Sex differences in the association of apolipoprotein E and angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphisms with healthy aging and longevity: a population-based study from Southern Italy

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006 Sep;61(9):918-23. doi: 10.1093/gerona/61.9.918.

Abstract

We investigated the association of sex and age with the occurrence of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes in healthy aging and longevity in 1344 healthy individuals and 64 centenarians. As compared to participants younger than 60 years, a significant higher frequency of the apoE/epsilon2 was observed in men aged 60-90 years (p <.001) and in centenarians (p <.001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed this outcome in both participants aged 60-90 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.897; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.227-2.931) and centenarians (OR = 3.263; 95% CI, 1.860-5.722). A further significant association of ACE/D allele and age was observed in centenarians (OR = 2.135; 95% CI, 1.253-3.636). Heterosis was also observed at the ACE locus. No relationship between apoE and ACE polymorphism was found. These findings suggest a role of sex in the association of apoE and ACE gene polymorphisms with healthy aging and longevity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / genetics*
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetics, Population
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Hybrid Vigor
  • Italy
  • Logistic Models
  • Longevity / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • ACE protein, human
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A