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Interleukin-6 -174G/C polymorphism and longevity: a follow-up study.
M Hurme1, T Lehtimäki, M Jylhä
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Tampere Medical School, Tampere University Hospital, FIN-33014, Tampere, Finland. mikko.hurme@uta.fi
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|January 25, 2005
Summary
The interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene promoter polymorphism (-174G/C) may influence survival into old age. Higher frequency of the IL-6 -174 G allele was observed in nonagenarian survivors compared to non-survivors.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Gerontology
- Immunology
Background:
- Aging is associated with increased inflammation, indicated by elevated proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6).
- IL-6 production is partly genetically determined by the -174G/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in its promoter region.
- Previous studies on IL-6 genotype frequencies in relation to longevity have yielded conflicting results, potentially due to population structure confounding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the IL-6 -174G/C genotype and mortality in a cohort of nonagenarians.
- To mitigate confounding factors by analyzing mortality data directly within a defined age group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 285 nonagenarians (aged 90-95 years) was studied.
- Mortality data (survivors vs. non-survivors) was collected for the cohort.
- Genotyping for the IL-6 -174G/C promoter polymorphism was performed and correlated with survival data.
Main Results:
- The frequency of the -174 G allele of the IL-6 gene was significantly higher in the group of survivors (n=114) compared to the non-survivors (n=171).
Conclusions:
- The IL-6 -174 G allele may be associated with increased survival to advanced age (90-95 years).
- This finding suggests a potential genetic influence of IL-6 on longevity, warranting further investigation to clarify the underlying mechanisms.