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Gonzalez B, Tare A, Ryu S, Johnson SC, Atzmon G, Barzilai N, Kaeberlein M, Suh Y. High-throughput sequencing analysis of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes reveals a genetic signature of human longevity. GeroScience 2023; 45:311-330. [PMID: 35948858 PMCID: PMC9886794 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a well-known contributor to aging and age-related diseases. The precise mechanisms through which mitochondria impact human lifespan, however, remain unclear. We hypothesize that humans with exceptional longevity harbor rare variants in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes (mitonuclear genes) that confer resistance against age-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we report an integrated functional genomics study to identify rare functional variants in ~ 660 mitonuclear candidate genes discovered by target capture sequencing analysis of 496 centenarians and 572 controls of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. We identify and prioritize longevity-associated variants, genes, and mitochondrial pathways that are enriched with rare variants. We provide functional gene variants such as those in MTOR (Y2396Lfs*29), CPS1 (T1406N), and MFN2 (G548*) as well as LRPPRC (S1378G) that is predicted to affect mitochondrial translation. Taken together, our results suggest a functional role for specific mitonuclear genes and pathways in human longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Gonzalez
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Archana Tare
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Seungjin Ryu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Simon C Johnson
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Gil Atzmon
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nir Barzilai
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Matt Kaeberlein
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yousin Suh
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Genetics and Development, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Gavrilova NS, Gavrilov LA. Protective Effects of Familial Longevity Decrease With Age and Become Negligible for Centenarians. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:736-743. [PMID: 34929024 PMCID: PMC8974328 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that biological relatives of long-lived individuals demonstrate lower mortality and longer life span compared to relatives of shorter-lived individuals, and at least part of this advantage is likely to be genetic. Less information, however, is available about effects of familial longevity on age-specific mortality trajectories. We compared mortality patterns after age 50 years for 10 045 siblings of US centenarians and 12 308 siblings of shorter-lived individuals (died at age 65 years). Similar comparisons were made for sons and daughters of longer-lived parents (both parents lived 80 years and more) and shorter-lived parents (both parents lived less than 80 years) within each group of siblings. Although relatives of longer-lived individuals have lower mortality at younger ages compared to relatives of shorter-lived individuals, this mortality advantage practically disappears by age 100 years. To validate this observation further, we analyzed the survival of 3 408 US centenarians born in 1890-1897 with known information on maternal and paternal life span. We found using the Cox proportional hazards model that both maternal and paternal longevity (life span 80+ years) is not significantly associated with survival after age 100 years. The results are compatible with the predictions of reliability theory of aging suggesting higher initial levels of system redundancy (reserves) in individuals with protective familial/genetic background and hence lower initial mortality. Heterogeneity hypothesis is another possible explanation for the observed phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia S Gavrilova
- Academic Research Centers, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Demographic Research, Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Leonid A Gavrilov
- Academic Research Centers, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Demographic Research, Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Cognitive Health of Nonagenarians in Southern Italy: A Descriptive Analysis from a Cross-Sectional, Home-Based Pilot Study of Exceptional Longevity (Cilento Initiative on Aging Outcomes Or CIAO). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56050218. [PMID: 32380778 PMCID: PMC7279440 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56050218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Nonagenarians and centenarians (NCs) are an extremely fragile population, particularly in regard to their physical and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to define the neurocognitive profiles among 29 NCs and their 49 younger cohabitants aged 50-75 years from The Cilento Initiative on Aging Outcomes (CIAO) Pilot study in the South of Italy that had provided initial hypotheses regarding positive psychological traits related to exceptional longevity. Methods: During the home visits, lifestyle information with specific questionnaires, functional autonomy and the neuropsychological Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE), and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) scale were obtained by qualified study personnel. The total blood oxidative capacity was also determined by testing the reactive derivative of oxygen metabolites (d-ROM) and by the Biological Antioxidant Potential (BAP). In all individuals, the APOE genotype determination was also performed. Results: All the subjects in both groups showed high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. None of the NCs had severe cognitive impairment, and a very low incidence of dementia was found. The data obtained on the Activities ed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL-IADL) scale showed that the majority of NCs (16/29) were autonomous in daily life activities. The comparative assessment of NCs and cohabitants showed no significant differences in the laboratory assessment of oxidative stress and APOE genotype. Conclusion: In the Cilento Region of Southern Italy, NCs seemed to have good cognitive status when compared to younger cohabitants aging 50-65 years without significant differences in oxidative stress markers or APOE genotype. These results might be related to optimal adherence to the Mediterranean diet, although other lifestyle factors and positive personality traits may also contribute to their healthy aging. Further studies on a larger population should be performed to confirm the results of this pilot study.
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Gubbi S, Barzilai N, Crandall J, Verghese J, Milman S. The role of dietary patterns and exceptional parental longevity in healthy aging. NUTRITION AND HEALTHY AGING 2017; 4:247-254. [PMID: 29276794 PMCID: PMC5734122 DOI: 10.3233/nha-170028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with exceptional longevity and their offspring manifest a lower prevalence of age-related diseases than families without longevity. However, the contribution of dietary habits to protection from disease has not been systematically assessed in families with exceptional longevity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare dietary patterns between individuals with parental longevity and individals without parental longevity. METHODS Dietary intake was evaluated using the Block Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire in 234 community dwelling Ashkenazi Jewish adults aged 65 years and older who were participants of the LonGenity study, which enrolls the offspring of parents with exceptional longevity (OPEL) and offspring of parents with usual survival (OPUS). RESULTS OPEL constituted 38% of the subjects. The two groups had similar daily intake of total calories (1119 vs. 1218 kcal, p = 0.83), grams of cholesterol (141 g vs. 143 g, p = 0.19), and grams of sodium (1324 g vs.1475 g, p = 0.45), in OPEL vs. OPUS respectively. There were also no significant differences in the intake of other macronutrients, micronutrients, nutritional supplements and consumption of various food groups between OPEL and OPUS after adjustment for age and sex. DISCUSSION A healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases. Our study revealed that dietary intake did not differ between OPEL and OPUS; thus, pointing to the role of longevity genes in protecting from disease among individuals with familial longevity. CONCLUSION The offspring of long-lived parents do not differ in their dietary patterns compared to individuals without parental longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Gubbi
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Nir Barzilai
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jill Crandall
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joe Verghese
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sofiya Milman
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Nolen SC, Evans MA, Fischer A, Corrada MM, Kawas CH, Bota DA. Cancer-Incidence, prevalence and mortality in the oldest-old. A comprehensive review. Mech Ageing Dev 2017; 164:113-126. [PMID: 28502820 PMCID: PMC7788911 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic health conditions are commonplace in older populations. The process of aging impacts many of the world's top health concerns. With the average life expectancy continuing to climb, understanding patterns of morbidity in aging populations has become progressively more important. Cancer is an age-related disease, whose risk has been proven to increase with age. Limited information is published about the epidemiology of cancer and the cancer contribution to mortality in the 85+ age group, often referred to as the oldest-old. In this review, we perform a comprehensive assessment of the most recent (2011-2016) literature on cancer prevalence, incidence and mortality in the oldest-old. The data shows cancer prevalence and cancer incidence increases until ages 85-89, after which the rates decrease into 100+ ages. However the number of overall cases has steadily increased over time due to the rise in population. Cancer mortality continues to increase after age 85+. This review presents an overview of plausible associations between comorbidity, genetics and age-related physiological effects in relation to cancer risk and protection. Many of these age-related processes contribute to the lowered risk of cancer in the oldest-old, likewise other certain health conditions may "protect" from cancer in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantell C Nolen
- Department of Neurology, UC Irvine Medical Center, United States; Department of Epidemiology, UC Irvine, United States.
