Thrifty phenotype versus cold adaptation: trade-offs in upper limb proportions of Himalayan populations of Nepal.

ABSTRACT: The multi-stress environment of high altitude has been associated with growth deficits in humans, particularly in zeugopod elements (forearm and lower leg). This is consistent with the thrifty phenotype hypothesis, which has been observed in Andeans, but has yet to be tested in other high-altitude populations. In Himalayan populations, other factors, such as cold stress, may shape limb proportions. The current study investigated whether relative upper limb proportions of Himalayan adults (n = 254) differ between highland and lowland populations, and whether cold adaptation or a thrifty phenotype mechanism may be acting here. Height, weight, humerus length, ulna length, hand length and hand width were measured using standard methods. Relative to height, total upper limb and ulna leng

SUBMITTER: Payne S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6030304 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature