Researchers from University of California- Davis have found new evidence of health issues among Native Americans in coastal Northern California during the Mission era. By studying tooth enamel, they discovered two essential proteins: immunoglobulin G, which helps fight infections, and C-reactive protein, which signals inflammation.
This research, done with Native descendants, is believed to be the first of its kind and offers insights into the health of past and present human populations.
Tammy Buonasera, a researcher, explained that proteins found in tooth enamel could help study past human populations ‘ health and emotional well-being. She noted that some individuals, especially children, showed high levels of these proteins, indicating stress.
Jelmer Eerkens, an anthropology professor, shared that it’s sad to think about children who may have lost their families to disease and faced challenges in unfamiliar environments, impacting their health.
Researchers from UAF and UC Davis believe their study is essential for future lab work. While tooth enamel has helped identify a person’s sex, this research focuses on serum proteins in the enamel.
Many diseases don’t leave visible signs on bones, but analyzing tooth enamel can provide more detailed information about past health issues and conditions.
Researchers studied the dental enamel of 12 ancestral Ohlone individuals found at the Sanchez Adobe in Pacifica, established by the Spanish in 1786. The skeletons were discovered during construction in 2018, allowing researchers to explore health conditions with permission from tribal descendants.
They compared the enamel to samples from the 19th century in San Francisco and healthy military cadets from 2005-2006. The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band emphasized the importance of sharing this knowledge to preserve collective memory.
The research team compared the levels of two proteins in tooth enamel with the known histories of different populations. Native Americans in California’s Mission system faced high mortality rates, stress, and new diseases. At the same time, in the 1800s, European settlers lived shorter lives. However, they experienced less stress and fewer diseases than the Ohlone.
This research will be included in an upcoming book, which acknowledges the ethical concerns of studying ancestral remains but highlights the chance to learn more about their lives.
Journal reference :
- Tammy Buonasera, Jelmer Eerkens, et al., Immune proteins recovered in tooth enamel as a biochemical record of health in past populations: Paleoproteomic analysis of Mission Period Native Californians. Journal of Archaeological Science. DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2024.106069.