| | - Marcella A Evans
- School of Medicine, UC Irvine Medical Center, United States; Department of Epidemiology, UC Irvine, United States
| | - Avital Fischer
- School of Medicine, UC Irvine Medical Center, United States; Department of Epidemiology, UC Irvine, United States
| | - Maria M Corrada
- Department of Neurology, UC Irvine Medical Center, United States; Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, United States
| | - Claudia H Kawas
- Department of Neurology, UC Irvine Medical Center, United States; Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, United States; Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, UC Irvine, United States
| | - Daniela A Bota
- Department of Neurology, UC Irvine Medical Center, United States; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UC Irvine Medical Center, United States; Department of Neurological Surgery, UC Irvine Medical Center, United States
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6
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Bucci L, Ostan R, Cevenini E, Pini E, Scurti M, Vitale G, Mari D, Caruso C, Sansoni P, Fanelli F, Pasquali R, Gueresi P, Franceschi C, Monti D. Centenarians' offspring as a model of healthy aging: a reappraisal of the data on Italian subjects and a comprehensive overview. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 8:510-9. [PMID: 26979133 PMCID: PMC4833142 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Within the scenario of an increasing life expectancy worldwide it is mandatory to identify determinants of healthy aging. Centenarian offspring (CO) is one of the most informative model to identify trajectories of healthy aging and their determinants (genetic and environmental), being representative of elderly in their 70th whose lifestyle can be still modified to attain a better health. This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the health status of 267 CO (mean age: 70.2 years) and adopts the innovative approach of comparing CO with 107 age-matched offspring of non-long-lived parents (hereafter indicated as NCO controls), recruited according to strict inclusion demographic criteria of Italian population. We adopted a multidimensional approach which integrates functional and cognitive assessment together with epidemiological and clinical data, including pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, lipid profile, and insulin resistance. CO have a lower prevalence of stroke, cerebral thrombosis-hemorrhage, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and other minor diseases, lower BMI and waist circumference, a better functional and cognitive status and lower plasma level of FT4 compared to NCO controls. We conclude that a multidimensional approach is a reliable strategy to identify the health status of elderly at an age when interventions to modify their health trajectory are feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bucci
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) and Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Ostan
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) and Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Cevenini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) and Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Pini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) and Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Scurti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) and Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cusano Milanino (MI) 20095, Italy
| | - Daniela Mari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cusano Milanino (MI) 20095, Italy.,Geriatric Unit, Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical and Forensic Biotechnologies, University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Sansoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Flaminia Fanelli
- Endocrinology Unit, and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Center for Applied Biomedical Sciences, St Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Pasquali
- Endocrinology Unit, and Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Center for Applied Biomedical Sciences, St Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Gueresi
- Department of Statistical Sciences "Paolo Fortunati", University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) and Interdepartmental Centre "L. Galvani" (CIG), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Monti
- Department of Clinical, Experimental and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Santos-Lozano A, Santamarina A, Pareja-Galeano H, Sanchis-Gomar F, Fiuza-Luces C, Cristi-Montero C, Bernal-Pino A, Lucia A, Garatachea N. The genetics of exceptional longevity: Insights from centenarians. Maturitas 2016; 90:49-57. [PMID: 27282794 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
As the world population ages, so the prevalence increases of individuals aged 100 years or more, known as centenarians. Reaching this age has been described as exceptional longevity (EL) and is attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. Many genetic variations known to affect life expectancy exist in centenarians. This review of studies conducted on centenarians and supercentenarians (older than 110 years) updates knowledge of the impacts on longevity of the twenty most widely investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre ('i+12'), Madrid, Spain; GIDFYS, Department of Health Sciences, European University Miguel de Cervantes, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Helios Pareja-Galeano
- Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre ('i+12'), Madrid, Spain; European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos Cristi-Montero
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Alejandro Lucia
- Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre ('i+12'), Madrid, Spain; European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Garatachea
- Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre ('i+12'), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Fisiatría y Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y del Deporte, GENUD (Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development) research group, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón -IA2- (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
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Deluty JA, Atzmon G, Crandall J, Barzilai N, Milman S. The influence of gender on inheritance of exceptional longevity. Aging (Albany NY) 2016; 7:412-8. [PMID: 26142631 PMCID: PMC4505167 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
While the search for genetic contributors to exceptional longevity has yielded candidates, gender differences in inheritance have generally not been considered. The aim of this study was to investigate gender specific differences in the inheritance of exceptional longevity. Using a standardized questionnaire, we assessed the parental ages of death of Ashkenazi Jews with exceptional longevity and their spouses without exceptional longevity, who served as controls (n=1,114). Mothers of centenarian males and females had significantly longer lifespans compared to the mothers of non‐ centenarians, 79.0 ± 13.4 vs. 73.0 ± 16.3 years, p<0.01 and 75.7 ± 15.8 vs. 70.5 ± 18.0 years, p=0.02, respectively. There was also a trend toward longer lifespan among the fathers of centenarian men compared to the lifespan of fathers of non‐ centenarian men, 73.5 ± 17.0 vs. 69.5 ±15.0 years, p=0.07. The lifespan did not differ between the fathers of centenarian and non‐centenarian daughters. Logistic regression models revealed that the odds of being a centenarian for the female and male offspring increased by 21% and 31%, respectively, for every additional 10 years of life achieved by the mother (p<0.05). These findings support a gender‐specific inheritance pattern of human longevity and may help focus the search for longevity genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gil Atzmon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,Department of Biology and Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jill Crandall
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Nir Barzilai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Sofiya Milman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Gavrilov LA, Gavrilova NS. Predictors of Exceptional Longevity: Effects of Early-Life and Midlife Conditions, and Familial Longevity. NORTH AMERICAN ACTUARIAL JOURNAL : NAAJ 2015; 19:174-186. [PMID: 26412963 PMCID: PMC4580260 DOI: 10.1080/10920277.2015.1018390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of strong predictors of mortality and longevity is very important for actuarial science and practice. Earlier studies found that parental characteristics as well as early-life conditions and midlife environment play a significant role in survival to advanced ages. However, little is known about the simultaneous effects of these three factors on longevity. This ongoing study attempts to fill this gap by comparing centenarians born in the United States in 1890-1891 with peers born in the same years who died at age 65. The records for centenarians and controls were taken from computerized family histories, which were then linked to 1900 and 1930 U.S. censuses. As a result of this linkage procedure, 765 records of confirmed centenarians and 783 records of controls were obtained. Analysis with multivariate logistic regression found the existence of both general and gender-specific predictors of human longevity. General predictors common for men and women are paternal and maternal longevity. Gender-specific predictors of male longevity are occupation as a farmer at age 40, Northeastern region of birth in the United States, and birth in the second half of year. A gender-specific predictor of female longevity is the availability of radio in the household according to the 1930 U.S. census. Given the importance of familial longevity as an independent predictor of survival to advanced ages, we conducted a comparative study of biological and nonbiological relatives of centenarians using a larger sample of 1,945 validated U.S. centenarians born in 1880-1895. We found that male gender of centenarian has a significant positive effect on survival of adult male relatives (brothers and fathers) but not female blood relatives. Life span of centenarian siblings-in-law is lower compared to life span of centenarian siblings and does not depend on centenarian gender. Wives of male centenarians (who share lifestyle and living conditions) have a significantly better survival compared to wives of centenarians' brothers. This finding demonstrates an important role of shared familial environment and lifestyle in human longevity. The results of this study suggest that familial background, some early-life conditions and midlife characteristics play an important role in longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid A. Gavrilov
