lifestyle choices in modern society may compromise optimal peak bone mass and long-term skeletal health.
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