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.
Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark. lchristiansen@health.sdu.dk
Lene
L
Christiansen
Hans Christian
HC
Petersen
Lise
L
Bathum
Henrik
H
Frederiksen
Matt
M
McGue
Kaare
K
Christensen
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