- Center on Aging, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- WHO Collaborating Centre, Department of Statistical Analysis of Population Health, Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia S. Gavrilova
- Center on Aging, NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- WHO Collaborating Centre, Department of Statistical Analysis of Population Health, Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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10
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Extended maternal age at birth of last child and women's longevity in the Long Life Family Study. Menopause 2015; 22:26-31. [PMID: 24977462 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the association between maternal age at birth of last child and likelihood of survival to advanced age. METHODS This was a nested case-control study using Long Life Family Study data. Three hundred eleven women who survived past the oldest 5th percentile of survival (according to birth cohort-matched life tables) were identified as cases, and 151 women who died at ages younger than the top 5th percentile of survival were identified as controls. A Bayesian mixed-effect logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between maternal age at birth of last child and exceptional longevity among these 462 women. RESULTS We found a significant association for older maternal age, whereby women who had their last child beyond age 33 years had twice the odds for survival to the top 5th percentile of survival for their birth cohorts compared with women who had their last child by age 29 years (age between 33 and 37 y: odds ratio, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.92; older age: odds ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.03 to 3.68). CONCLUSIONS This study supports findings from other studies demonstrating a positive association between older maternal age and greater odds for surviving to an unusually old age.
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Cash TP, Pita G, Domínguez O, Alonso MR, Moreno LT, Borrás C, Rodríguez-Mañas L, Santiago C, Garatachea N, Lucia A, Avellana JA, Viña J, González-Neira A, Serrano M. Exome sequencing of three cases of familial exceptional longevity. Aging Cell 2014; 13:1087-90. [PMID: 25116423 PMCID: PMC4326919 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Exceptional longevity (EL) is a rare phenotype that can cluster in families, and co-segregation of genetic variation in these families may point to candidate genes that could contribute to extended lifespan. In this study, for the first time, we have sequenced a total of seven exomes from exceptionally long-lived siblings (probands ≥ 103 years and at least one sibling ≥ 97 years) that come from three separate families. We have focused on rare functional variants (RFVs) which have ≤ 1% minor allele frequency according to databases and that are likely to alter gene product function. Based on this, we have identified one candidate longevity gene carrying RFVs in all three families, APOB. Interestingly, APOB is a component of lipoprotein particles together with APOE, and variants in the genes encoding these two proteins have been previously associated with human longevity. Analysis of nonfamilial EL cases showed a trend, without reaching statistical significance, toward enrichment of APOB RFVs. We have also identified candidate longevity genes shared between two families (5–13) or within individual families (66–156 genes). Some of these genes have been previously linked to longevity in model organisms, such as PPARGC1A,NRG1,RAD52, RAD51, NCOR1, and ADCY5 genes. This work provides an initial catalog of genes that could contribute to exceptional familial longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Orlando Domínguez
- Genomics Core Unit; Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO); Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3 28029 Madrid Spain
| | | | | | - Consuelo Borrás
- Department of Physiology; School of Medicine; University of Valencia/INCLIVA; Avda. Blasco Ibáñez 15 46010 Valencia Spain
| | - Leocadio Rodríguez-Mañas
- Department of Geriatrics; University Hospital of Getafe; Autovía de Toledo km 11 Getafe 28905 Madrid Spain
| | - Catalina Santiago
- European University; C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón 28670 Madrid Spain
| | - Nuria Garatachea
- Faculty of Health and Sport Science; University of Zaragoza; Ronda de Misericordia 5 22001 Huesca Spain
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- European University; C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón 28670 Madrid Spain
| | - Juan A. Avellana
- Geriatric Unit; University Hospital Ribera; Carretera Corbera km 1 Alzira 46600 Valencia Spain
| | - Jose Viña
- Department of Physiology; School of Medicine; University of Valencia/INCLIVA; Avda. Blasco Ibáñez 15 46010 Valencia Spain
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12
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Gierman HJ, Fortney K, Roach JC, Coles NS, Li H, Glusman G, Markov GJ, Smith JD, Hood L, Coles LS, Kim SK. Whole-genome sequencing of the world's oldest people. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112430. [PMID: 25390934 PMCID: PMC4229186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Supercentenarians (110 years or older) are the world's oldest people. Seventy four are alive worldwide, with twenty two in the United States. We performed whole-genome sequencing on 17 supercentenarians to explore the genetic basis underlying extreme human longevity. We found no significant evidence of enrichment for a single rare protein-altering variant or for a gene harboring different rare protein altering variants in supercentenarian compared to control genomes. We followed up on the gene most enriched for rare protein-altering variants in our cohort of supercentenarians, TSHZ3, by sequencing it in a second cohort of 99 long-lived individuals but did not find a significant enrichment. The genome of one supercentenarian had a pathogenic mutation in DSC2, known to predispose to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which is recommended to be reported to this individual as an incidental finding according to a recent position statement by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Even with this pathogenic mutation, the proband lived to over 110 years. The entire list of rare protein-altering variants and DNA sequence of all 17 supercentenarian genomes is available as a resource to assist the discovery of the genetic basis of extreme longevity in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinco J. Gierman
- Depts. of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Kristen Fortney
- Depts. of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Jared C. Roach
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Natalie S. Coles
- Gerontology Research Group, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Hong Li
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Gustavo Glusman
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Glenn J. Markov
- Depts. of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Justin D. Smith
- Depts. of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Leroy Hood
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - L. Stephen Coles
- Gerontology Research Group, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Stuart K. Kim
- Depts. of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Antero-Jacquemin JDS, Berthelot G, Marck A, Noirez P, Latouche A, Toussaint JF. Learning From Leaders: Life-span Trends in Olympians and Supercentenarians. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2014; 70:944-9. [PMID: 25143003 PMCID: PMC4493315 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glu130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Life-span trends progression has worldwide practical implications as it may affect the sustainability of modern societies. We aimed to describe the secular life-span trends of populations with a propensity to live longer—Olympians and supercentenarians—under two hypotheses: an ongoing life-span extension versus a biologic “probabilistic barrier” limiting further progression. In a study of life-span densities (total number of life durations per birth date), we analyzed 19,012 Olympians and 1,205 supercentenarians deceased between 1900 and 2013. Among most Olympians, we observed a trend toward increased life duration. This trend, however, decelerates at advanced ages leveling off with the upper values with a perennial gap between Olympians and supercentenarians during the whole observation period. Similar tendencies are observed among supercentenarians, and over the last years, a plateau attests to a stable longevity pattern among the longest-lived humans. The common trends between Olympians and supercentenarians indicate similar mortality pressures over both populations that increase with age, scenario better explained by a biologic “barrier” forecast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana da Silva Antero-Jacquemin
- Institut de Recherche bioMédicale et d'Epidemiologie du Sport, Institut National du Sport de l'Expertise et de la Performance, Paris, France. Université Paris Descartes, EA 7329, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France.
