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Published on: November 8, 2024
Lower platelet count in healthy centenarians correlates with dispersion of the QT interval
Sebastiano Gangemi1, Giorgio Basile, Rosaria Alba Merendino
1School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Insights
Healthy centenarians have lower platelet counts and normal QT dispersion (QTd), suggesting these factors contribute to longevity and cardiovascular protection. This study explored these markers in extreme aging.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
- Hematology
Background:
- Centenarians exhibit fewer vascular ischemic events.
- High platelet count and QT dispersion (QTd) are cardiovascular risk factors.
- Investigating these markers in centenarians may reveal longevity mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate platelet count and QTd in healthy centenarians.
- To determine correlations between platelet count and QTd in this population.
- To understand potential protective factors for cardiovascular health in extreme aging.
Main Methods:
- Compared 16 healthy centenarians (100-105 years) with 40 healthy controls (45-85 years).
- Measured platelet counts using a blood analyzer.
- Assessed QT dispersion (QTd) via standard 12-lead electrocardiograms.
- Utilized ANOVA, Bonferroni, and Spearman rank tests for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Centenarians had significantly lower platelet counts than older controls (p<0.05).
- No significant difference in QTd was observed between centenarians and controls.
- A significant correlation between QTd and platelet count was found in centenarians, but not in controls.
Conclusions:
- Reduced platelet count may contribute to extreme longevity.
- Normal QTd maintenance could protect centenarians from cardiovascular events.
- These factors may play a role in the reduced incidence of vascular ischemic events in centenarians.
Background And Aims:
Centenarians display a lower incidence of vascular ischemic events. A high platelet count and increased QT dispersion (QTd) represents a risk factor for cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate platelet count and QTd in healthy centenarians and to establish correlations between these two indices.
Methods:
16 healthy centenarians (4 males, 12 females, range 100-105 years) living in a municipality of Eastern Sicily, and 40 healthy control subjects, divided into two groups: group A (N=20), age range 45-65 years, 7 males, 13 females; and group B (N=20), range 65-85 years, 6 males, 14 females, were examined. Platelets were counted using a blood analyzer and QTd was measured in standard 12-lead electrocardiograms. Differences in platelet count were assessed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni test. Correlation coefficients between platelet count and QTd were calculated with the Spearman rank test.
Results:
Centenarians showed a lower platelet count compared with controls, which was significant with respect to older controls, group B (p<0.05). QTd values did not significantly differ between centenarians and controls. A significant correlation between QTd and platelet count was evident in centenarians but not in controls. This correlation became evident in control subjects with a platelet count < or = 240,000/mm3.
Conclusions:
We hypothesize that a reduced number of platelets and the maintenance of normal QTd may contribute to extreme longevity and protect centenarians from cardiovascular events.
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