Genetic mutations help Russians survive World War II

A series of mutations related to metabolic processes have helped nearly 1.5 million Russians survive the most devastating World War II siege campaign.

The gene mutation helps the Russians survive the Leningrad campaign

The siege of Leningrad (present-day St. Petersburg) conducted by Nazi Germany is one of the longest and bloodiest battles in human history.

The people of Leningrad left the collapsed houses because of the Luftwaffe bombs in the siege of the city in 1941. (Photo: RIA Novosti)

During the 872-day war (September 8, 1941 - January 7, 1944), about 3 million Russians were isolated from the outside world. The government cannot provide food, medicine and necessities to them. In addition to avoiding bombs and bullets, they struggled with food shortages and cold weather to survive.

According to Soviet figures , about 1.5 million people died from starvation, but also nearly 1.5 million people survived. That fact makes scientists question the difference between the living and the dead.

To understand the cause, scientists from Ott's Obstetrics and Gynecological Research Institute in Russia collected samples of 206 people who survived the Siege of Leningrad campaign. They used the "polymerase chain reaction " technique to identify and duplicate genes involved in metabolic control in white blood cells.

The team also analyzed the DNA of 139 Russians of the same age as the 206 people, but did not live in Leningrad when the war took place. The analysis showed that the ability to genetically alter the metabolism of the Leningrad survivors was 30% higher than the other group.

In particular, the team found variants in UCP3 , a protein capable of affecting the efficiency of cell energy use. Variations also occur in two PPAR alpha and PPAR delta receptors. Both receptors are involved in regulating muscle metabolism.

Those who own genetic variants are more efficient at absorbing, converting and using energy from food than those without gene variants. Their bodies also maintained heat longer during the siege of Leningrad.

"Genetic mutations and a few other factors have helped survivors adapt to extreme environments. These mutations do not appear randomly. About 20-30% of Leningrad's population has them, " Russia said. Today quoted Professor Oleg Glotov, the leader of the research team.

" In extreme circumstances, this gene mutation is dominant. However, it can become a disadvantage in the normal environment. They will accumulate energy in the form of fat if they eat too much, " said the professor. Glotov said he hopes his research will be useful in developing ways to cure metabolic disorders such as obesity and anorexia.