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Intersecting Genetics of Frailty and Cardiovascular Disease.
Y Ahisar1, G Thanassoulis, K N Huang
1Jonathan Afilalo, MD, MSc, FACC, FRCPC, Associate Professor, McGill University, Director, Geriatric Cardiology Fellowship Program, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Rd, E-222, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Phone: (514) 340-7540 | Fax: (514) 340-7534,
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|September 21, 2021
Summary
Genetic studies reveal common polymorphisms linked to physical frailty and sarcopenia. Many of these genetic factors also associate with cardiovascular disease, suggesting shared biological pathways.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Physical frailty and sarcopenia are significant health concerns in aging populations.
- Understanding the genetic underpinnings of these conditions is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic correlates of physical frailty and sarcopenia using genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
- To investigate the genetic overlap between frailty and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed for GWAS studies on SNPs associated with physical frailty or sarcopenia.
- Inclusion criteria: SNPs associated with phenotypes at a p-value threshold of 5.0x10-8 or less.
- Cross-referencing identified genes with the GWAS Catalog for associations with CVD or metabolic syndrome.
Main Results:
- Ten studies identified 237 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 181 genes associated with physical frailty or sarcopenia.
- Measurements included handgrip strength and lean (muscle) mass.
- A significant number of these genes were also found to be associated with cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Genome-wide association studies demonstrate that common genetic polymorphisms are associated with physical frailty.
- The genetic overlap with CVD suggests a shared pathophysiology between frailty and cardiovascular conditions.
- Further research is needed to elucidate mechanistic links and identify therapeutic targets and biomarkers for frailty.
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