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Islam MA, Sehar U, Sultana OF, Mukherjee U, Brownell M, Kshirsagar S, Reddy PH. SuperAgers and centenarians, dynamics of healthy ageing with cognitive resilience. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 219:111936. [PMID: 38657874 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Graceful healthy ageing and extended longevity is the most desired goal for human race. The process of ageing is inevitable and has a profound impact on the gradual deterioration of our physiology and health since it triggers the onset of many chronic conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. However, some people who lived/live more than 100 years called 'Centenarians" and how do they achieve their extended lifespans are not completely understood. Studying these unknown factors of longevity is important not only to establish a longer human lifespan but also to manage and treat people with shortened lifespans suffering from age-related morbidities. Furthermore, older adults who maintain strong cognitive function are referred to as "SuperAgers" and may be resistant to risk factors linked to cognitive decline. Investigating the mechanisms underlying their cognitive resilience may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies that support the preservation of cognitive function as people age. The key to a long, physically, and cognitively healthy life has been a mystery to scientists for ages. Developments in the medical sciences helps us to a better understanding of human physiological function and greater access to medical care has led us to an increase in life expectancy. Moreover, inheriting favorable genetic traits and adopting a healthy lifestyle play pivotal roles in promoting longer and healthier lives. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking contribute to overall well-being. The synergy between positive lifestyle choices, access to education, socio-economic factors, environmental determinants and genetic supremacy enhances the potential for a longer and healthier life. Our article aims to examine the factors associated with healthy ageing, particularly focusing on cognitive health in centenarians. We will also be discussing different aspects of ageing including genomic instability, metabolic burden, oxidative stress and inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, immunosenescence, and sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ariful Islam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Ujala Sehar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Omme Fatema Sultana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Upasana Mukherjee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Malcolm Brownell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sudhir Kshirsagar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
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Hook M, Roy S, Williams EG, Bou Sleiman M, Mozhui K, Nelson JF, Lu L, Auwerx J, Williams RW. Genetic cartography of longevity in humans and mice: Current landscape and horizons. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2718-2732. [PMID: 29410319 PMCID: PMC6066442 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a complex and highly variable process. Heritability of longevity among humans and other species is low, and this finding has given rise to the idea that it may be futile to search for DNA variants that modulate aging. We argue that the problem in mapping longevity genes is mainly one of low power and the genetic and environmental complexity of aging. In this review we highlight progress made in mapping genes and molecular networks associated with longevity, paying special attention to work in mice and humans. We summarize 40 years of linkage studies using murine cohorts and 15 years of studies in human populations that have exploited candidate gene and genome-wide association methods. A small but growing number of gene variants contribute to known longevity mechanisms, but a much larger set have unknown functions. We outline these and other challenges and suggest some possible solutions, including more intense collaboration between research communities that use model organisms and human cohorts. Once hundreds of gene variants have been linked to differences in longevity in mammals, it will become feasible to systematically explore gene-by-environmental interactions, dissect mechanisms with more assurance, and evaluate the roles of epistasis and epigenetics in aging. A deeper understanding of complex networks-genetic, cellular, physiological, and social-should position us well to improve healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hook
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Suheeta Roy
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Evan G Williams
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich CH-8093, Switzerland
| | - Maroun Bou Sleiman
- Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Khyobeni Mozhui
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - James F Nelson
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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3
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Redman LM, Smith SR, Burton JH, Martin CK, Il'yasova D, Ravussin E. Metabolic Slowing and Reduced Oxidative Damage with Sustained Caloric Restriction Support the Rate of Living and Oxidative Damage Theories of Aging. Cell Metab 2018; 27:805-815.e4. [PMID: 29576535 PMCID: PMC5886711 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Calorie restriction (CR) is a dietary intervention with potential benefits for healthspan improvement and lifespan extension. In 53 (34 CR and 19 control) non-obese adults, we tested the hypothesis that energy expenditure (EE) and its endocrine mediators are reduced with a CR diet over 2 years. Approximately 15% CR was achieved over 2 years, resulting in an average 8.7 kg weight loss, whereas controls gained 1.8 kg. In the CR group, EE measured over 24 hr or during sleep was approximately 80-120 kcal/day lower than expected on the basis of weight loss, indicating sustained metabolic adaptation over 2 years. This metabolic adaptation was accompanied by significantly reduced thyroid axis activity and reactive oxygen species (F2-isoprostane) production. Findings from this 2-year CR trial in healthy, non-obese humans provide new evidence of persistent metabolic slowing accompanied by reduced oxidative stress, which supports the rate of living and oxidative damage theories of mammalian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne M Redman
- Division of Clinical Sciences Pennington, Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA.
| | - Steven R Smith
- Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Florida Hospital and Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Burton
- Division of Clinical Sciences Pennington, Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Corby K Martin
- Division of Clinical Sciences Pennington, Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Dora Il'yasova
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Eric Ravussin
- Division of Clinical Sciences Pennington, Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
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4
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Levine ME, Crimmins EM. A Genetic Network Associated With Stress Resistance, Longevity, and Cancer in Humans. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2015; 71:703-12. [PMID: 26355015 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glv141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human longevity and diseases are likely influenced by multiple interacting genes within a few biologically conserved pathways. Using long-lived smokers as a phenotype (n = 90)-a group whose survival may signify innate resilience-we conducted a genome-wide association study comparing them to smokers at ages 52-69 (n = 730). These results were used to conduct a functional interaction network and pathway analysis, to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms that collectively related to smokers' longevity. We identified a set of 215 single nucleotide polymorphisms (all of which had p <5×10(-3) in the genome-wide association study) that were located within genes making-up a functional interaction network. These single nucleotide polymorphisms were then used to create a weighted polygenic risk score that, using an independent validation sample of nonsmokers (N = 6,447), was found to be significantly associated with a 22% increase in the likelihood of being aged 90-99 (n = 253) and an over threefold increase in the likelihood of being a centenarian (n = 4), compared with being at ages 52-79 (n = 4,900). Additionally, the polygenic risk score was also associated with an 11% reduction in cancer prevalence over up to 18 years (odds ratio: 0.89, p = .011). Overall, using a unique phenotype and incorporating prior knowledge of biological networks, this study identified a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms that together appear to be important for human aging, stress resistance, cancer, and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E Levine
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles.
