An isotope signature for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?

Area of Science:

• Paleoanthropology
• Bioarchaeology
• Stable Isotope Analysis

Background:

• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is often linked to high-protein, high-trophic-level diets.
• Previous research on the dietary link to DISH is limited, especially using stable isotope analysis.
• This study investigates the relationship between DISH and diet in Roman populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the dietary habits of individuals with and without DISH in two Roman urban communities.
• To utilize carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analysis to assess dietary patterns.
• To determine if isotopic signatures correlate with the presence or severity of DISH.

Main Methods:

• Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) was performed on collagen extracted from human rib samples.
• Samples were analyzed from 33 individuals from Baldock (UK) and 41 from Santa Caterina (Spain).
• Faunal samples were also analyzed to establish local dietary baselines.

Main Results:

• Isotope data from Santa Caterina suggest a mixed diet of terrestrial resources and freshwater fish.
• Isotope data from Baldock indicate a primarily terrestrial-based diet.
• No significant differences in δ13C and δ15N values were found between individuals with and without DISH, nor a correlation with DISH severity.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with DISH in both Roman communities exhibited similar isotopic dietary signatures to those without DISH.
• Dietary habits may influence DISH, but this influence is not clearly reflected in the stable isotope ratios of bone collagen.
• Stable isotope analysis did not reveal a distinct dietary pattern associated with DISH in these Roman populations.