Inverse association between periumbilical fat and longevity mediated by complement C3 and cardiac structure

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Cardiovascular Health
• Immunology and Aging

Background:

• Abdominal obesity is linked to inflammation, cardiac issues, and mortality.
• The role of periumbilical fat in longevity via the complement system and cardiac health is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between periumbilical fat and longevity.
• To explore the mediating roles of the antibody-complement system and cardiac structure/function.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of biochemical and morphological data from 419 centenarians and 491 non-centenarian oldest-old individuals.
• Comparison of waist circumference (WC), periumbilical fat thickness (PFT), serum complement C3, and cardiac dimensions (RAESD, LAESD, LVEDD) between groups.

Main Results:

• Centenarians exhibited lower WC, PFT, complement C3, RAESD, LAESD, and LVEDD compared to non-centenarians.
• WC, PFT, complement C3, RAESD, LAESD, and LVEDD were inversely associated with being a centenarian.
• Periumbilical fat and WC correlated positively with complement C3, LAESD, and LVEDD; RAESD correlated with WC and complement C3.

Conclusions:

• Centenarians possess less periumbilical fat, a less active complement system, and smaller cardiac structures.
• Periumbilical fat is inversely associated with longevity, potentially mediated by complement C3 levels and cardiac structure.
• Preventing abdominal obesity may enhance successful aging and longevity.