| | - Eileen M Crimmins
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
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5
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Deelen J, Beekman M, Uh HW, Broer L, Ayers KL, Tan Q, Kamatani Y, Bennet AM, Tamm R, Trompet S, Guðbjartsson DF, Flachsbart F, Rose G, Viktorin A, Fischer K, Nygaard M, Cordell HJ, Crocco P, van den Akker EB, Böhringer S, Helmer Q, Nelson CP, Saunders GI, Alver M, Andersen-Ranberg K, Breen ME, van der Breggen R, Caliebe A, Capri M, Cevenini E, Collerton JC, Dato S, Davies K, Ford I, Gampe J, Garagnani P, de Geus EJC, Harrow J, van Heemst D, Heijmans BT, Heinsen FA, Hottenga JJ, Hofman A, Jeune B, Jonsson PV, Lathrop M, Lechner D, Martin-Ruiz C, Mcnerlan SE, Mihailov E, Montesanto A, Mooijaart SP, Murphy A, Nohr EA, Paternoster L, Postmus I, Rivadeneira F, Ross OA, Salvioli S, Sattar N, Schreiber S, Stefánsson H, Stott DJ, Tiemeier H, Uitterlinden AG, Westendorp RGJ, Willemsen G, Samani NJ, Galan P, Sørensen TIA, Boomsma DI, Jukema JW, Rea IM, Passarino G, de Craen AJM, Christensen K, Nebel A, Stefánsson K, Metspalu A, Magnusson P, Blanché H, Christiansen L, Kirkwood TBL, van Duijn CM, Franceschi C, Houwing-Duistermaat JJ, Slagboom PE. Genome-wide association meta-analysis of human longevity identifies a novel locus conferring survival beyond 90 years of age. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:4420-32. [PMID: 24688116 PMCID: PMC4103672 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic contribution to the variation in human lifespan is ∼25%. Despite the large number of identified disease-susceptibility loci, it is not known which loci influence population mortality. We performed a genome-wide association meta-analysis of 7729 long-lived individuals of European descent (≥85 years) and 16 121 younger controls (<65 years) followed by replication in an additional set of 13 060 long-lived individuals and 61 156 controls. In addition, we performed a subset analysis in cases aged ≥90 years. We observed genome-wide significant association with longevity, as reflected by survival to ages beyond 90 years, at a novel locus, rs2149954, on chromosome 5q33.3 (OR = 1.10, P = 1.74 × 10−8). We also confirmed association of rs4420638 on chromosome 19q13.32 (OR = 0.72, P = 3.40 × 10−36), representing the TOMM40/APOE/APOC1 locus. In a prospective meta-analysis (n = 34 103), the minor allele of rs2149954 (T) on chromosome 5q33.3 associates with increased survival (HR = 0.95, P = 0.003). This allele has previously been reported to associate with low blood pressure in middle age. Interestingly, the minor allele (T) associates with decreased cardiovascular mortality risk, independent of blood pressure. We report on the first GWAS-identified longevity locus on chromosome 5q33.3 influencing survival in the general European population. The minor allele of this locus associates with low blood pressure in middle age, although the contribution of this allele to survival may be less dependent on blood pressure. Hence, the pleiotropic mechanisms by which this intragenic variation contributes to lifespan regulation have to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Deelen
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing
| | - Marian Beekman
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing
| | - Hae-Won Uh
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics
| | - Linda Broer
- Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing, Department of Epidemiology and
| | - Kristin L Ayers
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Qihua Tan
- Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Department of Clinical Genetics and
| | | | - Anna M Bennet
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Riin Tamm
- Estonian Genome Center and Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Stella Trompet
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Giuseppina Rose
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Alexander Viktorin
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | | | - Marianne Nygaard
- Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Department of Clinical Genetics and
| | - Heather J Cordell
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Paolina Crocco
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Erik B van den Akker
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Delft University of Technology, Delft 2600 GA, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Christopher P Nelson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Gary I Saunders
- Human and Vertebrate Analysis and Annotation, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, The Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Maris Alver
- Estonian Genome Center and Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | | | - Marie E Breen
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Amke Caliebe
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel 24105, Germany
| | - Miriam Capri
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine and
| | - Elisa Cevenini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine and
| | - Joanna C Collerton
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Serena Dato
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Karen Davies
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Ian Ford
- Robertson Center for Biostatistics and
| | - Jutta Gampe
- Laboratory of Statistical Demography, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock 18057, Germany
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine and
| | - Eco J C de Geus
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Harrow
- Human and Vertebrate Analysis and Annotation, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, The Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Diana van Heemst
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan T Heijmans
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing
| | | | - Jouke-Jan Hottenga
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Hofman
- Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing, Department of Epidemiology and
| | | | - Palmi V Jonsson
- Geriatrics, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik 101, Iceland Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik 101, Iceland
| | - Mark Lathrop
- Fondation Jean Dausset-CEPH, Paris 75010, France EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 1A4
| | | | - Carmen Martin-Ruiz
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Susan E Mcnerlan
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK Cytogenetics Laboratory, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT8 8BH, UK
| | - Evelin Mihailov
- Estonian Genome Center and Estonian Biocentre, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Alberto Montesanto
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Simon P Mooijaart
- Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Murphy
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ellen A Nohr
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C DK-5000, Denmark
| | - Lavinia Paternoster
- MRC Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Iris Postmus
- Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando Rivadeneira
- Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing, Department of Epidemiology and Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - Owen A Ross
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine and
| | - Naveed Sattar
- BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Stefan Schreiber
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology and PopGen Biobank, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel 24105, Germany
| | | | - David J Stott
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing, Department of Epidemiology and Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - André G Uitterlinden
- Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing, Department of Epidemiology and Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi G J Westendorp
- Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing, Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Gonneke Willemsen
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands
| | - Nilesh J Samani
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Pilar Galan
- Université Sorbonne Paris Cité-UREN (Unité de Recherche en Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle), U557 Inserm; U1125 Inra; Cnam; Université Paris 13, CRNH IdF, Bobigny 93017, France
