An isotope signature for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis?

Laura Castells Navarro, Jo Buckberry, Julia Beaumont

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) has recurrently been associated with a rich diet (high in protein and higher trophic level foods); however, very few studies have investigated this link using carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) stable isotope analysis. This paper explores the relationship between DISH and diet in two Roman urban communities by analyzing individuals with and without DISH.

Materials and methods
δ13C and δ15N analysis carried out on collagen from 33 rib samples (No DISH: 27; early DISH: 4; DISH: 2) selected from individuals buried at the Romano-British site of Baldock (UK), 41 rib samples (No DISH: 38; early DISH: 3) from individuals from the Catalan Roman site of Santa Caterina (Barcelona, Spain). Additionally, six faunal samples from Baldock and seven from Santa Caterina were analyzed.

Results
Standardized human isotope data from Santa Caterina show high δ15N probably associated to a diet combining terrestrial resources and freshwater fish. In contrast, isotope results from Baldock suggest a terrestrial-based diet. Individuals with DISH do not show isotopic ratios indicative of rich diet and there is no correlation between stage of DISH development and δ13C and δ15N.

Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that individuals with DISH followed a similar or isotopically similar diet as those individuals without DISH in Baldock and in Santa Caterina and therefore, while DISH may have been influenced by individual's dietary habits, this is not reflected in their isotopic signature
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)312-327
Number of pages16
JournalAmerican Journal of Biological Anthropology
Volume178
Issue number2
Early online date3 Mar 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2022

Bibliographical note

© 2022 The Authors

Keywords

  • bone collagen
  • carbon
  • diet
  • diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
  • nitrogen
  • Roman period
  • DISH

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