Why are deadly diseases bred Why are deadly diseases bred into our genetic code? Why do into our genetic code? Why do are they continually selected are they continually selected

for?for? Can a person “Rust” to death?Can a person “Rust” to death? Hemochromatosis…too much Iron in the blood; Hemochromatosis…too much Iron in the blood;

inherited disorder that is a result of faulty genes inherited disorder that is a result of faulty genes causing abnormal regulation of iron absorption causing abnormal regulation of iron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. from the gastrointestinal tract.

HemochromatosisHemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the US, common genetic disorder in the US, affecting an estimated 1 of every 200-300 affecting an estimated 1 of every 200-300 Americans. Americans.

Untreated HH can lead to severe organ Untreated HH can lead to severe organ damage. Build-up of iron over years results damage. Build-up of iron over years results in excess iron deposited in the cells of the in excess iron deposited in the cells of the liver, heart, pancreas, joints, and pituitary liver, heart, pancreas, joints, and pituitary gland, leading to diseases such as gland, leading to diseases such as cirrhosiscirrhosis of the liver, of the liver, liver cancerliver cancer, , diabetesdiabetes, heart , heart disease, and joint disease. disease, and joint disease.

HemochromatosisHemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis is Hereditary hemochromatosis is caused by a genetic defect. (30% W. caused by a genetic defect. (30% W. European)European)

Autosomal Recessive inheritance Autosomal Recessive inheritance The two most common mutations of The two most common mutations of

the HFe gene are the C282Y and the HFe gene are the C282Y and H63D mutations.H63D mutations.

Hemochromatosis Hemochromatosis SymptomsSymptoms

Joint pain (most common symptom) Joint pain (most common symptom) Fatigue, lack of energy Fatigue, lack of energy Abdominal pain Abdominal pain Loss of sex drive Loss of sex drive Heart problems Heart problems Damage to the adrenal gland and resulting adrenal insufficiencyDamage to the adrenal gland and resulting adrenal insufficiency Arthritis Arthritis Liver disease, including an enlarged liver, cirrhosis, cancer , and liver Liver disease, including an enlarged liver, cirrhosis, cancer , and liver

failure failure Damage to the pancreas, possibly causing diabetes Damage to the pancreas, possibly causing diabetes Heart abnormalities, such as irregular heart rhythms or congestive heart Heart abnormalities, such as irregular heart rhythms or congestive heart

failure failure Impotence Impotence Early menopause Early menopause Abnormal pigmentation of the skin, making it look gray or bronze Abnormal pigmentation of the skin, making it look gray or bronze Thyroid deficiency Thyroid deficiency Damage to the adrenal glandDamage to the adrenal gland

Hemochromatosis DiagnosisHemochromatosis Diagnosis

Blood tests can determine whether the amount of iron stored in Blood tests can determine whether the amount of iron stored in the body is too high the body is too high

Transferrin saturation test—determines how much iron is bound to the Transferrin saturation test—determines how much iron is bound to the protein that carries iron in the blood protein that carries iron in the blood

Serum ferritin test—shows the level of iron in the liver Serum ferritin test—shows the level of iron in the liver Blood tests can determine if hemochromatosis is hereditary Blood tests can determine if hemochromatosis is hereditary

There are special blood tests to detect the mutation (C282Y and H63D There are special blood tests to detect the mutation (C282Y and H63D mutations account for about 87% of HH cases) mutations account for about 87% of HH cases)

If the mutation is not present the doctor will look for other causes of If the mutation is not present the doctor will look for other causes of iron build upiron build up

Tests to examine the liver: Tests to examine the liver: Liver Biopsy—a tiny piece of liver tissue is removed and examined under a Liver Biopsy—a tiny piece of liver tissue is removed and examined under a

microscope. It will show how much iron has accumulated in the liver and whether microscope. It will show how much iron has accumulated in the liver and whether the liver is damaged. the liver is damaged.

CT Scan of the Abdomen—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures CT Scan of the Abdomen—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body. of the inside of the body.

