Neanderthal Genes Linked to "Viking Disease"
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that three of the strongest risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture, also known as the Viking disease, are inherited from Neanderthals. The disease is significantly more common in men than women and usually begins as a lump in the palm of the hand that grows and causes one or more fingers to lock in a bent position. The study used data from over 7,000 affected individuals and identified 61 genetic risk factors for the disease. The findings provide further evidence that the intermingling between Neanderthals and our ancestors has important consequences for the prevalence of some diseases, particularly among certain groups.