| | - Thorkild I A Sørensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Section on Metabolic Genetics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N DK-2200, Denmark Institute of Preventive Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospitals, Frederiksberg DK-2000, Denmark
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 BT, The Netherlands
| | - J Wouter Jukema
- Department of Cardiology and Interuniversity Cardiology Institute of the Netherlands, Utrecht 3501 DG, The Netherlands
| | - Irene Maeve Rea
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Anton J M de Craen
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Department of Clinical Genetics and Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C DK-5000, Denmark
| | | | - Kári Stefánsson
- Population Genomics, deCODE Genetics, Reykjavík 101, Iceland
| | - Andres Metspalu
- Estonian Genome Center and Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia Estonian Biocentre, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Patrik Magnusson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | | | - Lene Christiansen
- Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health and Department of Clinical Genetics and
| | - Thomas B L Kirkwood
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | | | - Claudio Franceschi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine and Interdepartmental Centre 'L. Galvani', University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy IRCCS Institute of Neurological Science, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna 40139, Italy CNR-ISOF, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | | | - P Eline Slagboom
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing,
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6
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Beekman M, Blanché H, Perola M, Hervonen A, Bezrukov V, Sikora E, Flachsbart F, Christiansen L, De Craen AJM, Kirkwood TBL, Rea IM, Poulain M, Robine JM, Valensin S, Stazi MA, Passarino G, Deiana L, Gonos ES, Paternoster L, Sørensen TIA, Tan Q, Helmer Q, van den Akker EB, Deelen J, Martella F, Cordell HJ, Ayers KL, Vaupel JW, Törnwall O, Johnson TE, Schreiber S, Lathrop M, Skytthe A, Westendorp RGJ, Christensen K, Gampe J, Nebel A, Houwing-Duistermaat JJ, Slagboom PE, Franceschi C. Genome-wide linkage analysis for human longevity: Genetics of Healthy Aging Study. Aging Cell 2013; 12:184-93. [PMID: 23286790 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear evidence exists for heritability of human longevity, and much interest is focused on identifying genes associated with longer lives. To identify such longevity alleles, we performed the largest genome-wide linkage scan thus far reported. Linkage analyses included 2118 nonagenarian Caucasian sibling pairs that have been enrolled in 15 study centers of 11 European countries as part of the Genetics of Healthy Aging (GEHA) project. In the joint linkage analyses, we observed four regions that show linkage with longevity; chromosome 14q11.2 (LOD = 3.47), chromosome 17q12-q22 (LOD = 2.95), chromosome 19p13.3-p13.11 (LOD = 3.76), and chromosome 19q13.11-q13.32 (LOD = 3.57). To fine map these regions linked to longevity, we performed association analysis using GWAS data in a subgroup of 1228 unrelated nonagenarian and 1907 geographically matched controls. Using a fixed-effect meta-analysis approach, rs4420638 at the TOMM40/APOE/APOC1 gene locus showed significant association with longevity (P-value = 9.6 × 10(-8) ). By combined modeling of linkage and association, we showed that association of longevity with APOEε4 and APOEε2 alleles explain the linkage at 19q13.11-q13.32 with P-value = 0.02 and P-value = 1.0 × 10(-5) , respectively. In the largest linkage scan thus far performed for human familial longevity, we confirm that the APOE locus is a longevity gene and that additional longevity loci may be identified at 14q11.2, 17q12-q22, and 19p13.3-p13.11. As the latter linkage results are not explained by common variants, we suggest that rare variants play an important role in human familial longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Markus Perola
- The National Institute for Health and Welfare; THL; Helsinki; FI-00271; Finland
| | - Anti Hervonen
- Tampere School of Public Health; Tampere; FI-33014; Finland
| | | | - Ewa Sikora
- Nencki Istitute for Experimental Biology; NENCKI; Warszawa; 02-093; Poland
| | - Friederike Flachsbart
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU); Kiel; 24118; Germany
| | - Lene Christiansen
- Danish Aging Research Center; Institute of Public Health; University of Southern Denmark; Odense; DK-5230; Denmark
| | | | - Tom B. L. Kirkwood
- Institute for Ageing and Health; Newcastle University; UNEW; Newcastle; NE1 7RU; UK
| | - Irene Maeve Rea
- Queens University of Belfast; QUB; Belfast; Northern Ireland; BT7 1NN; UK
| | | | | | - Silvana Valensin
- Interdepartmental Centre “Luigi Galvani” CIG; University of Bologna UNIBO; Bologna; 40126; Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Deiana
- UNISS; University of Sassari; 07100; Sassari; Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Quinta Helmer
- Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics; Leiden University Medical Centre; Leiden; ZC; 2333; The Netherlands
| | | | - Joris Deelen
- Molecular Epidemiology; Leiden University Medical Centre; Leiden; ZC; 2333; The Netherlands
| | | | - Heather J. Cordell
- Institute for Ageing and Health; Newcastle University; UNEW; Newcastle; NE1 7RU; UK
| | - Kristin L. Ayers
- Institute for Ageing and Health; Newcastle University; UNEW; Newcastle; NE1 7RU; UK
| | - James W. Vaupel
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research; MPIDR; 18057; Rostock; Germany
| | - Outi Törnwall
- The National Institute for Health and Welfare; THL; Helsinki; FI-00271; Finland
| | - Thomas E. Johnson
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics; University of Colorado at Boulder; Boulder; CO 80309-0447; USA
| | - Stefan Schreiber
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU); Kiel; 24118; Germany
| | - Mark Lathrop
- Foundation Jean Dausset; CEPH; 75010; Paris; France
| | - Axel Skytthe
- Danish Aging Research Center; Institute of Public Health; University of Southern Denmark; Odense; DK-5230; Denmark
| | - Rudi G. J. Westendorp
- Gerontology and Geriatrics; Leiden University Medical Centre; Leiden; ZA; 2333; The Netherlands
| | | | - Jutta Gampe
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research; MPIDR; 18057; Rostock; Germany
| | - Almut Nebel
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology; Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU); Kiel; 24118; Germany
| | | | | | - Claudio Franceschi
- Interdepartmental Centre “Luigi Galvani” CIG; University of Bologna UNIBO; Bologna; 40126; Italy
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7
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Design, recruitment, logistics, and data management of the GEHA (Genetics of Healthy Ageing) project. Exp Gerontol 2011; 46:934-45. [PMID: 21871552 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 07/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In 2004, the integrated European project GEHA (Genetics of Healthy Ageing) was initiated with the aim of identifying genes involved in healthy ageing and longevity. The first step in the project was the recruitment of more than 2500 pairs of siblings aged 90 years or more together with one younger control person from 15 areas in 11 European countries through a coordinated and standardised effort. A biological sample, preferably a blood sample, was collected from each participant, and basic physical and cognitive measures were obtained together with information about health, life style, and family composition. From 2004 to 2008 a total of 2535 families comprising 5319 nonagenarian siblings were identified and included in the project. In addition, 2548 younger control persons aged 50-75 years were recruited. A total of 2249 complete trios with blood samples from at least two old siblings and the younger control were formed and are available for genetic analyses (e.g. linkage studies and genome-wide association studies). Mortality follow-up improves the possibility of identifying families with the most extreme longevity phenotypes. With a mean follow-up time of 3.7 years the number of families with all participating siblings aged 95 years or more has increased by a factor of 5 to 750 families compared to when interviews were conducted. Thus, the GEHA project represents a unique source in the search for genes related to healthy ageing and longevity.