MRI Scan of the abdomen—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of MRI Scan of the abdomen—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body . the inside of the body .

Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to examine the liver. Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to examine the liver.

Why is Hemochromatosis Why is Hemochromatosis selected for?selected for?

Every life form “craves” Iron for Every life form “craves” Iron for metabolism; hemoglobin; immune system; metabolism; hemoglobin; immune system; phytoplankton (1995 study near phytoplankton (1995 study near Galapagos Islands…COGalapagos Islands…CO22 sink) sink)

Parasites hunt us for our Iron-bacteria, Parasites hunt us for our Iron-bacteria, fungi, and protozoa thrive on iron…human fungi, and protozoa thrive on iron…human blood and tissue is a virtual iron gold mine blood and tissue is a virtual iron gold mine

Cancer cells thrive on IronCancer cells thrive on Iron Iron neutralizes antibioticsIron neutralizes antibiotics

We have iron chelators that bind free iron; We have iron chelators that bind free iron; especially at pathogen entry pointsespecially at pathogen entry points

Acute phase response-bloodstream Acute phase response-bloodstream flooded with proteins that hide iron from flooded with proteins that hide iron from potential pathogens and cancer cells (new potential pathogens and cancer cells (new area for pharmaceuticals)area for pharmaceuticals)

Egg whites have ovoferrin, an iron chelatorEgg whites have ovoferrin, an iron chelator Mother’s milk contains lactoferrin, an iron Mother’s milk contains lactoferrin, an iron

chelatorchelator

1347 Bubonic Plague 1347 Bubonic Plague connectionconnection

1/3 and ½ of the population died (more than 1/3 and ½ of the population died (more than 25 million people)25 million people)

Caused by Yersinia pestis (bacteria) carried Caused by Yersinia pestis (bacteria) carried by fleas carried by rodentsby fleas carried by rodents

Infects Lympathic system causing swelling Infects Lympathic system causing swelling of lymph nodes (large black nodules)of lymph nodes (large black nodules)

Ability to access iron in macrophages makes Ability to access iron in macrophages makes some infections deadly and others benign…some infections deadly and others benign…the longer our immune system contains the the longer our immune system contains the reproduction of a pathogen, the better we reproduction of a pathogen, the better we can develop antibodies and mechanisms to can develop antibodies and mechanisms to combat itcombat it

Hemochromatosis Hemochromatosis ConnectionConnection

If macrophages lack iron (as in If macrophages lack iron (as in hemochromatosis), your immune system has hemochromatosis), your immune system has an advantage—isolate and starve the an advantage—isolate and starve the infection!infection!

So, why would we select for a gene that will So, why would we select for a gene that will kill us through iron loading by the time we kill us through iron loading by the time we reach middle age?reach middle age?

Because it will protect us from a bacterial Because it will protect us from a bacterial disease that is killing everyone else long disease that is killing everyone else long before we can reproduce!before we can reproduce!

Iron in moderation!Iron in moderation!

The practice of bleeding? Reduces the iron in The practice of bleeding? Reduces the iron in the blood…may have helped fight the the blood…may have helped fight the infection by lowering fevers and spurring the infection by lowering fevers and spurring the immune system into high gearimmune system into high gear

Dr. John Murray noticed that anemic Africans Dr. John Murray noticed that anemic Africans seemed to be immune to malaria, TB, seemed to be immune to malaria, TB, brucellosis and other infectionsbrucellosis and other infections

When he treated the anemia with iron When he treated the anemia with iron tablets, the patients got sick with infectious tablets, the patients got sick with infectious diseasesdiseases

So, anemia has also evolved to protect us So, anemia has also evolved to protect us from infectious diseasesfrom infectious diseases

Cystic Fibrosis and TBCystic Fibrosis and TB

2% of European descent are carriers for 2% of European descent are carriers for the abnormal CFTR gene (mutated the abnormal CFTR gene (mutated chloride ion channel protein pump)chloride ion channel protein pump)

New research suggests that being a carrier New research suggests that being a carrier of CF offers some protection against TBof CF offers some protection against TB

20% of all deaths during 1600-1900 are 20% of all deaths during 1600-1900 are caused by TB; leading bacterial killer in 3caused by TB; leading bacterial killer in 3rdrd World (~ 3 million/year)World (~ 3 million/year)

Diabetes and Ice AgeDiabetes and Ice Age

Inability to regulate glucose in the blood Inability to regulate glucose in the blood properly (Type 1 and 2; gestational properly (Type 1 and 2; gestational diabetes)…171 million and counting!diabetes)…171 million and counting!

