Chimerism in health and potential implications on behavior: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Human Biology
• Genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• Chimerism involves cells from multiple zygotes within one organism.
• Microchimerism is a minor cell population (<1%) of foreign origin.
• This phenomenon is an underexplored factor in health and behavior variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review techniques for detecting and quantifying microchimerism.
• To examine empirical studies of chimerism in mammals, primates, and humans.
• To explore the implications of chimerism in human diseases and behavior.

Main Methods:

• Overview of primary detection and quantification techniques for microchimerism.
• Review of empirical studies on chimerism in various species.
• Focus on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques for Y-chromosomal markers in human studies.

Main Results:

• Male microchimerism in females, resulting from fetomaternal exchange, is detectable via PCR.
• Studies predominantly focus on female-predilection diseases like autoimmune conditions and cancers.
• Chimerism has potential implications for understanding human behavior.

Conclusions:

• Understanding chimerism prevalence and health outcomes offers insights into human biology.
• Chimerism research can guide novel therapeutic strategies for diseases.
• Further investigation into chimerism is crucial for advancing medical knowledge.