| | - Geoffroy Berthelot
- Institut de Recherche bioMédicale et d'Epidemiologie du Sport, Institut National du Sport de l'Expertise et de la Performance, Paris, France. Université Paris Descartes, EA 7329, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Adrien Marck
- Institut de Recherche bioMédicale et d'Epidemiologie du Sport, Institut National du Sport de l'Expertise et de la Performance, Paris, France. Université Paris Descartes, EA 7329, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Philippe Noirez
- Institut de Recherche bioMédicale et d'Epidemiologie du Sport, Institut National du Sport de l'Expertise et de la Performance, Paris, France. Université Paris Descartes, EA 7329, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | | | - Jean-François Toussaint
- Institut de Recherche bioMédicale et d'Epidemiologie du Sport, Institut National du Sport de l'Expertise et de la Performance, Paris, France. Université Paris Descartes, EA 7329, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France. Centre d'Investigations en Médecine du Sport, Hôtel-Dieu, AP-HP, Paris, France
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Burke MK, King EG, Shahrestani P, Rose MR, Long AD. Genome-wide association study of extreme longevity in Drosophila melanogaster. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:1-11. [PMID: 24259311 PMCID: PMC3914684 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evt180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of longevity attempt to identify alleles at different frequencies in the extremely old, relative to a younger control sample. Here, we apply a GWAS approach to “synthetic” populations of Drosophila melanogaster derived from a small number of inbred founders. We used next-generation DNA sequencing to estimate allele and haplotype frequencies in the oldest surviving individuals of an age cohort and compared these frequencies with those of randomly sampled individuals from the same cohort. We used this case–control strategy in four independent cohorts and identified eight significantly differentiated regions of the genome potentially harboring genes with relevance for longevity. By modeling the effects of local haplotypes, we have more power to detect regions enriched for longevity genes than marker-based GWAS. Most significant regions occur near chromosome ends or centromeres where recombination is infrequent, consistent with these regions harboring unconditionally deleterious alleles impacting longevity. Genes in regions of normal recombination are enriched for those relevant to immune function and a gene family involved in oxidative stress response. Genetic differentiation between our experimental cohorts is comparable to that between human populations, suggesting in turn that our results may help explain heterogeneous signals in human association studies of extreme longevity when panels have diverse ancestry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly K Burke
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
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15
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Lee JH, Cheng R, Honig LS, Feitosa M, Kammerer CM, Kang MS, Schupf N, Lin SJ, Sanders JL, Bae H, Druley T, Perls T, Christensen K, Province M, Mayeux R. Genome wide association and linkage analyses identified three loci-4q25, 17q23.2, and 10q11.21-associated with variation in leukocyte telomere length: the Long Life Family Study. Front Genet 2014; 4:310. [PMID: 24478790 PMCID: PMC3894567 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte telomere length is believed to measure cellular aging in humans, and short leukocyte telomere length is associated with increased risks of late onset diseases, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, etc. Many studies have shown that leukocyte telomere length is a heritable trait, and several candidate genes have been identified, including TERT, TERC, OBFC1, and CTC1. Unlike most studies that have focused on genetic causes of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes in relation to leukocyte telomere length, the present study examined the genome to identify variants that may contribute to variation in leukocyte telomere length among families with exceptional longevity. From the genome wide association analysis in 4,289 LLFS participants, we identified a novel intergenic SNP rs7680468 located near PAPSS1 and DKK2 on 4q25 (p = 4.7E-8). From our linkage analysis, we identified two additional novel loci with HLOD scores exceeding three, including 4.77 for 17q23.2, and 4.36 for 10q11.21. These two loci harbor a number of novel candidate genes with SNPs, and our gene-wise association analysis identified multiple genes, including DCAF7, POLG2, CEP95, and SMURF2 at 17q23.2; and RASGEF1A, HNRNPF, ANF487, CSTF2T, and PRKG1 at 10q11.21. Among these genes, multiple SNPs were associated with leukocyte telomere length, but the strongest association was observed with one contiguous haplotype in CEP95 and SMURF2. We also show that three previously reported genes-TERC, MYNN, and OBFC1-were significantly associated with leukocyte telomere length at p empirical < 0.05.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Lee
- Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Taub Institute, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Columbia University New York, NY, USA
| | - Rong Cheng
- Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Taub Institute, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA
| | - Lawrence S Honig
- Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Taub Institute, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Feitosa
- Division of Statistical Genomics, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Candace M Kammerer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA, USA ; Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA, USA ; Center for Aging and Population Health, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Min S Kang
- Taub Institute, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Schupf
- Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Taub Institute, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA
| | - Shiow J Lin
- Division of Statistical Genomics, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jason L Sanders
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA, USA ; Center for Aging and Population Health, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Harold Bae
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University Medical Center Boston, MA, USA
| | - Todd Druley
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas Perls
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Center Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaare Christensen
- The Danish Aging Research Center, Epidemiology, University of Southern Denmark Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael Province
- Division of Statistical Genomics, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Richard Mayeux
- Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Taub Institute, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY, USA
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16
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Gavrilov LA, Gavrilova NS. Predictors of Exceptional Longevity: Effects of Early-Life Childhood Conditions, Midlife Environment and Parental Characteristics. LIVING TO 100 MONOGRAPH 2014; 2014:1-18. [PMID: 25664346 PMCID: PMC4318523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of strong predictors of mortality and longevity is very important for actuarial science and practice. Earlier studies found that parental characteristics as well as early-life conditions and midlife environment play a significant role in survival to advanced ages. However, little is known about the simultaneous effects of these three factors on longevity. This ongoing study attempts to fill this gap by comparing centenarians born in the United States in 1890-91 with peers born in the same years who died at age 65. The records for centenarians and controls were taken from computerized family histories, which were then linked to 1900 and 1930 U.S. censuses. As a result of this linkage procedure, 765 records of confirmed centenarians and 783 records of controls were obtained. Analysis with multivariate logistic regression found that parental longevity and some midlife characteristics proved to be significant predictors of longevity while the role of childhood conditions was less important. More centenarians were born in the second half of the year compared to controls, suggesting early origins of longevity. We found the existence of both general and gender-specific predictors of human longevity. General predictors common for men and women are paternal and maternal longevity. Gender-specific predictors of male longevity are the farmer occupation at age 40, Northeastern region of birth in the United States and birth in the second half of year. A gender-specific predictor of female longevity is surprisingly the availability of radio in the household according to the 1930 U.S. census. Given the importance of familial longevity as an independent predictor of survival to advanced ages, we conducted a comparative study of biological and nonbiological relatives of centenarians using a larger sample of 1,945 validated U.S. centenarians born in 1880-95. We found that male gender of centenarian has significant positive effect on survival of adult male relatives (brothers and fathers) but not female blood relatives. Life span of centenarian siblings-in-law is lower compared to life span of centenarian siblings and does not depend on centenarian gender. Wives of male centenarians (who share lifestyle and living conditions) have a significantly better survival compared to wives of centenarians' brothers. This finding demonstrates an important role of shared familial environment and lifestyle in human longevity. The results of this study suggest that familial background, early-life conditions and midlife characteristics play an important role in longevity.