Type 2 has a stronger genetic Type 2 has a stronger genetic component; common in Pima Indians of component; common in Pima Indians of SouthWestSouthWest

Type 1 more common in those of Type 1 more common in those of Northern European descent (1Northern European descent (1stst-Finland, -Finland, 22ndnd-Sweden, 3-Sweden, 3rdrd-UK and Norway)-UK and Norway)

Diabetes and Ice AgeDiabetes and Ice Age

13,000 years ago a rapid climate shift 13,000 years ago a rapid climate shift (ice and mud core data)(ice and mud core data)

When it is cold---body moves blood to When it is cold---body moves blood to core; shiver; increase sugar in blood; core; shiver; increase sugar in blood; increase brown fat stores (heat increase brown fat stores (heat generating tissue found in newborns, generating tissue found in newborns, ocean animals and those living in artic ocean animals and those living in artic conditions)conditions)

Cold diuresis (pee more to thicken blood) Cold diuresis (pee more to thicken blood)

Diabetes and Frogs?Diabetes and Frogs?

Sugar is a natural anti-freeze—the higher the sugar content, the lower the Sugar is a natural anti-freeze—the higher the sugar content, the lower the freezing pointfreezing point

Eliminate water to deal with the cold…change the concentration of Eliminate water to deal with the cold…change the concentration of glucose!glucose!

Wood Frogs and other amphibians have used this to hibernate during the Wood Frogs and other amphibians have used this to hibernate during the cold winter monthscold winter months

Just a few minutes after the frog senses the temp. dropping, it moves Just a few minutes after the frog senses the temp. dropping, it moves water out of its blood and organ cells and pools it in its abdomen. water out of its blood and organ cells and pools it in its abdomen.

It’s liver then dumps massive amounts of glucose into the blood It’s liver then dumps massive amounts of glucose into the blood supplemented by the release of sugar alcohols pushing the sugar supplemented by the release of sugar alcohols pushing the sugar concentration up a 100 fold…Sugary antifreeze!concentration up a 100 fold…Sugary antifreeze!

The Ice crystals have a minimal damage affect (glucose causes less The Ice crystals have a minimal damage affect (glucose causes less jagged crystallization) and abdominal water ice serves to preserve the jagged crystallization) and abdominal water ice serves to preserve the organsorgans

Grapes do this as well!Grapes do this as well! Could this be applied to organ storage? Could this be applied to organ storage? Research that there is seasonal variation in glucose levels! Perhaps the Research that there is seasonal variation in glucose levels! Perhaps the

mechanisms plants and frogs use to deal with high levels of glucose can mechanisms plants and frogs use to deal with high levels of glucose can lead to new treatments! lead to new treatments!

Sun, Creation of Vitamin D & Sun, Creation of Vitamin D & Destruction of FolateDestruction of Folate

Different populations have evolved a combination of Different populations have evolved a combination of adaptations that help protect folic acid and ensure adaptations that help protect folic acid and ensure sufficient Vitamin D productionsufficient Vitamin D production

Vitamin D—healthy bones (growth and maintenance); Vitamin D—healthy bones (growth and maintenance); ensures that our blood has sufficient calcium and ensures that our blood has sufficient calcium and phosphorous; crucial to proper function of heart, nervous phosphorous; crucial to proper function of heart, nervous system, clotting and the immune systemsystem, clotting and the immune system

