[Polymorphism of apolipoprotein E gene and natural longevity in the Xinjiang Uighur people: an association study].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the distribution of polymorphisms of apolipoprotein E(apoE) gene and its relation to natural longevity in the Xinjiang Uighur people.


METHODS
Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP), the authors obtained data from centenarians(n=42), 90-year-old people (n=102), 65-70-year-old people (n=70) and controls(n=53).


RESULTS
The frequencies of apoE genotypes epsilon 3/4, epsilon 3/3 and epsilon 2/3 were 2.4%, 69.0% and 23.8% respectively in the centenarian group, and the frequencies of their epsilon 4, epsilon 3 and epsilon 2 alleles were 1.2%, 82.1% and 16.7%. The frequencies of genotype epsilon 3/4 and epsilon 4, epsilon 3 allele in the centenarian group were significantly lower than those in controls(P< 0.01), whereas the frequencies of genotype epsilon 2/3 and epsilon 2 allele in the centenarian group were significantly higher than those in controls(P< 0.01). Longevity was noted to be positively correlated with epsilon 2 and negatively correlated with epsilon 4.


CONCLUSIONS
This relationship reflects a genetic influence on differential survival and may point to pleiotropic age-dependent effects on longevity.
Mayila
Wufuer
W
Cardiology Department of Internal Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830054 PR China. mayilawu@medmail.com.cn
Fang
Ming-wu
MW
Cheng
Zu-heng
ZH
Qiu
Chang-chun
CC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
D001057:Apolipoproteins E