AI interpretationAI-generated
A 13th-century Chinese mummy reveals ancient genetic risk for atherosclerosis.
This study examined a 13th-century artificially mummified man from Changzhou, China, using radiology, pathology, genetics, and diet analysis. His whole genome (12.7x coverage) showed genetic variants linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Stable isotope analysis of his bones, teeth, and hair indicated a diet rich in animal protein and a terminal illness. Both genetic and dietary risks matched the atherosclerosis found at autopsy, challenging the idea that such disease is only a modern lifestyle problem.
- The mummy is the earliest known East Asian artificial mummy using mercury and cinnabar enema without evisceration.
- His genome revealed genetic susceptibility to multiple atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD).
- Isotope data showed high animal protein intake and a terminal illness, consistent with autopsy-confirmed atherosclerosis.
Sample interpretation
No Y-chromosome or mitochondrial DNA haplogroup data, nor any site sample statistics, were provided in the given abstract or site data. The study focuses on a single individual's whole genome, so no population-level sample interpretation is possible here.
For genealogy enthusiasts
This case shows that genetic risk for atherosclerosis existed in ancient East Asia, not just in post-industrial times. For ancestry enthusiasts, it highlights how ancient DNA can reveal health-related genetic variants in past individuals, adding a medical dimension to ancestry research.
Abstract
The 13th-century Changzhou Mummy, from the Lower Yangtze region in China, is the earliest known East Asian case of an artificially mummified body employing mercury and cinnabar enema without evisceration. This study conducts multidisciplinary research, integrating paleo-radiological, paleo-pathological, paleo-genetic, and paleo-nutritional analysis to investigate the phenotype, genotype, individual life history, and the process of deliberate mummification performed on this individual. We generate a whole genome with 12.7× coverage, revealing potential genetic predisposition for several atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Stable C and N isotope analysis of bones, teeth and hairs indicates high animal protein consumption as well as terminal illness. Hereditary and dietary risk factors are consistent with the diagnosis of atherosclerosis determined via postmortem examination. Our study, leveraging high-quality ancient DNA, provides a unique opportunity to challenge and rethink the widely accepted consensus on the relationship between atherosclerosis and post-industrial age lifestyles, uncovering unrecognized genetic polymorphisms of ASCVD among ancient individuals, and improving our understanding of the role of genetic factors in the development and evolution of ASCVD.