Vitamin D deficiency—ricketts, osteoporosis, heart disease, Vitamin D deficiency—ricketts, osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, psoriasis, and mental illnessarthritis, psoriasis, and mental illness

Cholesterol is important in making and maintaining cell Cholesterol is important in making and maintaining cell membranes; helps the immune system protect against membranes; helps the immune system protect against cancer and other diseases; building block of testosterone cancer and other diseases; building block of testosterone and estrogen and other hormones; essential component of and estrogen and other hormones; essential component of Vitamin DVitamin D

Exposure to UV B light converts cholesterol to Vitamin DExposure to UV B light converts cholesterol to Vitamin D

Folate (Vit B9)Folate (Vit B9)

Integral part of cell Integral part of cell growth, DNA replication, growth, DNA replication, RBC productionRBC production

Pregnant women Pregnant women deficient in folate deficient in folate increase their risk of increase their risk of birth defects (spina birth defects (spina bifida)bifida)

UV light destroys folate UV light destroys folate (Argentinian study of (Argentinian study of pregnant mothers whose pregnant mothers whose babies had birth defects babies had birth defects due to using tanning due to using tanning beds during pregnancy)beds during pregnancy)

The Skin connectionThe Skin connection

The skin is where folate is The skin is where folate is stored and where a crucial stored and where a crucial step in the manufacturing step in the manufacturing of Vit. D takes placeof Vit. D takes place

Melanocytes make Melanocytes make melanin…more UV melanin…more UV radiation, the more melanin radiation, the more melanin is made to protect DNA is made to protect DNA (regulated by pituitary)(regulated by pituitary)

Sunglasses…lead to skin Sunglasses…lead to skin burns! (Why?) More than burns! (Why?) More than 60,000 Americans are 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with diagnosed with melanoma/year…lighter melanoma/year…lighter skin is 10-40 xs more likely skin is 10-40 xs more likely to get skin cancerto get skin cancer

Geography and Skin ColorGeography and Skin Color

In 2,000, Dr. Jablonski (anthropologist) and Dr. In 2,000, Dr. Jablonski (anthropologist) and Dr. Chaplin (computer specialist) showed that there is a Chaplin (computer specialist) showed that there is a mathematical connection between skin color and mathematical connection between skin color and geography (sunlight exposure)geography (sunlight exposure)

W=70 –AUV/10; where W=relative whiteness; W=70 –AUV/10; where W=relative whiteness; AUV=annual UV exposure; 70 is based on research AUV=annual UV exposure; 70 is based on research that indicates that the whitetest possible skin (no that indicates that the whitetest possible skin (no exposure to light) would reflect about 70% of light exposure to light) would reflect about 70% of light directed at it.directed at it.

There research also indicates that within 1,000 There research also indicates that within 1,000 years a population can adapt…skin dark enough to years a population can adapt…skin dark enough to protect folate and light enough to manufacture Vit. protect folate and light enough to manufacture Vit. DD

One Exception?One Exception?

InuitInuit

Inuit Eskimos are Inuit Eskimos are dark?dark?

They don’t need to They don’t need to evolve lighter skin evolve lighter skin because their diet because their diet is mainly fatty fish, is mainly fatty fish, full of Vit. D…so it full of Vit. D…so it is more important is more important to protect folate!to protect folate!

How do people with dark skin How do people with dark skin make enough Vitamin D?make enough Vitamin D?

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE4)…ensures Apolipoprotein E (ApoE4)…ensures that the amount of cholesterol is that the amount of cholesterol is cranked up…helps maximize Vitamin cranked up…helps maximize Vitamin D productionD production

Helps those in northern climates with Helps those in northern climates with light skin as well!light skin as well!

What’s the trade-off? Greater risk of What’s the trade-off? Greater risk of heart disease and Alzheimers…heart disease and Alzheimers…hence, the genetic connection!hence, the genetic connection!

