Hypothesis: Increased male mortality caused by infection is due to a decrease in heterozygous loci as a result of a single X chromosome

Summary Inbreeding in experimental animals leads to loss of heterozygous loci and a marked increase in morbidity and mortality. Males have fewer heterozygous loci than females because of a single X chromosome. It is suggested that heterozygous loci protect against infection and that increased male m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical hypotheses 2009-03, Vol.72 (3), p.322-324
Main Authors: Morris, James A, Harrison, L.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chromosomes, Human, X - genetics
Evidence-Based Medicine
Genetic Predisposition to Disease - epidemiology
Genetic Predisposition to Disease - genetics
Humans
Infection - epidemiology
Infection - genetics
Internal Medicine
Loss of Heterozygosity - genetics
Male
Models, Genetic
Survival Analysis
Survival Rate
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Summary:Summary Inbreeding in experimental animals leads to loss of heterozygous loci and a marked increase in morbidity and mortality. Males have fewer heterozygous loci than females because of a single X chromosome. It is suggested that heterozygous loci protect against infection and that increased male mortality in humans at all ages is secondary to infection. The specific testable hypothesis is that episodes of bacteraemia occur throughout life leading to toxin secretion causing sudden death in infancy (SUDI), accelerating the development of atherosclerosis and precipitating sudden death in old age.
ISSN:0306-9877
1532-2777
DOI:10.1016/j.mehy.2008.08.027