Mary Revelas, Anbupalam Thalamuthu, Christopher Oldmeadow, Tiffany-Jane Evans, Nicola J Armstrong, John B Kwok, Henry Brodaty, Peter R Schofield, Rodney J Scott, Perminder S Sachdev, John R Attia, Karen A Mather
Journal: Mechanisms of ageing and development 2018;175():24-34
PMID: 29890178
BACKGROUND
Many factors contribute to exceptional longevity, with genetics playing a significant role. However, to date, genetic studies examining exceptional longevity have been inconclusive. This comprehensive review seeks to determine the genetic variants associated with exceptional longevity by undertaking meta-analyses.
METHODS
Meta-analyses of genetic polymorphisms previously associated with exceptional longevity (85+) were undertaken. For each variant, meta-analyses were performed if there were data from at least three independent studies available, including two unpublished additional cohorts.
RESULTS
Five polymorphisms, ACE rs4340, APOE ε2/3/4, FOXO3A rs2802292, KLOTHO KL-VS and IL6 rs1800795 were significantly associated with exceptional longevity, with the pooled effect sizes (odds ratios) ranging from 0.42 (APOE ε4) to 1.45 (FOXO3A males).
CONCLUSION
In general, the observed modest effect sizes of the significant variants suggest many genes of small influence play a role in exceptional longevity, which is consistent with results for other polygenic traits. Our results also suggest that genes related to cardiovascular health may be implicated in exceptional longevity. Future studies should examine the roles of gender and ethnicity and carefully consider study design, including the selection of appropriate controls.
Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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