One generation’s evolutionary One generation’s evolutionary solution is another’s solution is another’s evolutionary problemevolutionary problem

ACHOO Syndrome—autosomal ACHOO Syndrome—autosomal dominantdominant Causes people to sneeze uncontrollably Causes people to sneeze uncontrollably

when exposed to bright lightwhen exposed to bright light Evolved when we lived in caves to help Evolved when we lived in caves to help

expel molds and microbes from sinusesexpel molds and microbes from sinuses

Asian’s and AlcoholAsian’s and Alcohol

50:50 chance that alcohol will increase heart rate, increase 50:50 chance that alcohol will increase heart rate, increase temperature and cause face & neck to turn red (Asian flush)temperature and cause face & neck to turn red (Asian flush)

Why? What’s the benefit?Why? What’s the benefit?

Alcohol dehydrogenase helps detoxify and metabolize Alcohol dehydrogenase helps detoxify and metabolize alcohol into acetylaldehyde then into acetate then into fat, alcohol into acetylaldehyde then into acetate then into fat, COCO22 and water and water

Many Asian’s have a genetic variation called ALDH2*2 (less Many Asian’s have a genetic variation called ALDH2*2 (less potent version)potent version)

Acetylaldehyde is 30xs as toxic as alcohol…causes flushing Acetylaldehyde is 30xs as toxic as alcohol…causes flushing responseresponse

Advantage—highly resistant to alcoholism (now a drug Advantage—highly resistant to alcoholism (now a drug called Disulfiram (antabuse) prescribed to alcoholics to called Disulfiram (antabuse) prescribed to alcoholics to mimic the nasty effects Asian’s with ALDH2*2 experience)mimic the nasty effects Asian’s with ALDH2*2 experience)

Why ALDH2*2 common in Why ALDH2*2 common in Asians?Asians?

It’s all about clean water!It’s all about clean water! As cities developed, sanitation became an As cities developed, sanitation became an

issue…different populations developed issue…different populations developed different solutionsdifferent solutions In Europe, they used fermentation…the In Europe, they used fermentation…the

resulting alcohol killed the microbesresulting alcohol killed the microbes In Asia, they purified water by boiling it and In Asia, they purified water by boiling it and

making teamaking tea As a result, evolutionary pressure for As a result, evolutionary pressure for

Europeans to have an ability to tolerate large Europeans to have an ability to tolerate large amounts of alcohol while in Asia there wasn’t amounts of alcohol while in Asia there wasn’t this selective pressurethis selective pressure

Lactose IntoleranceLactose Intolerance

Most of the world’s populations can’t Most of the world’s populations can’t tolerate lactose (Dairy)tolerate lactose (Dairy)

Once you stop breast feeding your Once you stop breast feeding your body stops making lactasebody stops making lactase

If you aren’t lactose intolerant, then If you aren’t lactose intolerant, then you are probably descended from you are probably descended from farmers who drank animal milk!farmers who drank animal milk!

A cool application to A cool application to mutationmutation

A group of researchers compared DNA of a large A group of researchers compared DNA of a large group of Cohanim, Israelites (3 groups or 12 tribes: group of Cohanim, Israelites (3 groups or 12 tribes: the Cohanim trace their roots back to Moses’ brother the Cohanim trace their roots back to Moses’ brother Aaron, the original high priest)Aaron, the original high priest)

The researchers discovered that despite being The researchers discovered that despite being spread across the world, the genetic markers of the spread across the world, the genetic markers of the Cohanim descended from just a few male individuals Cohanim descended from just a few male individuals that came from Africa, Asia and Europe.that came from Africa, Asia and Europe.

Their appearance ran the gamut, but they all shared Their appearance ran the gamut, but they all shared similar Y-Chromosome markers and allowed the similar Y-Chromosome markers and allowed the estimation that the original creators of this gene estimation that the original creators of this gene were alive 3,180 years ago, the time of the exodus were alive 3,180 years ago, the time of the exodus from Egypt and the destruction of the First Temple of from Egypt and the destruction of the First Temple of Jerusalem…the time Aaron walked on the Earth!Jerusalem…the time Aaron walked on the Earth!

