APOE and longevity: study of a population of Sardinian Centenarians
- Authors: BELLIA, C; LO SASSO, B; CARUSO, A; LIGA, L; RAINERI, R; AGNELLO, L; BAZZA, F; CIACCIO, M
- Publication year: 2011
- Type: Capitolo o Saggio
- Key words: APOE, Longevity, Elderly, Polymorphism
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/66225
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E is a major determinant in lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular disease, it has emerged as an important molecule in several biological processes including Alzheimer's disease and cognitive function. ApoE is a polymorphic protein (ε2, ε3, ε4) with three proteic isoforms, ApoE2, ApoE3, ApoE4 (1). The aim of the study was to verify the frequencies of allelic variants a population of healthy elderly people. ApoE polymorphisms were determined by Real Time-PCR. The genotype frequencies of ApoE in our group of 71 centenarians (mean age 100.9 ±1.3) were: ε2/ε3 (12.67%); ε3/ε4 (5.63%). In the control group, consisting of 97 individuals (mean age 92.98 ±2.53), the genotype frequencies were: ε2/ε3 (7.21%); ε3/ε4 (15.46%). Differences between genotype frequencies in centenarians and control group were statistically significant (P<0.05). Results confirm that the frequency of ε2 allele is increased in centenaries, suggesting that this allele could be correlated to longevity.