For our ancestors a genetic predisposition to arthritis was useful.

Scientists have made unexpected conclusions about arthritis. As it turned out a genetic mutation that increases the risk of arthritis was found. According to India Today, it appeared in the Ice Age and protected our ancestors from frostbite. Approximately half of Europeans have a variant of this GDF5 gene. It doubles the risk of arthritis development and takes about 1 centimeter in growth. The Africans have less of this variant. It was also identified in Neanderthals and Denisovan.

At first sight, it looks like an evolutionary mistake. But, in fact, this genetic variant allowed the ancestors of modern man to withstand low temperatures as well as it reduced the risk of fatal fractures. Since arthritis usually develops in old age, the mutation of GDF5 did not interfere with procreation, so it remained in the heritage of mankind.

We should admit that the first information about connection of arthritis, human growth and mutation GDF5 was appeared in the 90's. It is also known that the gene is controlled by a whole genetic complex, called GROW1. It gives signals at the genetic level that it's time to stop the growth of bones.

Source: India Today.