639: Mitochondrial DNA adaptations in living human populations

Mitochondrial DNA adaptations in living human populations:

populations in northern latitudes today are enriched for a number of mtDNA haplogroups that are likely adaptive to cold. Today, these haplogroups (as a class) are largely protective against degenerative diseases of aging, possibly because they reduce oxygen free radical production. But they are also more susceptible to disorders of energy metabolism, because they reduce ATP production.

Needless to say, this says some interesting things about the relationship of longevity and energy metabolism in recent human populations.

Human evolution and the trade-offs between longevity and energy efficiency.

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