Can we apply mutation rates to Can we apply mutation rates to human evolution?human evolution?

Hair and malaria?Hair and malaria?

Dense Hair on forearms and legs may Dense Hair on forearms and legs may have developed to protect against have developed to protect against mosquito bites; except in Africa where the mosquito bites; except in Africa where the heat outweighed the advantage of hair…heat outweighed the advantage of hair…however, the densest hair is found where however, the densest hair is found where malaria is the most common malaria is the most common (mediterranean basin, Greece, Turkey…) (mediterranean basin, Greece, Turkey…)

In Africa, sickle cell anemia became the In Africa, sickle cell anemia became the defense against malariadefense against malaria

Hypertension and slavery?Hypertension and slavery?

Hypertension is twice as common in African Hypertension is twice as common in African Americans than in the rest of the populationAmericans than in the rest of the population

Blacks living in Africa have the same rate of Blacks living in Africa have the same rate of hypertension as non-black Americanshypertension as non-black Americans

Why is there a difference? African Americans blood is Why is there a difference? African Americans blood is very reactive to salt…too much salt can contribute to very reactive to salt…too much salt can contribute to high blood pressurehigh blood pressure

When Africans were taken as slaves, they were When Africans were taken as slaves, they were transported under horrible conditions and not given transported under horrible conditions and not given enough water…those with a natural propensity to enough water…those with a natural propensity to retain salt survived the long voyages to reproduce…retain salt survived the long voyages to reproduce…extra salt helps preserve water and avoid dehydrationextra salt helps preserve water and avoid dehydration

Add a modern diet high in salt…high rates of Add a modern diet high in salt…high rates of hypertension resulthypertension result

Quantity and QualityQuantity and Quality

CYP2D6 gene affects the way people CYP2D6 gene affects the way people metabolize drugs like decongestants and metabolize drugs like decongestants and antidepressants…people with very few copies antidepressants…people with very few copies of the gene are “slow metabolizers”of the gene are “slow metabolizers”

Up to 10% of Caucasians, 1% asians are Up to 10% of Caucasians, 1% asians are slow; while Ethiopians have ultrarapid slow; while Ethiopians have ultrarapid metabolismmetabolism

This research may lead to “personalized This research may lead to “personalized dosages”…example, cough dosages”…example, cough syrupsyrupcodeincodeinmorphine (convert too fast morphine (convert too fast can be dangerous!)can be dangerous!)

CCR5-∆32CCR5-∆32

CCR5 mutation appears to prevent HIV CCR5 mutation appears to prevent HIV from entering T-cells (CD-4 & from entering T-cells (CD-4 & GP120/40)…if you have 2 copies of the GP120/40)…if you have 2 copies of the gene…complete immunity from HIV! gene…complete immunity from HIV! Carriers have a reduced viral loadCarriers have a reduced viral load

Occurs in 5-10% of European Occurs in 5-10% of European Caucasians…may have offered some Caucasians…may have offered some resistance to the bubonic plagueresistance to the bubonic plague

Can you do me a Fava?Can you do me a Fava?

Favism is an inherited enzyme deficiency disease Favism is an inherited enzyme deficiency disease carried by 400 million people…eat fava beans or take carried by 400 million people…eat fava beans or take certain drugscertain drugssevere anemia and death!severe anemia and death!

Korean war—soldiers prescribed primaquine, Korean war—soldiers prescribed primaquine, antimalarial drugantimalarial drugsoldiers developed anemia, soldiers developed anemia, especially those of mediterranean descent (hemolytic especially those of mediterranean descent (hemolytic anemia)anemia)

These soldiers lacked glucose-6-phosphate These soldiers lacked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)…important in RBCs (protects dehydrogenase (G6PD)…important in RBCs (protects cellular integrity and mops up toxins and free radicals)cellular integrity and mops up toxins and free radicals)

Primaquine stresses RBCs…if you lack G6PD, then free Primaquine stresses RBCs…if you lack G6PD, then free radicals cause cells to burst with the extra stressradicals cause cells to burst with the extra stress

Fava beans contain Fava beans contain vicine and vicine and convicineconvicineproduce produce free radicals like free radicals like hydrogen peroxidehydrogen peroxide

If you have Favism, lack If you have Favism, lack of G6PD, then you get of G6PD, then you get hemolytic anemia upon hemolytic anemia upon eating Fava Beanseating Fava Beans

X-linked gene (more X-linked gene (more males have favism)males have favism)

What’s the benefit to What’s the benefit to Favism?Favism?