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17
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Elo IT, Mykyta L, Sebastiani P, Christensen K, Glynn NW, Perls T. Age validation in the long life family study through a linkage to early-life census records. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2013; 68:580-5. [PMID: 23704206 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbt033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies of health and longevity require accurate age reporting. Age misreporting among older adults in the United States is common. METHODS Participants in the Long Life Family Study (LLFS) were matched to early-life census records. Age recorded in the census was used to evaluate age reporting in the LLFS. The study population was 99% non-Hispanic white. RESULTS About 88% of the participants were matched to 1910, 1920, or 1930 U.S. censuses. Match success depended on the participant's education, place of birth, and the number of censuses available to be searched. Age at the time of the interview based on the reported date of birth and early-life census age were consistent for about 89% of the participants, and age consistency within 1 year was found for about 99% of the participants. DISCUSSION It is possible to match a high fraction of older study participants to their early-life census records when detailed information is available on participants' family of origin. Such record linkage can provide an important source of information for evaluating age reporting among the oldest old participants. Our results are consistent with recent studies suggesting that age reporting among older whites in the United States appears to be quite good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma T Elo
- Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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18
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Bottiroli S, Cavallini E, Fastame MC, Hertzog C. Cultural differences in rated typicality and perceived causes of memory changes in adulthood. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2013; 57:271-81. [PMID: 23571129 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study examined cultural differences in stereotypes and attributions regarding aging and memory. Two subcultures belonging to the same country, Italy, were compared on general beliefs about memory. Sardinians live longer than other areas of Italy, which is a publically shared fact that informs stereotypes about that subculture. An innovative instrument evaluating simultaneously aging stereotypes and attributions about memory and memory change in adulthood was administered to 52 Sardinian participants and 52 Milanese individuals divided into three age groups: young (20-30), young-old (60-70), and old-old (71-85) adults. Both Milanese and Sardinians reported that memory decline across the life span is more typical than a pattern of stability or improvement. However, Sardinians viewed stability and improvement in memory as more typical than did the Milanese. Interestingly, cultural differences emerged in attributions about memory improvement. Although all Sardinian age groups rated nutrition and heredity as relevant causes in determining the memory decline, Sardinians' rated typicality of life-span memory improvement correlated strongly with causal attributions to a wide number of factors, including nutrition and heredity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bottiroli
- Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Casimiro Mondino, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Gavrilov LA, Gavrilova NS. Determinants of exceptional human longevity: new ideas and findings. VIENNA YEARBOOK OF POPULATION RESEARCH 2013; 11:295-323. [PMID: 25237329 PMCID: PMC4165392 DOI: 10.1553/populationyearbook2013s295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Studies of centenarians are useful in identifying factors leading to long life and avoidance of fatal diseases. In this article we consider several approaches to study effects of early-life and midlife conditions on survival to advanced ages: use of non-biological relatives as controls, the within-family analysis, as well as a sampling of controls from the same population universe as centenarians. These approaches are illustrated using data on American centenarians, their relatives and unrelated shorter-lived controls obtained from the online genealogies. The within-family analysis revealed that young maternal age at person's birth is associated with higher chances of exceptional longevity. Comparison of centenarians and their shorter-lived peers (died at age 65 and sampled from the same pool of online genealogies) confirmed that birth timing in the second half of the calendar year predicts survival to age 100. Parental longevity as well as some childhood and midlife characteristics also proved to be significant predictors of exceptional longevity.
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Carnes BA, Olshansky SJ, Hayflick L. Can human biology allow most of us to become centenarians? J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2012; 68:136-42. [PMID: 22879449 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/gls142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Life span is a topic of great interest in science, medicine and among the general public. How long people live has a profound impact on medical costs, intergenerational interactions, and the solvency of age-based entitlement programs around the world. These challenges are already occurring and the magnitude of their impact is, in part, proportional to the fraction of a population that lives the longest. Some demographic forecasts suggest that most babies born since the year 2000 will survive to their 100th birthday. If these forecasts are correct, then there is reason to fear that the financial solvency of even the most prosperous countries are in jeopardy. We argue here that human biology will preclude survival to age 100 for most people.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Carnes
- Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 72104, USA.
