Research led by Hugo Zeberg at Karolinska Institutet reveals that Dupuytren’s contracture, often referred to as “Viking disease,” is linked to Neanderthal genetics. This condition predominantly affects men over 60 in Northern Europe, causing fingers to lock in a bent position. Analysis of data from over 7,000 affected individuals showed that three of the strongest genetic risk factors for the disease are inherited from Neanderthals, underscoring their contribution to contemporary human health issues. Dupuytren’s contracture is rare among individuals of African descent, which led researchers to investigate the role of Neanderthal gene variants in its prevalence among non-African populations. The study found a total of 61 genetic risk factors, with three sourced from Neanderthals, highlighting the significance of human-Neanderthal intermingling approximately 40,000 years ago. The findings not only contribute to understanding the genetic basis of certain diseases but also emphasize the lasting impact of Neanderthal ancestry in modern populations. Despite the condition’s name, researchers caution against overemphasizing the connection between Neanderthals and Vikings. The study’s results have been published in Molecular Biology and Evolution and were supported by various research foundations.