Most common in Most common in places where Fava places where Fava beans are grown beans are grown and eaten and eaten regularly!regularly!

Protection from Protection from Malaria is the Malaria is the connection!connection!

Food and Birth control?Food and Birth control?

Plants are good at birth control—clover, Plants are good at birth control—clover, sweet potato, and soy contain phyto sweet potato, and soy contain phyto estrogens which mimic animal estrogenestrogens which mimic animal estrogen

When animals eat too much phytoestrogens, When animals eat too much phytoestrogens, the overload wreaks havoc on their the overload wreaks havoc on their reproductive capabilities (example: Sheep in reproductive capabilities (example: Sheep in W. Australia were eating formononetin W. Australia were eating formononetin causing reduced reproduction rates)causing reduced reproduction rates)

Soy is rich in genistein…what are the long Soy is rich in genistein…what are the long term affects of eating more and more soy?term affects of eating more and more soy?

Toxins and FoodToxins and Food

Tapioca is made from the cassava plantTapioca is made from the cassava plant Major part of the African diet, but raw it is a deadly Major part of the African diet, but raw it is a deadly

precursor to cyanideprecursor to cyanide During drought, cassava plants produce higher level During drought, cassava plants produce higher level

of cyanide…Why?of cyanide…Why? Indian vetch…neurotoxin that causes paralysisIndian vetch…neurotoxin that causes paralysis Nightshade (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, Nightshade (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant,

jimsonweed) contain alkaloids (toxic hallucinogens)jimsonweed) contain alkaloids (toxic hallucinogens) Wheat, beans and potatoes have amylase inhibitors Wheat, beans and potatoes have amylase inhibitors

that interfere with absorption of carbohydratesthat interfere with absorption of carbohydrates Chickpeas have protease inhibitorsChickpeas have protease inhibitors Most of these toxins can be disabled by heating. Most of these toxins can be disabled by heating.

Why?Why?

Pass the Peppers!Pass the Peppers!

Capsaicin…most Capsaicin…most animals can’t eat animals can’t eat raw habanero raw habanero peppers due to the peppers due to the nerve fiber pain nerve fiber pain caused by caused by capsaicin; birds are capsaicin; birds are unaffectedunaffected

Too eat veggies or to not to Too eat veggies or to not to eateat

Many plant toxins can be good for us…Many plant toxins can be good for us…phytoestrogens that cause sterility can also protect phytoestrogens that cause sterility can also protect from cancer and ease the effects of menopausefrom cancer and ease the effects of menopause

Capsaicin stimulates the release of endorphins which Capsaicin stimulates the release of endorphins which induce feelings of pleasure and reduce the effects of induce feelings of pleasure and reduce the effects of stress molecules; can also help with alleviating painstress molecules; can also help with alleviating pain

Allicin from garlic prevents platelets from sticking Allicin from garlic prevents platelets from sticking together and becoming clots…great for heart disease!together and becoming clots…great for heart disease!

Aspirin from Bark Willow thins the blood and reduces Aspirin from Bark Willow thins the blood and reduces feverfever

Taxol (tree bark of the Pacific Yew) is an anticancer Taxol (tree bark of the Pacific Yew) is an anticancer drugdrug

Of Microbes and MenOf Microbes and Men

The good, the bad and The good, the bad and the ugly…not all the ugly…not all microbes cause microbes cause disease, some are disease, some are symbiotic and some symbiotic and some may even influence may even influence our behavior!our behavior!