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21
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Pavlidis N, Stanta G, Audisio RA. Cancer prevalence and mortality in centenarians: A systematic review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2012; 83:145-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Griffin P, Michel JJ, Huysman K, Logar AJ, Vallejo AN. Integration of immunity with physical and cognitive function in definitions of successful aging. Aging Dis 2012; 3:34-50. [PMID: 22500270 PMCID: PMC3320803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies comparing chronologically "young" versus "old" humans document age-related decline of classical immunological functions. However, older adults aged ≥65 years have very heterogeneous health phenotypes. A significant number of them are functionally independent and are surviving well into their 8(th)-11(th) decade life, observations indicating that aging or old age is not synonymous with immune incompetence. While there are dramatic age-related changes in the immune system, not all of these changes may be considered detrimental. Here, we review evidences for novel immunologic processes that become elaborated with advancing age that complement preserved classical immune functions and promote immune homeostasis later in life. We propose that elaboration such of late life immunologic properties is indicative of beneficial immune remodeling that is an integral component of successful aging, an emerging physiologic construct associated with similar age-related physiologic adaptations underlying maintenance of physical and cognitive function. We suggest that a systems approach integrating immune, physical, and cognitive functions, rather than a strict immunodeficiency-minded approach, will be key towards innovations in clinical interventions to better promote protective immunity and functional independence among the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Griffin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Joshua J. Michel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Kristy Huysman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Alison J. Logar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Abbe N. Vallejo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
- Department of Immunology, the Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, and the McGowan Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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Vallejo AN. Aging Successfully: a Research and Public Health Priority for the 21(st) Century. Aging Dis 2012; 3:1-4. [PMID: 22500267 PMCID: PMC3320800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abbe N. Vallejo
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Abbe N. de Vallejo, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Rangos Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
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Abstract
Like most complex phenotypes, exceptional longevity is thought to reflect a combined influence of environmental (e.g., lifestyle choices, where we live) and genetic factors. To explore the genetic contribution, we undertook a genome-wide association study of exceptional longevity in 801 centenarians (median age at death 104 years) and 914 genetically matched healthy controls. Using these data, we built a genetic model that includes 281 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and discriminated between cases and controls of the discovery set with 89% sensitivity and specificity, and with 58% specificity and 60% sensitivity in an independent cohort of 341 controls and 253 genetically matched nonagenarians and centenarians (median age 100 years). Consistent with the hypothesis that the genetic contribution is largest with the oldest ages, the sensitivity of the model increased in the independent cohort with older and older ages (71% to classify subjects with an age at death>102 and 85% to classify subjects with an age at death>105). For further validation, we applied the model to an additional, unmatched 60 centenarians (median age 107 years) resulting in 78% sensitivity, and 2863 unmatched controls with 61% specificity. The 281 SNPs include the SNP rs2075650 in TOMM40/APOE that reached irrefutable genome wide significance (posterior probability of association = 1) and replicated in the independent cohort. Removal of this SNP from the model reduced the accuracy by only 1%. Further in-silico analysis suggests that 90% of centenarians can be grouped into clusters characterized by different “genetic signatures” of varying predictive values for exceptional longevity. The correlation between 3 signatures and 3 different life spans was replicated in the combined replication sets. The different signatures may help dissect this complex phenotype into sub-phenotypes of exceptional longevity.
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25
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Koch LG, Kemi OJ, Qi N, Leng SX, Bijma P, Gilligan LJ, Wilkinson JE, Wisløff H, Høydal MA, Rolim N, Abadir PM, van Grevenhof EM, Smith GL, Burant CF, Ellingsen O, Britton SL, Wisløff U. Intrinsic aerobic capacity sets a divide for aging and longevity. Circ Res 2011; 109:1162-72. [PMID: 21921265 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.111.253807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Low aerobic exercise capacity is a powerful predictor of premature morbidity and mortality for healthy adults as well as those with cardiovascular disease. For aged populations, poor performance on treadmill or extended walking tests indicates closer proximity to future health declines. Together, these findings suggest a fundamental connection between aerobic capacity and longevity. OBJECTIVES Through artificial selective breeding, we developed an animal model system to prospectively test the association between aerobic exercise capacity and survivability (aerobic hypothesis). METHODS AND RESULTS Laboratory rats of widely diverse genetic backgrounds (N:NIH stock) were selectively bred for low or high intrinsic (inborn) treadmill running capacity. Cohorts of male and female rats from generations 14, 15, and 17 of selection were followed for survivability and assessed for age-related declines in cardiovascular fitness including maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)), myocardial function, endurance performance, and change in body mass. Median lifespan for low exercise capacity rats was 28% to 45% shorter than high capacity rats (hazard ratio, 0.06; P<0.001). VO(2max), measured across adulthood was a reliable predictor of lifespan (P<0.001). During progression from adult to old age, left ventricular myocardial and cardiomyocyte morphology, contractility, and intracellular Ca(2+) handling in both systole and diastole, as well as mean blood pressure, were more compromised in rats bred for low aerobic capacity. Physical activity levels, energy expenditure (Vo(2)), and lean body mass were all better sustained with age in rats bred for high aerobic capacity. CONCLUSIONS These data obtained from a contrasting heterogeneous model system provide strong evidence that genetic segregation for aerobic exercise capacity can be linked with longevity and are useful for deeper mechanistic exploration of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Gerard Koch
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.
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Florez H, Ma Y, Crandall JP, Perreault L, Marcovina SM, Bray GA, Saudek CD, Barrett-Connor E, Knowler WC. Parental longevity and diabetes risk in the Diabetes Prevention Program. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2011; 66:1211-7. [PMID: 21852284 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glr114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Longevity clusters in families, and parental longevity may be associated with lower risk of chronic diseases in their children. It is unknown if diabetes risk is associated with parental longevity. METHODS We evaluated participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program with a parental history questionnaire at study entry. We classified them into five groups: premature death (parental death at age < 50 years), parental longevity (living to at least 80 years), and three intermediate groups (alive by age 49 but dying at age 50-59, 60-69, or 70-79). Those with alive parents and younger than 80 years were excluded. We analyzed separately effects of paternal (n = 2,165) and maternal (n = 1,739) longevity on diabetes incidence and risk after an average follow-up of 3.2 years. RESULTS At baseline, more diabetes risk factors (parental history of diabetes, coronary heart disease, higher body mass index, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, and corrected insulin response) were found in participants whose parents died prematurely. Diabetes incidence was 9.5 cases/100 person-years in the 229 whose fathers died prematurely. In the 618 with paternal longevity, the rate was 6.6 cases/100 person-years (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.68 [0.49-0.94]). The rates were 10.7 cases/100 person-years (n = 156) and 7.3 cases/100 person-years (n = 699, hazard ratio = 0.67 [95% confidence interval 0.47-0.95]) for those with maternal premature death or longevity, respectively. Associations with demographic and diabetes risk factors had minimal influence on the reduced risk found in those with paternal (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.52-1.16) and maternal (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.41-1.01) longevity. CONCLUSION Parental longevity is associated with lower diabetes incidence in adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermes Florez
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami VAHS GRECC, Florida, USA.
