Presented By: Department of Psychology
EHAP Speaker Series: Psychological correlates of uric acid: An evolutionary mismatch hypothesis.
Shinobu Kitayama, Robert B. Zajonc Collegiate Professor of Psychology; Director of the Culture & Cognition Program, University of Michigan
Abstract:
Uric acid (UA), the final metabolic breakdown of purine nucleotides in the primates including humans, presents a paradox that may best be understood as an evolutionary mismatch. Whereas it is known as a substantial risk for gout and cardiovascular malfunctioning, it also serves as a major agent that de-oxidizes the brain. We may therefore hypothesize that UA increases when vigorous actions including culturally sanctioned behaviors are carried out. Through this effect, UA may facilitate such behaviors, leading to psychological and social benefits. These benefits of UA may, in turn, could override its cost in the health domains. In this talk, I will outline this hypothesis, and provide initial evidence for it with data from Japanese adults.
Uric acid (UA), the final metabolic breakdown of purine nucleotides in the primates including humans, presents a paradox that may best be understood as an evolutionary mismatch. Whereas it is known as a substantial risk for gout and cardiovascular malfunctioning, it also serves as a major agent that de-oxidizes the brain. We may therefore hypothesize that UA increases when vigorous actions including culturally sanctioned behaviors are carried out. Through this effect, UA may facilitate such behaviors, leading to psychological and social benefits. These benefits of UA may, in turn, could override its cost in the health domains. In this talk, I will outline this hypothesis, and provide initial evidence for it with data from Japanese adults.
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