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Published on: January 7, 2013
Familial mortality in the Utah population database: characterizing a human aging phenotype
Elizabeth O'Brien1, Richard Kerber, Ken Smith
1University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute (Rm. 4136), Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA. elizabeth.obrien@hci.utah.edu
Summary
Family history impacts mortality risk. Familial longevity offers protection against age-related diseases like heart disease and stroke, while a family history of disease increases mortality risk, except for cancer.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Epidemiology
- Population Health Research
Background:
- Understanding familial influences on mortality is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies suggest genetic and environmental factors contribute to longevity and mortality patterns within families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent effects of familial longevity and familial mortality on cause-specific death rates.
- To determine if family history of longevity or mortality influences risk for 10 leading causes of death.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Utah Population Database (UPDB) cohort of 666,921 individuals.
- Estimated familial excess longevity (FEL) and familial standardized mortality ratios (FSMR).
- Employed Cox regression analysis to assess cause-specific mortality rates.
Main Results:
- Familial longevity and mortality independently affect cause-specific mortality.
- Family history of disease elevates risk for the same cause of death.
- Familial longevity is protective against most age-related diseases, excluding cancer.
- Longer-lived families exhibit reduced mortality rates from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Family history plays a significant role in cause-specific mortality.
- Familial longevity is a protective factor for major age-related diseases.
- Cancer mortality risk is not reduced by familial longevity, highlighting unique disease pathways.
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