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dieppe
- Bristol University, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Rheumatology Unit, Marlborough St, Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK, +44-117 928 2983, +44-117 928 3841
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9
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Hori A, Yoshida M, Shibata T, Ling F. Reactive oxygen species regulate DNA copy number in isolated yeast mitochondria by triggering recombination-mediated replication. Nucleic Acids Res 2008; 37:749-61. [PMID: 19074198 PMCID: PMC2647299 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes proteins that are essential for cellular ATP production. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are respiratory byproducts that damage mtDNA and other cellular components. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the oxidized base excision-repair enzyme Ntg1 introduces a double-stranded break (DSB) at the mtDNA replication origin ori5; this DSB initiates the rolling-circle mtDNA replication mediated by the homologous DNA pairing protein Mhr1. Thus, ROS may play a role in the regulation of mtDNA copy number. Here, we show that the treatment of isolated mitochondria with low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide increased mtDNA copy number in an Ntg1- and Mhr1-dependent manner. This treatment elevated the DSB levels at ori5 of hypersuppressive [rho–] mtDNA only if Ntg1 was active. In vitro Ntg1-treatment of hypersuppressive [rho–] mtDNA extracted from hydrogen peroxide-treated mitochondria revealed increased oxidative modifications at ori5 loci. We also observed that purified Ntg1 created breaks in single-stranded DNA harboring oxidized bases, and that ori5 loci have single-stranded character. Furthermore, chronic low levels of hydrogen peroxide increased in vivo mtDNA copy number. We therefore propose that ROS act as a regulator of mtDNA copy number, acting through the Mhr1-dependent initiation of rolling-circle replication promoted by Ntg1-induced DSB in the single-stranded regions at ori5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Hori
- Chemical Genetics Laboratory, RIKEN Advanced Science Institute, Hirosawa 2-1, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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10
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Heijmans BT, Beekman M, Houwing-Duistermaat JJ, Cobain MR, Powell J, Blauw GJ, van der Ouderaa F, Westendorp RGJ, Slagboom PE. Lipoprotein particle profiles mark familial and sporadic human longevity. PLoS Med 2006; 3:e495. [PMID: 17194192 PMCID: PMC1716190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2006] [Accepted: 10/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic and biochemical studies have indicated an important role for lipid metabolism in human longevity. Ashkenazi Jewish centenarians and their offspring have large low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles as compared with control individuals. This profile also coincided with a lower prevalence of disease. Here, we investigate whether this observation can be confirmed for familial longevity in an outbred European population and whether it can be extended to sporadic longevity in the general population. METHODS AND FINDINGS NMR-measured lipoprotein profiles were analyzed in 165 families from the Leiden Longevity Study, consisting of 340 long-lived siblings (females >91 y, males >89 y), 511 of their offspring, and 243 partners of the offspring. Offspring had larger (21.3 versus 21.1 nm; p = 0.020) and fewer (1,470 versus 1,561 nmol/l; p = 0.011) LDL particles than their same-aged partners. This effect was even more prominent in the long-lived siblings (p < 10(-3)) and could be pinpointed to a reduction specifically in the concentration of small LDL particles. No differences were observed for HDL particle phenotypes. The mean LDL particle sizes in 259 90-y-old singletons from a population-based study were similar to those in the long-lived siblings and thus significantly larger than in partners of the offspring, suggesting that the relevance of this phenotype extends beyond familial longevity. A low concentration of small LDL particles was associated with better overall health among both long-lived siblings (p = 0.003) and 90-y-old singletons (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that LDL particle profiles mark both familial and sporadic human longevity already in middle age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastiaan T Heijmans
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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11
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Globerson A, Barzilai N. The voyage to healthy longevity: from experimental models to the ultimate goal. Mech Ageing Dev 2005; 126:225-9. [PMID: 15621200 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2004.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2004] [Accepted: 08/23/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Understanding mechanisms underlying longevity, and endeavor towards the specific goals of alleviating frailty in old age, require a comprehensive approach that considers the various theoretical and experimental approaches, as well as compiling the data on humans. This logistic has underlined the program of the conference, and is reflected in the present special issue. Considerable volume of data now point to distinct genes that are associated with exceptional longevity in humans, as reflected from the articles in this volume. However, this symposium also highlighted non-genetic effects, including physical, mental and social activities, and elucidate the relevant underlying mechanisms. The symposium focused on understanding the basis of human longevity coupled to extended health-span and function into old age.
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12
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Hadley EC, Rossi WK. Exceptional survival in human populations: National Institute on Aging perspectives and programs. Mech Ageing Dev 2005; 126:231-4. [PMID: 15621201 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2004.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the factors that contribute to long and healthy life can lead to improved interventions that can help delay or prevent the onset of major aging-related diseases and disabilities and increase the time that older persons spend in good health. Studies on longevity and other exceptional survival outcomes can contribute to this knowledge. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) supports a considerable amount of basic, behavioral, demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical research on these topics, including a large research program on longevity assurance genes, primarily in laboratory animals, and in biodemographic aspects of longevity in humans and other species. This article describes NIA's activities regarding one important aspect of research on longevity and related phenotypes: exceptional survival phenotypes in humans, including exceptional longevity, health span, and active life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan C Hadley
- Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Gateway Building, Suite 3C307, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20892-9205, USA.
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13
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Lio D, Pes GM, Carru C, Listì F, Ferlazzo V, Candore G, Colonna-Romano G, Ferrucci L, Deiana L, Baggio G, Franceschi C, Caruso C. Association between the HLA-DR alleles and longevity: a study in Sardinian population. Exp Gerontol 2003; 38:313-7. [PMID: 12581796 DOI: 10.1016/s0531-5565(02)00178-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Human longevity may be correlated with optimal functioning of the immune system, suggesting that genetic determinants of longevity also resides in those polymorphisms for the immune system genes that regulate immune responses as histocompatibility (HLA) antigens. However, conflicting results have been obtained. Some well planned and designed association studies performed in Caucasians suggest that longevity is associated with positive selection of alleles (i.e. HLA-DR11) or haplotypes (i.e. HLA-B8,DR3) that confer resistance to infectious diseases, respectively, via peptide presentation or via antigen non-specific control of immune response. Association studies are subjected to a number of possible confounding factors, the homogeneity of the population in term of geographical origin among others. Because of the lack of large-scale heterogeneity, the Sardinians represent a suitable population for association studies addressed to dissect the complex traits as longevity. Thus, we have evaluated, by the amplification refractory mutation system/polymerase chain reaction, HLA-DR frequencies in 120 centenarians (79 women and 41 men) and 86 controls (53 women and 33 men) from Sardinia, to validate, in this very homogeneous population, the associations between HLA alleles or haplotypes and longevity observed in other Caucasoid populations. No significant differences were obtained by analysing the differences between Centenarians and controls except for HLA-DRB1*15 that was increased in centenarians. However, the significance was not maintained by multiplying P values for the number of alleles under study. Thus, in Sardinian centenarians, we were not able to confirm the findings observed in the well planned and designed studies performed in other Caucasoid populations. Besides, HLA HFE gene polymorphisms have been recently demonstrated to be associated with longevity in the Sicilian population but not in Danish one. On the whole these findings clearly show that HLA/longevity associations are population-specific, being heavily affected by the population-specific genetic and environmental history. So, in our opinion, HLA genes might be considered survival genes not longevity genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Lio
- Gruppo di Studio sulll'Immunosenescenza, Laboratorio di Imunopatologia, Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Metodologie Biomediche, Università di Palermo, Corso Tukory 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy
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14
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Martin LJ, Mahaney MC, Bronikowski AM, Carey KD, Dyke B, Comuzzie AG. Lifespan in captive baboons is heritable. Mech Ageing Dev 2002; 123:1461-7. [PMID: 12425953 DOI: 10.1016/s0047-6374(02)00083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of aging are evident in multiple organ systems, tissues, cell types, and molecules; all complex phenotypes affected by multiple shared and unique environmental factors and genes, which makes identifying the role of genetics in human aging difficult. Researchers have used yeast, nematodes, fruit flies, and mice to search for genes that influence the aging process. Given the phylogenetic distance and anatomic and physiologic dissimilarities of these organisms from humans, directly extrapolating these results to our species is problematic. However, nonhuman primates have a high degree of genetic, anatomic and physiologic similarity with humans and, thus, they may assist in the detection, characterization, and identification of genetic and environmental influences on human aging. Our goal is to demonstrate that effects of genes on variation in lifespan, a surrogate measure of aging, can be detected in a nonhuman primate species. Using variance component analysis, heritability of age at death was estimated to be 0.23+/-0.08 (P=0.0003) in 674 baboons from the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SFBR). This research demonstrates that lifespan is under partial genetic control. Given these findings, we believe that the baboon has potential as a model of human aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Martin
- Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX 78245-0549, USA.
