The catalase -262C/T promoter polymorphism and aging phenotypes.
A low level of the central antioxidant enzyme catalase has been suggested to be a risk factor for diseases influenced by oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the possible association of the catalase -262C/T polymorphism with survival, physical and cognitive functioning, and a number of oxidative stress-mediated disorders. The study population was 2223 Danish individuals, aged 45-93 years, drawn from three population-based surveys. The results suggest that the catalase -262C/T polymorphism is not associated with either survival, or the majority of the age-related phenotypes investigated. However, our data indicate a statistical significant association of TT homozygosity with improved physical functioning as well as a trend of the T allele conferring an improved general cognitive functioning, although these results did not remain significant after correcting for multiple testing. The results raise the hypothesis that the catalase -262T allele serves as protection against neurodegenerative and physical decline, although replication in other studies is warranted for confirmation of these findings.
Christiansen
Lene
L
Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark. lchristiansen@health.sdu.dk
Petersen
Hans Christian
HC
Bathum
Lise
L
Frederiksen
Henrik
H
McGue
Matt
M
Christensen
Kaare
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics*; D000483:Alleles; D002374:Catalase / Q000235:genetics*; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic
D002374:Catalase