C-reactive protein and glucose regulation in familial longevity

Age (Dordr). 2011 Dec;33(4):623-30. doi: 10.1007/s11357-011-9206-8. Epub 2011 Jan 19.

Abstract

Earlier, we showed that the offspring from exceptionally long-lived families have a more favorable glucose metabolism when compared with controls. As chronic low-grade inflammation has been regarded as a strong risk factor for insulin resistance, we evaluated if and to what extent the favorable glucose metabolism in offspring from long-lived families could be explained by differences in subclinical inflammation, as estimated from circulating levels of C-reactive protein. We found no difference between the two groups in C-reactive protein levels or in the distribution of C-reactive protein haplotypes. However, among controls higher levels of C-reactive protein were related to higher glucose levels, whereas among offspring levels of C-reactive protein were unrelated to glucose levels. It is a limitation of the current study that its cross-sectional nature does not allow for assessment of cause-effect relationships. One possible interpretation of these data is that the offspring from long-lived families might be able to regulate glucose levels more tightly under conditions of low-grade inflammation. To test this hypothesis, our future research will be focused on assessing the robustness of insulin sensitivity in response to various challenges in offspring from long-lived families and controls.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis*
  • C-Reactive Protein / genetics
  • Female
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Longevity / genetics*
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • C-Reactive Protein