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15
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Duggirala R, Uttley M, Williams K, Arya R, Blangero J, Crawford MH. Genetic determination of biological age in the Mennonites of the Midwestern United States. Genet Epidemiol 2002; 23:97-109. [PMID: 12214304 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that longevity is moderately heritable in human populations. Longevity, however, contains limited information on functional status, since individuals may exhibit differential survival patterns. In this study, we employed a stepwise multiple regression approach to estimate biological aging in a Mennonite population, using chronological age as a dependent variable and various predictors of chronological age including subphenotypes related to diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, renal function, and markers of functional ability. The residual (the difference between chronological and predicted ages) is considered a marker of biological age. In fact, two different data sets were used to obtain residuals due to the availability of data. In each analysis, chronological age was regressed on predictor variables in a stepwise manner, retaining the variables significant at the 5% level. The first analysis (N=729) included 6 significant predictors (R(2)=44.3%): glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cholesterol, albumin, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and ln potassium, and the second analysis (N=232) included 9 significant predictors (R(2)=71.5%): BUN, albumin, SBP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), grip strength, trunk flexibility, reaction time, and FEV1xsex. Using a variance components approach, we found that the data set-specific residuals were significantly heritable (h(2)+/-SE): first analysis=0.265+/-0.106, and second analysis=0.469+/-0.180. The residuals from the second data set appear to be more informative for biological aging, perhaps due to the inclusion of functional ability-related phenotypes in addition to the blood chemistry variables. In summary, we have shown that markers of biological aging in Mennonites are under substantial additive genetic influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindranath Duggirala
- Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas 78254-0549, USA.
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16
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Ribera Casado JM. [Medicine and the one hundred-year barrier]. Rev Clin Esp 2002; 202:303-4. [PMID: 12093393 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2565(02)71063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Mountz JD, Zant GV, Allison DB, Zhang HG, Hsu HC. Beneficial influences of systemic cooperation and sociological behavior on longevity. Mech Ageing Dev 2002; 123:963-73. [PMID: 12044945 DOI: 10.1016/s0047-6374(02)00034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During his long research career in the field of aging, Dr Bernard Strehler developed a series of theories concerning the identity of genes that can promote longevity and their role in natural selection. As a tribute to Dr Strehler, we have taken this opportunity to summarize a selection of these theories and to illustrate how these insights have influenced our search for longevity genes within the immune system. The identification of longevity genes has proven difficult. We believe that, at least in part, this reflects the emphasis on the concept of survival of the 'physically' fittest. We have used the immune system as a model to demonstrate that, over and above the self-evident advantage of those genes that contribute the attributes commonly associated with survival of the 'physically' fittest, those genes that lead to a predisposition to cooperate also confer a competitive survival advantage. As the acquisition of cooperativity in a society is linked to support mechanisms provided by older individuals, the search for longevity genes should not be limited to those genes that are associated with extended expression of a youthful phenotype. Rather these studies should be expanded to include identification of those genes that regulate physiologic parameters that affect individual longevity, even if they do not correspond with the traditional view of reproductive competitiveness. At the societal level, longevity genes may encode attributes that regulate sociologic or psychological parameters that may contribute to a tendency to non-aggressive or cooperative behavior that leads to achievement of common goals necessary for the survival of the species. This view of the selection for longevity impacts the analysis of longevity genes and aging at the organismal level. Dr Strehler viewed organismal aging as an integrated functional state, in which he conceived the outcome as reflecting the net balance of functional decrementers and evolved compensatory features. We propose that, in more evolved species, the longevity genes will be those genes, or sets of genes, that counterbalance of age-related functional decrementers with the age-related manifestation of evolved compensatory features. Thus, as illustrated here through analysis of the immune system, the longevity genes may well be those genes that promote overall systemic cooperation and compensation within the immune system and associated systems, rather than the genes that prevent age-related alterations in only one or a limited number of pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Mountz
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 701 South 19th Street, LHRB 473, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA.
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18
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Lio D, Balistreri CR, Colonna-Romano G, Motta M, Franceschi C, Malaguarnera M, Candore G, Caruso C. Association between the MHC class I gene HFE polymorphisms and longevity: a study in Sicilian population. Genes Immun 2002; 3:20-4. [PMID: 11857056 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gene.6363823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2001] [Revised: 10/22/2001] [Accepted: 10/22/2001] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Classes I and II human leukocyte antigens (HLA) genes encode highly polymorphic heterodimeric glycoproteins involved in the control of immune responses. The HLA class I gene HFE seemingly no longer participates in immunity because it has lost its ability to bind peptides and it has acquired the ability to form complex with the receptor for iron-binding transferrin by regulating iron uptake by intestinal cells. Thus, it indirectly regulates immune responses too, because iron availability plays a role in specific and non-specific immune responses. The distribution of HFE polymorphisms in Sicilian centenarians and nonagenarians was studied to evaluate if HFE alleles might be represented differently in people selected for longevity. DNA samples were obtained from 106 young controls (age range from 22 to 55 years; 40 men and 66 women) and 35 elderly subjects (age range from 91 to 105 years; seven men and 28 women). Samples were typed for C282Y, H63D and S65C alleles using polymerase chain reaction and sequence specific primers. Among the young individuals, none was heterozygous for the C282Y or for S65C mutation. Twenty-six were heterozygous for H63D mutation. Among the elderly subjects, 11 were heterozygous for the C282Y mutation or for H63D mutation. None was heterozygous for the S65C mutation. No compound heterozygous individuals (C282Y/H63D) were found. A highly significant difference was observed in frequencies of C282Y alleles between the young and the elderly subjects on the whole. By analysing polymorphisms according to gender, heterozygous subjects for C282Y were found both in old men and in old women, but by comparing the allele frequencies to those of young people significance was attained only in women. Concerning H63D polymorphisms, no significant differences were observed, between old and young people, both in men and in women. Possession of C282Y allele, known to be associated with an increase of iron uptake, significantly increases women possibility to reach longevity. Thus, present data adds another piece of evidence to the complex puzzle of genetic and environmental factors involved in control of lifespan expectancy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lio
- Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Metodologie Biomediche, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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19
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Abstract
Mortality and reproduction are intimately entwined in the study of aging and longevity. I apply the modern theory of complex adaptive systems (nonlinear, stochastic, dynamic methods) to questions of aging and longevity. I begin by highlighting major questions that must be answered in order to obtain a deeper understanding of aging. These are: (i) What should (in an evolutionary sense) mortality trajectories look like? (ii) Why does caloric restriction slow aging? (iii) Why does reproduction cause delayed mortality? (iv) Why does compensatory growth cause delayed mortality? I show how dynamic state variable models based on stochastic dynamic programming (Clark & Mangel, 2000) can be used to embed genetic theories of senescence (either mutation accumulation or antagonistic pleiotropy) in the somatic environment, as George Williams called for in 1957, and how they make the disposable soma theory of aging operational. Such models will allow unification of genetic and phenotypic theories of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mangel
- Department of Environmental Studies and Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
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20
