Theoretical approaches to revealing and treating endemic diseases of geochemical origin

Now it is obvious that animals and humans suffer from both deficit and excess of trace elements due to a systematic imbalance of chemical elements in modern diets. Although the physiological role of many elements is not completely studied, some part of them is treated as toxic. We consider that this definition is fallacious and propose a spatial dose-dependent approach accounting of optimal element concentrations for better identification and treatment of diseases of geochemical origin.

Basing on the fact that the living organisms have met with a wide variety of geochemical conditions in the process of evolution, we suggest that the ability to survive in case of fast changing chemical conditions has been fixed in the genetic code of existing species by preservation of the so-called “dormant” genes. We assume that the ability to adapt quickly could have been realized due to the activity of “dormant” genes, which are inherent as active only in a small part of individuals, because in extremely changing conditions it can give rise to a new generation. In our opinion, experiments of Prat with campion species [1], those of Bradshaw with sorrel and plantain [2], of Letunova with soil microorganisms [3], of Krivolutsky with lower vertebrates [4] along with recent publication on the genetically determined rapid adaptation of Colorado beetles to many pesticides [5] earnestly confirms this idea. As this mechanism protects species stability, we presume that it is a common feature of members of biocenosis. Therefore, all species of biogeocenoses should represent a specific collection of individuums (morphs) with “active dormant” genes thereby acquiring high ability of not only survival of populations in extremal conditions but also occupation of new ecological niches. We consider such a defence mechanism to be rational, since it allows a quick leveling reaction of species to a certain type of extremal impact.

This additional theoretical hypothesis seems to be productive from the point of view of solving practical problems, since it allows more rational directing of genetic research and analyzing the risk of endemic diseases.

References

1. S. Prat, 1934. Die erblichkeit der resistenz gegen Kupfer, Ber. Dtsch. bot. Ges 1 (102), 65–67.
2. A.D. Bradshaw, 1952. Populations of Agrostis tenuis resistant to lead and zinc poisoning, Nature 169, 28.
3. S.V. Letunova & V.V. Koval’skii, 1978. Geochemical Ecology of Microorganisms. Nauka, Moscow.
4. D.A. Krivolutskii, 1983. Radioecology of Communities of Land Animals. Energoatomizdat, Moscow.
5. K. Brevik, E.M. Bueno, S. McKay, S.D. Schoville, Y.H. Chen, 2020. Insecticide exposure affects intergenerational patterns of DNA methylation in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Evolutionary Applications, DOI: 10.1111/eva.13153.