Role of VEGF gene variability in longevity: a lesson from the Italian population.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk of developing a wide variety of disorders from diabetes to neurodegenerative diseases suggesting functions not confined to its vascular effects originally described. Based on the VEGF protective roles undisclosed in pathological conditions, we evaluate whether VEGF variability might be a determinant also for longevity. Four polymorphisms (-2578C/A, -1190G/A, -1154G/A and -634G/C) within the VEGF gene promoter region in 490 unrelated Italian healthy subjects have been analysed. Significant changes of allele, genotype (-2578/AA versus -2578/CC: OR=2.08, p=0.007; -1190/AA versus -1190/GG: OR=2.01, p=0.011) and haplotype (AAGG: 10.4% versus 14.9%, p=0.03) frequency distributions were observed between young/elderly (25-84 years old) and long-lived (85-99 years old) subjects. These results suggest that VEGF gene variability can be inserted among the genetic factors influencing the lifespan.
Del Bo
Roberto
R
Department of Neurological Sciences, Dino Ferrari Centre, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli and Regina Elena, Padiglione Ponti, Milano, Italy. roberto.delbo@unimi.it
Ghezzi
Serena
S
Scarlato
Marina
M
Albani
Diego
D
Galimberti
Daniela
D
Lucca
Ugo
U
Tettamanti
Mauro
M
Scarpini
Elio
E
Forloni
Gianluigi
G
Bresolin
Nereo
N
Comi
Giacomo Pietro
GP
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008136:Longevity / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics*
C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A