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Mountz JD, Van Zant GE, Zhang HG, Grizzle WE, Ahmed R, Williams RW, Hsu HC. Genetic dissection of age-related changes of immune function in mice. Scand J Immunol 2001; 54:10-20. [PMID: 11439143 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.2001.00943.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding of the genetic basis of normal and abnormal development of the immune response is an enormous undertaking. The immune response, at the most minimal level, involves interactions of antigen presenting cells (APCs), T and B cells. Each of these cells produce cell surface and soluble factors (cytokines) that affect both autocrine and paracrine functions. A second level of complexity needs to consider the development of the macrophage/monocyte lineage as well as the production of the common lymphoid precursor which undergoes distinct maturation steps in the thymus and periphery to form mature T cells as well as in BM (BM) and lymphoid organs to form mature B cells. A third level of complexity involves the immune response to infectious agents including viruses and also the response to tumour antigens. In addition, there are imbalances that predispose to decreased responses (immunodeficiencies) or increased responses (autoimmunity). A fourth level of complexity involves attempts to understand the differences in the immune response that occurs at a very young age, in adults, and at a very old age. This review will focus on the use of C57BL/6 J X DBA/2 J (BXD) recombinant inbred (RI) strains of mice to map genetic loci associated with the production of lymphoid precursors in the BM, development of T cells in the thymus, and T-cell responses to stimulation in the peripheral lymphoid organs in adult and in aged mice. Strategies to improve the power and precision in which complex traits such as the age-related immune response can be mapped is limited with the current set of 35 strains of BXD mice. Strategies to increase these strains by generating recombinant intercross (RIX) strains of mice are being developed to enable this large set of lines to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with a much higher consistency and statistical power. More importantly, the resolution with which these QTLs can be mapped would be greatly improved and, in many cases, adequate to carry out direct identification of candidate genes. It is likely that, given the complexity of the immune system development, the number of cells involved in an immune response, and especially the changes in the immune system with ageing, mapping hundreds of genes will be required to fully understand age-related changes in the immune response. This review outlines ongoing and future strategies that will enable the mapping and identification of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Mountz
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Bischoff HA, Conzelmann M, Lindemann D, Singer-Lindpaintner L, Stucki G, Vonthein R, Dick W, Theiler R, Stähelin HB. Self-reported exercise before age 40: influence on quantitative skeletal ultrasound and fall risk in the elderly. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001; 82:801-6. [PMID: 11387586 DOI: 10.1053/apmr.2001.22339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare musculoskeletal factors with bone structure, as measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the calcaneus, and their potential to predict fall risk in geriatric inpatients. DESIGN Longitudinal. SETTING Two geriatric hospitals in Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS A total of 134 of 207 long-stay geriatric patients (96 women, 38 men) who were able to perform the timed up and go (TUG) test. INTERVENTIONS Five musculoskeletal tests: 2 functional tests (TUG, for mobility; functional reach test, for balance), and 3 muscle strength tests (knee flexor, knee extensor, grip). Falls were monitored prospectively in a subgroup of 94 mobile subjects of 1 geriatric hospital throughout each individual length of stay (median, 31.4wk: interquartile range, 16-56.4wk). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Functional and strength tests, mobility status, and self-reported exercise before age 40 were musculoskeletal factors to be compared with QUS. RESULTS QUS was higher in mobile subjects without walking aid (p < .0001) and correlated significantly with muscle strength (knee flexor: r = .36; knee extensor: r = .30) and functional tests (TUG: r = -.25; functional reach: r = .16). Women who reported regular exercise before age 40 had higher QUS (p = .01) and fewer falls (p = .01). Falls were less frequent in subjects with walking aid (p = .03). No single musculoskeletal test, but rather a combination of demographic variables, musculoskeletal factors, and QUS could predict 76% of total variation of fall risk. CONCLUSION This study showed the important impact of current mobility and muscle strength status on bone structure, as measured by QUS at the calcaneus. In addition, a beneficial effect of former exercise on QUS and fall risk at advanced age could be documented in women. Both findings support life-long engagement in exercise, which might be particularly meaningful for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Bischoff
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Human longevity appears to have a modest but significant heritable component. A recent study in Iceland has added to this evidence by making a unique assessment based on records for an entire population. Although the evidence for inheritance of human lifespans appears robust, there remains considerable uncertainty about the extent of the genetic versus the nongenetic contribution and about the importance of gene-environment interactions. Sex-specific patterns of transmission of lifespan between parents and offspring might provide clues to the basis of lifespan heritability, but the reported patterns are neither conclusive nor consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cournil
- Biométrie-Biologie évolutive, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 43 Boulevard du 11 November 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France.
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Mocchegiani E, Giacconi R, Muzzioli M, Cipriano C. Zinc, infections and immunosenescence. Mech Ageing Dev 2000; 121:21-35. [PMID: 11164457 PMCID: PMC7126297 DOI: 10.1016/s0047-6374(00)00194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2000] [Revised: 07/25/2000] [Accepted: 08/12/2000] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Infections may cause mortality in old age due to damaged immune responses. As zinc is required as a catalyst, structural (zinc fingers) and regulatory ion, it is involved in many biological functions, including immune responses. Low zinc ion bioavailability and impaired cell-mediated immunity are common in ageing and may be restored by physiological supplementation with zinc for 1-2 months, impacting upon morbidity and survival. This article reviews the role of zinc in immune efficacy during ageing, and also describes the main biochemical pathways involved in the role of zinc in resistance to infections in ageing in order to better understand the possible causes of immunosenescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mocchegiani
- Immunology Centre (Section Nutrition, Immunity and Ageing) Research Department Nino Masera, Italian National Research Centres on Ageing (I.N.R.C.A.), Via Birarelli 8, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Muiras
- Abteilung Tumorvirologie, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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25
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Cournil A, Legay JM, Schächter F. Evidence of sex-linked effects on the inheritance of human longevity: a population-based study in the Valserine valley (French Jura), 18-20th centuries. Proc Biol Sci 2000; 267:1021-5. [PMID: 10874752 PMCID: PMC1690631 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2000.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A long-standing puzzle in gerontology is the sex dependence of human longevity and its inheritance. We have analysed the sex-linked pattern of inheritance of longevity from 643 nuclear families on the historical population register of a French valley. We have focused on mean conditional life expectancy at a minimum age of 50 years, thus, in the present study, longevity refers to late or post-reproductive survival. A comparison of parents' and offspring's longevity has shown the existence of a heritable component of late survival in this population. We have found that the heritable component was substantially larger for daughters compared to sons. Moreover, this result appeared to be specific to late survival, that is, when only post-reproductive mortality for parental and offspring generations is taken into account. The stronger resemblance of parents to their daughters was no longer observed when considering younger ages at death for the offspring. This observation explains the hitherto unaccountable diversity of data in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cournil
- Biométrie-Génétique et Biologie des Populations, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France.
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26
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Brack C, Lithgow G, Osiewacz H, Toussaint O. EMBO WORKSHOP REPORT: Molecular and cellular gerontology Serpiano, Switzerland, September 18-22, 1999. EMBO J 2000; 19:1929-34. [PMID: 10790359 PMCID: PMC305699 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/19.9.1929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/1999] [Revised: 03/13/2000] [Accepted: 03/14/2000] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C Brack
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, Basel University, PUK, Wilhelm-Klein-Strasse 27, CH-4025 Basel, Switzerland.
