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Effect of the Interplay Between Genetic and Behavioral Risks on Survival After Age 75
Debora Rizzuto1, Lina Keller1,2, Nicola Orsini3
1Aging Research Center, Department Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|November 3, 2016
Summary
Genetic variations in genes like APOE and IDE are linked to mortality risk. However, healthy lifestyle behaviors can significantly reduce this genetic risk, lowering mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Genetic factors and lifestyle behaviors are known to influence human mortality.
- Understanding the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors is crucial for developing targeted health interventions.
- Previous research has identified specific genes associated with mortality and diseases linked to it.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific gene variations and mortality risk in older adults.
- To determine if lifestyle behaviors can modify or attenuate the identified genetic risks for mortality.
- To explore the combined impact of genetic and lifestyle factors on mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- A 25-year population-based cohort study of 1,229 individuals aged 75 and older in Stockholm, Sweden.
- Cox regression analysis was used to estimate associations between single-nucleotide variations in 14 genes, lifestyle risk behaviors, and mortality.
- Lifestyle risk behaviors included smoking, mental, physical, or social inactivity, and social network quality.
Main Results:
- Allelic variations in four genes (APOC1, APOE, IDE, PI3KCB) were associated with increased mortality.
- Individuals with multiple adverse genetic alleles had a 62% higher mortality rate.
- A low-risk lifestyle profile was associated with a 65% lower mortality rate compared to a high-risk profile, independent of genetic factors.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variations in APOE, IDE, and PI3KCB are significantly associated with mortality risk.
- Lifestyle behaviors play a critical role in modulating the effects of these genetic predispositions.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle can substantially reduce mortality risk, even in the presence of genetic risk factors.
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