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Vaarhorst AAM, Beekman M, Suchiman EHD, van Heemst D, Houwing-Duistermaat JJ, Westendorp RGJ, Slagboom PE, Heijmans BT. Lipid metabolism in long-lived families: the Leiden Longevity Study. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2011; 33:219-27. [PMID: 20811950 PMCID: PMC3127468 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-010-9172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying the variation in human life expectancy are largely unknown, but lipid metabolism and especially lipoprotein size was suggested to play an important role in longevity. We have performed comprehensive lipid phenotyping in the Leiden Longevity Study (LLS). By applying multiple logistic regression analysis we tested for the first time the effects of parameters in lipid metabolism (i.e., classical serum lipids, lipoprotein particle sizes, and apolipoprotein E levels) on longevity independent of each other. Parameters in lipid metabolism were measured in offspring of nonagenarian siblings from 421 families of the LLS (n = 1,664; mean age, 59 years) and in the partners of the offspring as population controls (n = 711; mean age, 60 years). In the initial model, where lipoprotein particles sizes, classical serum lipids and apolipoprotein E were included, offspring had larger low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle sizes (p = 0.017), and lower triglyceride levels (p = 0.026), indicating that they displayed a more beneficial lipid profile. After backwards regression only LDL size (p = 0.014) and triglyceride levels (p = 0.05) were associated with offspring from long-lived families. Sex-specific backwards regression analysis revealed that LDL particle sizes were associated with male longevity (increase in log odds ratio (OR) per unit = 0.21; p = 0.023). Triglyceride levels (decrease OR per unit = 0.22; p = 0.01), but not LDL particle size, were associated with female longevity. Due to the analysis of a comprehensive lipid profile, we confirmed an important role of lipid metabolism in human longevity, with LDL size and triglyceride levels as major predicting factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika A M Vaarhorst
- Molecular Epidemiology Section, Department Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Centre, RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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The genetic component of human longevity: analysis of the survival advantage of parents and siblings of Italian nonagenarians. Eur J Hum Genet 2011; 19:882-6. [PMID: 21407257 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2011.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Many epidemiological studies have shown that parents, siblings and offspring of long-lived subjects have a significant survival advantage when compared with the general population. However, how much of this reported advantage is due to common genetic factors or to a shared environment remains to be resolved.We reconstructed 202 families of nonagenarians from a population of southern Italy. To estimate the familiarity of human longevity, we compared survival data of parents and siblings of long-lived subjects to that of appropriate Italian birth cohorts. Then, to estimate the genetic component of longevity while minimizing the variability due to environment factors, we compared the survival functions of nonagenarians' siblings with those of their spouses (intrafamily control group).We found that both parents and siblings of the probands had a significant survival advantage over their Italian birth cohort counterparts. On the other hand, although a substantial survival advantage was observed in male siblings of probands with respect to the male intrafamily control group, female siblings did not show a similar advantage. In addition, we observed that the presence of a male nonagenarians in a family significantly decreased the instant mortality rate throughout lifetime for all the siblings; in the case of a female nonagenarians such an advantage persisted only for her male siblings.The methodological approach used here allowed us to distinguish the effects of environmental and genetic factors on human longevity. Our results suggest that genetic factors in males have a higher impact than in females on attaining longevity.
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Corsonello A, Montesanto A, Berardelli M, De Rango F, Dato S, Mari V, Mazzei B, Lattanzio F, Passarino G. A cross-section analysis of FT3 age-related changes in a group of old and oldest-old subjects, including centenarians' relatives, shows that a down-regulated thyroid function has a familial component and is related to longevity. Age Ageing 2010; 39:723-7. [PMID: 20843963 PMCID: PMC2956534 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afq116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: several studies suggest that a decreased thyroid activity might be favourable in oldest-old subjects and that subclinical thyroid hyperfunction may be detrimental. Objectives: to verify whether declining levels of circulating thyroid hormones may contribute to longevity. Design: cross-sectional observational study. Setting: all subjects were born in Calabria (southern Italy) and their ancestry in the region was ascertained up to the grandparents. Subjects: six hundred and four home-dwelling subjects (301 females, 303 males), divided into three groups: 278 individuals 60–85 years old; 179 children or nieces/nephews of centenarians who are 60–85 years old; 147 individuals older than 85 years. Methods: thyroid function parameters were measured in the frame of a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Results: FT3 and FT4 levels were negatively associated with age. Lower levels of FT3, FT4 and TSH were found in centenarians’ children and nieces/nephews with respect to age-matched controls. Indeed, being a relative of centenarians qualified as an independent correlate of thyroid parameters. Conclusions: age-related subtle thyroid hypofunction (either due to a familial component or due to a reset of the thyroid function occurring between the sixth and the eighth decade of life) appears to be related to longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Corsonello
- Italian National Research Center on Aging (I.N.R.C.A.), Cosenza, Italy
| | - Alberto Montesanto
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | | | - Francesco De Rango
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Serena Dato
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mari
- Italian National Research Center on Aging (I.N.R.C.A.), Cosenza, Italy
| | - Bruno Mazzei
- Italian National Research Center on Aging (I.N.R.C.A.), Cosenza, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Lattanzio
- Scientific Direction, Italian National Research Center on Aging (I.N.R.C.A.), Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
- Address correspondence to: G. Passarino. Tel: (+39) 0984 492932; Fax: (+39) 0984 492911.
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Barzilai N, Gabriely I, Atzmon G, Suh Y, Rothenberg D, Bergman A. Genetic studies reveal the role of the endocrine and metabolic systems in aging. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:4493-500. [PMID: 20926537 PMCID: PMC3050096 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a natural process that involves a general decline in many physiological functions, resulting in loss of function and eventually death. Extensive research is being performed in order to elucidate the biology of aging, especially with the advent of newer molecular and genetic methodologies. The endocrine system plays a major role in orchestrating cellular interactions, metabolism, growth, and senescence. Thus, researchers traditionally used hormones as tools to induce and examine specific biological effects that are associated with aging. Furthermore, because our recent knowledge on hormonal action expanded significantly, downstream pathways and genetic determinants currently prevail in aging research. In this review, we will summarize the effects of several hormones on human aging and longevity and present recent data from the Longevity Genes Study performed at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, looking at the phenotype and genotype of centenarians and their offspring. We will demonstrate that genetic factors that are associated with human longevity are heritable and may contribute not only to quantitative longevity but also to protection from age-dependent disease and exceptional good health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Barzilai
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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Poon LW, Martin P, Bishop A, Cho J, da Rosa G, Deshpande N, Hensley R, MacDonald M, Margrett J, Randall GK, Woodard JL, Miller LS. Understanding centenarians' psychosocial dynamics and their contributions to health and quality of life. Curr Gerontol Geriatr Res 2010; 2010:680657. [PMID: 20936141 PMCID: PMC2948878 DOI: 10.1155/2010/680657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 06/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While it is understood that longevity and health are influenced by complex interactions among biological, psychological, and sociological factors, there is a general lack of understanding on how psychosocial factors impact longevity, health, and quality of life among the oldest old. One of the reasons for this paradox is that the amount of funded research on aging in the US is significantly larger in the biomedical compared to psychosocial domains. The goals of this paper are to highlight recent data to demonstrate the impact of four pertinent psychosocial domains on health and quality of life of the oldest old and supplement recommendations of the 2001 NIA Panel on Longevity for future research. The four domains highlighted in this paper are (1) demographics, life events, and personal history, (2) personality, (3) cognition, and (4) socioeconomic resources and support systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard W. Poon