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27
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Yashin AI, De Benedictis G, Vaupel JW, Tan Q, Andreev KF, Iachine IA, Bonafe M, DeLuca M, Valensin S, Carotenuto L, Franceschi C. Genes, demography, and life span: the contribution of demographic data in genetic studies on aging and longevity. Am J Hum Genet 1999; 65:1178-93. [PMID: 10486337 PMCID: PMC1288251 DOI: 10.1086/302572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In population studies on aging, the data on genetic markers are often collected for individuals from different age groups. The purpose of such studies is to identify, by comparison of the frequencies of selected genotypes, "longevity" or "frailty" genes in the oldest and in younger groups of individuals. To address questions about more-complicated aspects of genetic influence on longevity, additional information must be used. In this article, we show that the use of demographic information, together with data on genetic markers, allows us to calculate hazard rates, relative risks, and survival functions for respective genes or genotypes. New methods of combining genetic and demographic information are discussed. These methods are tested on simulated data and then are applied to the analysis of data on genetic markers for two haplogroups of human mtDNA. The approaches suggested in this article provide a powerful tool for analyzing the influence of candidate genes on longevity and survival. We also show how factors such as changes in the initial frequencies of candidate genes in subsequent cohorts, or secular trends in cohort mortality, may influence the results of an analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Yashin
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.
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28
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Paccaud F, Sidoti Pinto C, Marazzi A, Mili J. Age at death and rectangularisation of the survival curve: trends in Switzerland, 1969-1994. J Epidemiol Community Health 1998; 52:412-5. [PMID: 9799873 PMCID: PMC1756734 DOI: 10.1136/jech.52.7.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To check if signs of rectangularisation of the survival curve appeared during recent decades in Switzerland--that is, if life expectancy is approaching a maximum with a clustering of age at death around an average value (the so called "compression of mortality"). METHODS Descriptive analysis of age of death and its trends over 26 years, as characterised by the modal value, median, and various percentiles beyond the median. POPULATION All deaths occurring after the 50th birthday in Switzerland between 1969 and 1994 (n = 1,390,362). MAIN RESULTS Age at death is increasing at a sustained rate at all percentiles equal or greater than 50, without any slow down in the trend during this period. The increase is more marked among women. Rates of increase are diminishing as the percentiles of age at death are higher, suggesting some clustering of deaths beyond the median value. However, the maximum age at death, if any, seems to be far from the current median values, even for women who enjoy a relatively high median age at death.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Paccaud
- Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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29
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Toupance B, Godelle B, Gouyon PH, Schächter F. A model for antagonistic pleiotropic gene action for mortality and advanced age. Am J Hum Genet 1998; 62:1525-34. [PMID: 9585593 PMCID: PMC1377144 DOI: 10.1086/301865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Association or linkage studies involving control and long-lived populations provide information on genes that influence longevity. However, the relationship between allele-specific differences in survival and the genetic structure of aging cohorts remains unclear. We model a heterogeneous cohort comprising several genotypes differing in age-specific mortality. In its most general form, without any specific assumption regarding the shape of mortality curves, the model permits derivation of a fundamental property underlying abrupt age-related changes in the composition of a cohort. The model is applied to sex-specific survival curves taken from period life tables, and Gompertz-Makeham mortality coefficients are calculated for the French population. Then, adjustments are performed under Gompertz-Makeham mortality functions for three genotypes composing a heterogeneous cohort, under the constraint of fitting the resultant mortality to the real French population mortality obtained from life tables. Multimodal curves and divergence after the 8th decade appear as recurrent features of the frequency trajectories. Finally, a fit to data previously obtained at the angiotensin-converting-enzyme locus is realized, explaining what had seemed to be paradoxical results-namely, that the frequency of a genotype known as a cardiovascular risk factor was increased in centenarians. Our results help explain the well-documented departure from Gompertz-Makeham mortality kinetics at older ages. The implications of our model are discussed in the context of known genetic effects on human longevity and age-related pathologies. Since antagonistic pleiotropy between early and late survival emerges as a general rule, extrapolating the effects measured for a gene in a particular age class to other ages could be misleading.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Toupance
- Laboratoire Evolution et Systématique, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France.
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30
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Gonos ES, Derventzi A, Kveiborg M, Agiostratidou G, Kassem M, Clark BF, Jat PS, Rattan SI. Cloning and identification of genes that associate with mammalian replicative senescence. Exp Cell Res 1998; 240:66-74. [PMID: 9570922 DOI: 10.1006/excr.1998.3948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence and limited proliferative capacity of normal diploid cells has a dominant phenotype over immortality of cancerous cells, suggesting its regulation by the expression of a set of genes. In order to isolate the genes that associate with senescence, we have employed a clonal system of conditional SV40 T antigen rat embryo fibroblast cell lines which undergo senescence upon T antigen inactivation. Construction of cDNA libraries from two conditional cell lines and application of differential screening and subtractive hybridization techniques have resulted in the cloning of eight senescence-induced genes (SGP-2/Apo J, alpha 1-procollagen, osteonectin, fibronectin, SM22, cytochrome C oxidase, GTP-alpha, and a novel gene) and a senescence-repressed gene (FRS-2). Three of these genes encode for extracellular matrix proteins, others are involved in the calcium-dependent signal transduction pathways, while the SGP-2/Apo J gene may have a cellular protective function. RNA analysis has shown that the senescence-associated genes are overexpressed in both normal rat embryonic fibroblasts and human osteoblasts cell cultures undergoing aging in vitro. In comparison, the expression of these genes in a rat fibroblast immortalized cell line (208F cells) was down-regulated after both its partial and its full transformation by ras oncogenes. Thus, cloning of senescence-associated genes opens up new ways to elucidate and/or to modulate aging and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Gonos
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology, Athens, Greece.
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31
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Abstract
The origins of human ageing are to be found in the origins and evolution of senescence as a general feature in the life histories of higher animals. Ageing is an intriguing problem in evolutionary biology because a trait that limits the duration of life, including the fertile period, has a negative impact on Darwinian fitness. Current theory suggests that senescence occurs because the force of natural selection declines with age and because longevity is only acquired at some metabolic cost. In effect, organisms may trade late survival for enhanced reproductive investments in earlier life. The comparative study of ageing supports the general evolutionary theory and reveals that human senescence, while broadly similar to senescence in other mammalian species, has distinct features, such as menopause, that may derive from the interplay of biological and social evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Kirkwood
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Manchester, UK
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32
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Abstract
The role of genetics in determining life-span is complex and paradoxical. Although the heritability of life-span is relatively minor, some genetic variants significantly modify senescence of mammals and invertebrates, with both positive and negative impacts on age-related disorders and life-spans. In certain examples, the gene variants alter metabolic pathways, which could thereby mediate interactions with nutritional and other environmental factors that influence life-span. Given the relatively minor effect and variable penetrance of genetic risk factors that appear to affect survival and health at advanced ages, life-style and other environmental influences may profoundly modify outcomes of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Finch
- Neurogerontology Division, Andrus Gerontology Center, and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191, USA
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33
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el-Zein R, Conforti-Froes N, Au WW. Interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental toxicants for development of lung cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 1997; 30:196-204. [PMID: 9329644 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2280(1997)30:2<196::aid-em12>3.0.co;2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Significant interindividual variations in health outcome may be caused by the inheritance of variant polymorphic genes, such as CYP2D6 and CYP2E1 for activation, and GSTM1 and GSTT1 for detoxification of chemicals. However, mechanistic studies linking the inheritance of predisposing genes with genotoxic effects towards cancer have yet to be systematically conducted. We have studied 54 lung cancer patients and 50 matched normal controls, who have been cigarette smokers, to elucidate the role of polymorphic genes in cancer. Our data indicates that the inheritance of unfavorable CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and GSTT1 genes in strongly correlated with the smoking-related lung cancer. For heavy cigarette smokers (> 30 pack-years), the smoking habit is the strongest predictor of lung cancer risk irrespective of the inheritance of unfavorable metabolizing genes. For moderate to light smokers (< 30 pack-years), the genetic predisposition plays an important role for the risk (odds ratio = 3.46; 95% Cl = 0.46-40.2). Using a subgroup of the study population, we observed that cigarette smokers having the defective GST genes have significantly more chromosome aberrations as determined by the fluorescence-in-situ-hybridization (FISH) technique than smokers with the normal GST genes (P < 0.001). In conclusion, our study provides data to indicate that individuals who have inherited unfavorable metabolizing genes have increased body burden of toxicants to cause increased genetic damage and to have increased risk for cancer. Studies like ours can be used to understand the basis for interindividual variations in cancer outcome, to identify high risk individuals and to assess health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- R el-Zein
- Department of Human Biological Chemistry & Genetics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-1110, USA
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34
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Abstract
Human life expectancy has increased dramatically through improvements in public health, housing, nutrition and general living standards. Lifespan is now limited chiefly by intrinsic senescence and its associated frailty and diseases. Understanding the biological basis of the ageing process is a major scientific challenge that will require integration of molecular, cellular, genetic and physiological approaches. This article reviews progress that has been made to date, particularly with regard to the genetic contribution to senescence and longevity, and assesses the scale of the task that remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Kirkwood
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Manchester, UK.
