title: What can ancient mummies teach us about atherosclerosis?
abstract: Ancient mummies have captivated a wide variety of audiences for centuries. In order to better understand the evolution and causative features of atherosclerosis, the Horus group is applying modern scientific methods to study ancient mummies. We have used CT scanning to detect calcification in arteries as an indication of the presence of atherosclerosis, and are correlating these results with cultural and lifestyle features of various populations of ancient people as represented by their ancient mummified remains. We are also pursuing related studies of ancient DNA to define genotypes associated with atherosclerotic phenotypes.
authors.affiliation: Columbia St. Mary׳s Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI. Electronic address: samuelwann@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wann
authors.affiliation: MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute, Long Beach Memorial and University of California, Irvine, CA.
authors.forename: Gregory S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000208:ethnology / Q000235:genetics / Q000266:history*; D001344:Autopsy; D003466:Cultural Characteristics / Q000266:history; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology / Q000266:history; D009106:Mummies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000266:history*; D010641:Phenotype; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D061205:Vascular Calcification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000208:ethnology / Q000235:genetics / Q000266:history*; D051598:Whole Body Imaging