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Homocysteine and familial longevity: the Leiden Longevity Study
Carolien A Wijsman1, Diana van Heemst, Maarten P Rozing
1Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. c.a.wijsman@lumc.nl
Plos One
|March 17, 2011
Summary
Homocysteine levels do not predict familial longevity. This study found no difference in homocysteine concentrations between individuals genetically predisposed to a long lifespan and controls, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Aging Research
- Genetics and Longevity Studies
- Metabolic Health and Disease Prediction
Background:
- Homocysteine, a marker of methionine metabolism, is linked to lifespan in animals and predicts age-related diseases in humans.
- Familial longevity involves genetic factors that promote a longer lifespan across generations.
- Understanding metabolic markers associated with longevity is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between homocysteine concentrations and familial longevity.
- To determine if lower homocysteine levels are present in individuals with a genetic predisposition to longevity.
- To explore the role of homocysteine metabolism in the context of exceptional lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of total homocysteine concentrations in 1907 participants from the Leiden Longevity Study.
- Comparison of homocysteine levels between 1309 offspring of nonagenarian siblings (longevity-enriched group) and 598 partners (population controls).
- Statistical analysis to assess relationships between homocysteine, age, and other biomarkers, and to test for group differences and interactions.
Main Results:
- Homocysteine levels correlated with age, creatinine, folate, vitamin B, and history of hypertension and stroke in both groups (p<0.001).
- No significant difference in homocysteine concentrations was observed between the longevity-enriched offspring and their partners.
- No interaction was found regarding the age-related increase in homocysteine levels between the groups (p=0.63).
Conclusions:
- Homocysteine metabolism does not appear to be a predictor of familial longevity.
- The findings suggest that homocysteine levels are not a distinguishing factor in individuals predisposed to a long lifespan.
- Further research may be needed to identify other metabolic or genetic markers associated with exceptional longevity.
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