[Reading Science] Beethoven's Death 200 Years Ago Was Not Poisoning

UK Cambridge Archaeogenetics Research Team
Analyzed Restored Hair Genes
"Liver Disease Suspected as Cause of Death"
Combined Effects of Alcohol, Genetic Factors, and Viral Hepatitis
Previously Known 'Lead Poisoning' Not Confirmed
Cause of Hearing Loss Not Determined

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770?1827), the German "Saint of Music" (樂聖), was known not only for his brilliant musical achievements but also for the mysterious cause of his death. He suddenly lost his hearing 26 years before his death, and various theories such as lead poisoning, suicide, and death from overwork due to stress circulated. He even suspected poisoning himself after the sudden hearing loss. He sent letters to his relatives saying, "When I die, be sure to have the doctor confirm the cause of death." However, about 200 years after his death, scientists analyzed his remains using advanced genetic analysis technology and confirmed that liver disease caused by multiple factors was the cause of death.

On the 22nd (local time), the international academic journal Nature reported that a team of archaeogenetics researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK recently published a paper with these findings in the biological journal Current Biology. By extracting and analyzing genetic material from Beethoven's hair, they estimated that he died from liver disease caused by complex factors. This has undermined the credibility of the "lead poisoning theory." In the past, studies often suggested lead poisoning as the cause of death because lead was detected in Beethoven's hair. Especially in 2005, a research team from the Argonne National Laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy reported high lead concentrations in fragments of Beethoven's skull after strong X-ray imaging, which seemed to establish the "orthodox theory."

However, the research team overturned this lead poisoning theory using advanced technology capable of DNA time-series analysis, even on somewhat degraded samples due to the passage of time. The team analyzed a total of eight hair bundles believed to be Beethoven's, confirming that five of them belonged to the same person, and began their study on these samples. They succeeded in extracting genetic material from one sample and restored about two-thirds of Beethoven's genome, analyzing disease-causing genes through sequencing. The results suggest that Beethoven died from liver disease caused by a combination of genetic factors, alcohol abuse, and viral hepatitis.

Specifically, Beethoven's genetic analysis revealed two specific variants of the PLPLA3 gene, known to cause liver cirrhosis. Two variants of the HFE gene, which causes hereditary haemochromatosis leading to liver damage, were also found. Additionally, fragments of the hepatitis B virus, which causes viral hepatitis and damages the liver, were detected.

Professor Tristan Wegg of the University of Cambridge, who led the study, explained, "Considering historical records that describe Beethoven as a severe alcoholic, these genetic mutations represent a very serious problem," adding, "At the time of Beethoven's death, the risk of liver damage (due to alcohol abuse) likely increased significantly." He also stated, "We do not know when or how Beethoven was infected with the hepatitis B virus," but "it appears that viral hepatitis reactivated and afflicted him months before his death."

These genetic analysis results also align with historical records related to Beethoven's death. In December 1826, Beethoven's health rapidly deteriorated, showing symptoms of jaundice and swelling of the limbs, all signs of liver failure. Beethoven was bedridden until his death in March 1827.

However, the research team was unable to determine why Beethoven lost his hearing. While analyzing Beethoven's genes, they examined several factors potentially linked to hearing loss, such as Paget's disease and lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus). The results showed that Beethoven had a genetic predisposition to a higher risk of developing lupus. However, since lupus does not always cause hearing loss, the team concluded there was no direct correlation.

To date, many medical historians have speculated that Beethoven lost his hearing due to otosclerosis, a condition where the small bone in the ear called the stapes fuses with other parts. The genetic cause of otosclerosis has not yet been identified. The research team plans to reanalyze Beethoven's genetic data in the future if this is confirmed to determine whether it is the cause of his hearing impairment.