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35
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Abstract
The physiologic basis for aging is still incompletely understood, and most investigators have looked at aging as a process of decay without any clear adaptive advantage to the species. It is proposed that aging has potential evolutionary advantages, and that the aging process may have been the subject of positive selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Nusbaum
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans VA Medical Center (11G), LA 70112-2699, USA
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37
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Herskind AM, McGue M, Holm NV, Sørensen TI, Harvald B, Vaupel JW. The heritability of human longevity: a population-based study of 2872 Danish twin pairs born 1870-1900. Hum Genet 1996; 97:319-23. [PMID: 8786073 DOI: 10.1007/bf02185763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 462] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore, in a large and non-censored twin cohort, the nature (i.e., additive versus non-additive) and magnitude (i.e., heritability) of genetic influences on inter-individual differences in human longevity. The sample comprised all identified and traced non-emigrant like-sex twin pairs born in Denmark during the period 1870-1900 with a zygosity diagnosis and both members of the pairs surviving the age of 15 years. A total of 2872 pairs were included. Age at death was obtained from the Danish Central Person Register, the Danish Cause-of-Death Register and various other registers. The sample was almost non-censored on the date of the last follow-up (May 1, 1994), all but 0.6% had died, leaving a total of 2872 pairs for analysis. Proportions of variance attributable to genetic and environmental factors were assessed from variance-covariance matrices using the structural equation model approach. The most parsimonious explanation of the data was provided by a model that included genetic dominance (non-additive genetic effects caused by interaction within gene loci) and non-shared environmental factors (environmental factors that are individual-specific and not shared in a family). The heritability of longevity was estimated to be 0.26 for males and 0.23 for females. The small sex-difference was caused by a greater impact of non-shared environmental factors in the females. Heritability was found to be constant over the three 10-year birth cohorts included. Thus, longevity seems to be only moderately heritable. The nature of genetic influences on longevity is probably non-additive and environmental influences non-shared. There is no evidence for an impact of shared (family) environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Herskind
- Centre for Health and Social Policy, Institute of Community Health, Odense University, Denmark
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38
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Abstract
RÉSUMÉLe processus de vieillissement est sous contrôle génétique. Le point de vue traditionnel, dérivé de la biologie évolutive, est que le vieillissement est un trait polygénique, contrôlé par un grand nombre de gènes, chacun avec un effet additif. Un autre point de vue est développé ici, en ajoutant qu'il y a un nombre limité de gènes importants dans le contrôle du vieillissement. Ces derniers peuvent inclure les gènes protecteurs qui assurent l'exactitude de la synthèse de protéines et aussi les gènes qui servent à activer ou à retarder le processus de vieillissement. On continue à développer la technologie génétique afin de faire la carte complète du génome humain. Ces percées offrent la possibilité de comprendre les mécanismes génétiques du vieillissement et même d'envisager la thérapie génétique pour les maladies associées au vieillissement.
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Maftah A, Ratinaud MH, Dumas M, Bonté F, Meybeck A, Julien R. Human epidermal cells progressively lose their cardiolipins during ageing without change in mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Mech Ageing Dev 1994; 77:83-96. [PMID: 7745994 DOI: 10.1016/0047-6374(94)90017-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria dysfunction is considered to be a major cause of the modifications that occur during cell ageing. For this reason, cardiolipin, a suitable marker of the chondriome, as well as the mitochondrial transmembrane potential were examined in keratinocytes obtained from 9- to 75-year-old women. The study was carried out by flow cytometry using two fluorescent mitochondria probes: nonyl acridine orange, which binds specifically to cardiolipin, and rhodamine 123, which is incorporated mainly in response to transmembrane potential. Cardiolipin levels in cells from elderly donors (75 years old) would be 57% lower (r = 0.540; P = 0.0002) than those in children (9 years old), while the inner transmembrane potential remained unchanged (r = 0.0394; P = 0.8017). The stability of the membrane potential may be explained by either or both of the following hypotheses: (i) the same pool of organelles able to maintain membrane potential is conserved even when cardiolipin levels decrease (ii) mitochondria membrane potential does indeed decrease with age but is compensated by glycolysis energy production. Finally, it may be stated that the fluorescent probes nonyl acridine orange and rhodamine 123 might be of interest in testing the phenotype of senescent cells and would be useful in screening the role of certain specific genes in cell ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Maftah
- Institut de Biotechnologie, UFR des Sciences, Limoges, France
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40
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Schächter F, Faure-Delanef L, Guénot F, Rouger H, Froguel P, Lesueur-Ginot L, Cohen D. Genetic associations with human longevity at the APOE and ACE loci. Nat Genet 1994; 6:29-32. [PMID: 8136829 DOI: 10.1038/ng0194-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 706] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to dissect the genetic components of longevity, we have undertaken case-control studies of populations of centenarians (n = 338) and adults aged 20-70 years at several polymorphic candidate gene loci. Here we report results on two genes, chosen for their impact on cardiovascular risk, encoding apolipoprotein E (ApoE), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). We find that the epsilon 4 allele of APOE, which promotes premature atherosclerosis, is significantly less frequent in centenarians than in controls (p < 0.001), while the frequency of the epsilon 2 allele, associated previously with type III and IV hyperlipidemia, is significantly increased (p < 0.01). A variant of ACE which predisposes to coronary heart disease is surprisingly more frequent in centenarians, with a significant increase of the homozygous genotype (p < 0.01). These associations provide examples of genetic influences on differential survival and may point to pleiotropic age-dependent effects on longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schächter
- Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain, Paris, France
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