- Institute of Gerontology, University of Georgia, GA 30602, USA
| | - Peter Martin
- Gerontology Program, Iowa State University, IA 50011, USA
| | - Alex Bishop
- Human Development & Family Science, Oklahoma State University, OK 74078, USA
| | - Jinmyoung Cho
- Gerontology Program, Iowa State University, IA 50011, USA
| | - Grace da Rosa
- Gerontology Program, Iowa State University, IA 50011, USA
| | - Neha Deshpande
- Gerontology Program, Iowa State University, IA 50011, USA
| | - Robert Hensley
- Psychology and Sociology, College of Saint Scholastica, MN 55811, USA
| | - Maurice MacDonald
- Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University, KS 66506, USA
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Newman AB, Walter S, Lunetta KL, Garcia ME, Slagboom PE, Christensen K, Arnold AM, Aspelund T, Aulchenko YS, Benjamin EJ, Christiansen L, D'Agostino RB, Fitzpatrick AL, Franceschini N, Glazer NL, Gudnason V, Hofman A, Kaplan R, Karasik D, Kelly-Hayes M, Kiel DP, Launer LJ, Marciante KD, Massaro JM, Miljkovic I, Nalls MA, Hernandez D, Psaty BM, Rivadeneira F, Rotter J, Seshadri S, Smith AV, Taylor KD, Tiemeier H, Uh HW, Uitterlinden AG, Vaupel JW, Walston J, Westendorp RGJ, Harris TB, Lumley T, van Duijn CM, Murabito JM. A meta-analysis of four genome-wide association studies of survival to age 90 years or older: the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2010; 65:478-87. [PMID: 20304771 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glq028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) may yield insights into longevity. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of GWAS in Caucasians from four prospective cohort studies: the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study, the Cardiovascular Health Study, the Framingham Heart Study, and the Rotterdam Study participating in the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Consortium. Longevity was defined as survival to age 90 years or older (n = 1,836); the comparison group comprised cohort members who died between the ages of 55 and 80 years (n = 1,955). In a second discovery stage, additional genotyping was conducted in the Leiden Longevity Study cohort and the Danish 1905 cohort. RESULTS There were 273 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with p < .0001, but none reached the prespecified significance level of 5 x 10(-8). Of the most significant SNPs, 24 were independent signals, and 16 of these SNPs were successfully genotyped in the second discovery stage, with one association for rs9664222, reaching 6.77 x 10(-7) for the combined meta-analysis of CHARGE and the stage 2 cohorts. The SNP lies in a region near MINPP1 (chromosome 10), a well-conserved gene involved in regulation of cellular proliferation. The minor allele was associated with lower odds of survival past age 90 (odds ratio = 0.82). Associations of interest in a homologue of the longevity assurance gene (LASS3) and PAPPA2 were not strengthened in the second stage. CONCLUSION Survival studies of larger size or more extreme or specific phenotypes may support or refine these initial findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne B Newman
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, 130 North Bellefield Avenue, Suite 500, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Freeman S, Kurosawa H, Ebihara S, Kohzuki M. Understanding the oldest old in northern Japan: An overview of the functional ability and characteristics of centenarians. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10:78-84. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2009.00550.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Sebastiani P, Timofeev N, Dworkis DA, Perls TT, Steinberg MH. Genome-wide association studies and the genetic dissection of complex traits. Am J Hematol 2009; 84:504-15. [PMID: 19569043 PMCID: PMC2895326 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.21440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The availability of affordable high throughput technology for parallel genotyping has opened the field of genetics to genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and in the last few years hundreds of articles reporting results of GWAS for a variety of heritable traits have been published. What do these results tell us? Although GWAS have discovered a few hundred reproducible associations, this number is underwhelming in relation to the huge amount of data produced, and challenges the conjecture that common variants may be the genetic causes of common diseases. We argue that the massive amount of genetic data that result from these studies remains largely unexplored and unexploited because of the challenge of mining and modeling enormous data sets, the difficulty of using nontraditional computational techniques and the focus of accepted statistical analyses on controlling the false positive rate rather than limiting the false negative rate. In this article, we will review the common approach to analysis of GWAS data and then discuss options to learn more from these data. We will use examples from our ongoing studies of sickle cell anemia and also GWAS in multigenic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sebastiani
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
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Willcox DC, Willcox BJ, Wang NC, He Q, Rosenbaum M, Suzuki M. Life at the extreme limit: phenotypic characteristics of supercentenarians in Okinawa. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2008; 63:1201-8. [PMID: 19038835 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/63.11.1201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As elite representatives of the rapidly increasing "oldest-old" population, centenarians have become an important model population for understanding human aging. However, as we are beginning to understand more about this important phenotype, another demographic group of even more elite survivors is emerging-so-called "supercentenarians" or those who survive 110-plus years. Little is known about these exceptional survivors. METHODS We assessed the Okinawa Centenarian Study (OCS) database for all information on supercentenarians. The database includes dates of birth and year of death for all residents of Okinawa 99 years old or older and a yearly geriatric assessment of all centenarians who consented, enabling prospective study of age-related traits. Of 20 potential supercentenarians identified, 15 had agreed to participate in the OCS interview, physical examination, and blood draw. Of these 15, 12 (3 men and 9 women) met our age validation criteria and were accepted as supercentenarians. Phenotypic variables studied include medical and social history, activities of daily living (ADLs), and clinical phenotypes (physiology, hematology, biochemistry, and immunology). RESULTS Age at death ranged from 110 to 112 years. The majority of supercentenarians had minimal clinically apparent disease until late in life, with cataracts (42%) and fractures (33%) being common and coronary heart disease (8%), stroke (8%), cancer (0%), and diabetes (0%) rare or not evident on clinical examination. Functionally, most supercentenarians were independent in ADLs at age 100 years, and few were institutionalized before the age of 105 years. Most had normal clinical parameters at age 100 years, but by age 105 exhibited multiple clinical markers of frailty coincident with a rapid ADL decline. CONCLUSION Supercentenarians displayed an exceptionally healthy aging phenotype where clinically apparent major chronic diseases and disabilities were markedly delayed, often beyond age 100. They had little clinical history of cardiovascular disease and reported no history of cancer or diabetes. This phenotype is consistent with a more elite phenotype than has been observed in prior studies of centenarians. The genetic and environmental antecedents of this exceptionally healthy aging phenotype deserve further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Craig Willcox
- Department of Human Welfare, Okinawa International University, Japan.
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Abstract
Over the past century, truly remarkable changes have been observed in the health of older persons throughout the world, and these changes have strongly impacted society. The growth of the older population has resulted mostly from a general increase in the overall population size but is also strongly influenced by major declines in leading causes of mortality. These demographic transformations reverberate in society, increasing medical care and social needs, which are expected to increase steeply in the years to come. Based on demographic and epidemiologic perspectives, these changes were already detectable decades before and should have prompted radical changes in the structure and function of our system of health and social protection at that time. We come to this enormous challenge unprepared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Clinical Research Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, MD, USA.
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Abstract
Recent discoveries in the science of ageing indicate that lifespan in model organisms such as yeast, nematodes, flies and mice is plastic and can be manipulated by genetic, nutritional or pharmacological intervention. A better understanding of the targets of such interventions, as well as the proximate causes of ageing-related degeneration and disease, is essential before we can evaluate if abrogation of human senescence is a realistic prospect.
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