Everything from our Everything from our senses to our blood senses to our blood chemistry has been chemistry has been shaped by evolutionary shaped by evolutionary responses to disease…responses to disease…

Sexual attraction and Sexual attraction and microbes?microbes?

Why is the scent of Why is the scent of someone you find someone you find sexually attractive so sexually attractive so alluring?alluring?

The scent is often a The scent is often a sign that you have sign that you have dissimilar immune dissimilar immune systems, increasing systems, increasing the survival of the the survival of the progeny (pheromones)progeny (pheromones)

Hymenoepimecis Hymenoepimecis argyraphagaargyraphaga

Parasitic wasp Parasitic wasp infects spiders of infects spiders of Costa Rica by laying Costa Rica by laying eggs inside spidereggs inside spider

The larva develops The larva develops inside until one day inside until one day it injects chemicals it injects chemicals turning the spider turning the spider into a “slave” into a “slave” building a special building a special cocooncocoon

The worm goesThe worm goes

to the ants brainto the ants brain

and controls it…and controls it…

Every night the ant Every night the ant

hangs off a grasshangs off a grass

blade waiting toblade waiting to

be eatenbe eaten

Toxoplasma gondiiToxoplasma gondii

Cats carry and help T. Cats carry and help T. gondii reproduce gondii reproduce sexuallysexually

Infected cats distribute Infected cats distribute oocysts in their litteroocysts in their litter

Handling litter can infect Handling litter can infect people…insert into people…insert into muscle and brain cellsmuscle and brain cells

CDC—20% of world CDC—20% of world population infected; 90% population infected; 90% of Franceof France

May be a correlation May be a correlation with raw meat with raw meat consumptionconsumption

How does the parasite get How does the parasite get back to the cat?back to the cat?

Host manipulator of Host manipulator of mice and rats…goes mice and rats…goes to brain and to brain and changes behaviorchanges behavior

Makes mice fat and Makes mice fat and lethargic and they lethargic and they lose natural fear of lose natural fear of predators…they are predators…they are attracted to cat attracted to cat urineurine

Pregnancy and toxoplasmaPregnancy and toxoplasma

Pregnant and HIV immune compromised people Pregnant and HIV immune compromised people should avoid handling cat litter…should avoid handling cat litter…

40% that the fetus can be infected which can 40% that the fetus can be infected which can cause severe complicationscause severe complications

Evidence that toxoplasmosis can cause Evidence that toxoplasmosis can cause schizophrenia (Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, 2003)schizophrenia (Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, 2003)

Dr. Flegr (Univ. of Prague) discovered that Dr. Flegr (Univ. of Prague) discovered that infected women spend more money on clothes infected women spend more money on clothes and were less trustworthy and very promiscuous; and were less trustworthy and very promiscuous; Infected men were less well groomed, more likely Infected men were less well groomed, more likely to be loners and more willing to fight, be to be loners and more willing to fight, be suspicious and jealoussuspicious and jealous

Cholera, PANDAS, & STIs and Cholera, PANDAS, & STIs and human manipulationhuman manipulation

Cholera is a water borne disease that causes sever Cholera is a water borne disease that causes sever diarrheadiarrheadehydration and deathdehydration and death

PANDAS-pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric PANDAS-pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder…streptococcal infections cause children to disorder…streptococcal infections cause children to display repetitive tics, uncontrollable touching and display repetitive tics, uncontrollable touching and anxietyanxiety

STIs cause higher promiscuity! (ex., Herpes hightens STIs cause higher promiscuity! (ex., Herpes hightens sexual feeling by modulating sensory input to sex sexual feeling by modulating sensory input to sex organs)organs)

These behaviors make sure the disease is spread and it These behaviors make sure the disease is spread and it survives!survives!

By understanding transmission and manipulation of our By understanding transmission and manipulation of our bodies by pathogens, we can develop new treatments bodies by pathogens, we can develop new treatments and reduce our reliance on antibiotics…cause the and reduce our reliance on antibiotics…cause the pathogen to evolve in a different way!pathogen to evolve in a different way!