Gene/Environment Interaction in Atherosclerosis: An Example of Clinical Medicine as Seen from the Evolutionary Perspective

Gerhard Mertens

doi:10.4061/2010/654078

Abstract

Evolutionary medicine is the application of evolution theory to understanding health and disease. It provides a complementary scientific approach to the present mechanistic explanations that dominate medical science, and particularly medical education. The chronic multifactorial disease of atherosclerosis clearly illustrates the Darwinian paradigm. Recent research, combining the effects of genes and environment, has provided surprising clues to the pathogenesis of this major public health problem. This example makes a strong case for recognizing evolution biology as a basic science for medicine.

Highlights

“Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in the Light of Evolution” is a 1973 essay by the great evolutionary biologist Dobzhansky [1]
Recent research, combining the effects of genes and environment, has provided surprising clues to the pathogenesis of this major public health problem. This example makes a strong case for recognizing evolution biology as a basic science for medicine
The co-evolution of man and pathogenic microorganisms, as well as man’s persistent vulnerability to chronic diseases should all be viewed in the context of continuing evolution

Summary

Introduction

“Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in the Light of Evolution” is a 1973 essay by the great evolutionary biologist Dobzhansky [1] He writes: “Seen in the light of evolution, biology is—perhaps—intellectually the most satisfying and inspiring science. The co-evolution of man and pathogenic microorganisms, as well as man’s persistent vulnerability to chronic diseases should all be viewed in the context of continuing evolution These subjects form the core of “evolutionary medicine,” known as “Darwinian medicine” [2]. While the practice of medicine by itself aims at counteracting natural selection, the following pledge for evolutionary medicine is not paradoxical It is by improving the knowledge on evolution biology of clinicians, learning them to see health and disease from an evolutionary perspective, that more effective treatment and preventive strategies can be developed. Recent research, combining the effects of genes and environment, has provided new clues to the cause of this leading cause of global morbidity and mortality

Genetic Factors

Environmental Factors

Findings

Synthesis and Conclusion