Authors: Frisoni GB; Louhija J; Geroldi C; Trabucchi M
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Whether and which genetic factors affect human longevity is unclear. This study assesses the association between the epsilon2 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE), a putative longevity gene, and extremely old age. METHODS: This study is based on all centenarians living in Finland in 1991. Subjects were 179 persons (28 men and 151 women) aged 100 years and older (response rate, 97%). RESULTS: The percentages of epsilon2-allele carriers in persons aged 100 to 101, 102 to 103, and 104 years and older were 9% (10/117), 21% (9/42), and 25% (5/20; gender-adjusted p for trend = .01), respectively. The effect was particularly strong in women: 8% (8/100), 18% (6/33), and 28% (5/18; p for trend = .01) by age group, respectively. Low cell numbers prevented clear conclusions being drawn for men. Seventeen percent (30/179) of the adult Finnish population were carriers of the epsilon4 allele, a figure lower than expected, and stable by age group. CONCLUSIONS: Carriers of the epsilon2 allele of APOE might be predisposed to reach extremely old age.
Keywords: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alleles; Apolipoprotein E2; Apolipoproteins E/*genetics; Female; Finland; Gene Frequency; Genotype; Humans; *Longevity; Male; Odds Ratio; Regression Analysis; Sex Characteristics|
Journal: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 2 Pages: M75-8 Date: Feb. 24, 2001 PMID: 11213279 |
Frisoni GB, Louhija J, Geroldi C, Trabucchi M (2001) Longevity and the epsilon2 allele of apolipoprotein E: the Finnish Centenarians Study. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences 56: M75-8.
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