title: Possible role of ABO system in age-related diseases and longevity: a narrative review.
abstract: ABO blood group antigens are expressed either on the surface of red blood cells either on a variety of other cells. Based on the available knowledge of the genes involved in their biosynthesis and their tissue distribution, their polymorphism has been suggested to provide intraspecies diversity allowing to cope with diverse and rapidly evolving pathogens. Accordingly, the different prevalence of ABO group genotypes among the populations has been demonstrated to be driven by malaria selection. In the similar manner, a particular ABO blood group may contribute to favour life-extension via biological mechanisms important for surviving or eluding serious disease. In this review, we will suggest the possible association of ABO group with age-related diseases and longevity taking into account the biological role of the ABO glycosyltransferases on some inflammatory mediators as adhesion molecules.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy ; Department of Pathobiology and Medical and Forensic Biotechnologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rizzo
authors.affiliation: Unit of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy ; Department of Pathobiology and Medical and Forensic Biotechnologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Calogero
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.affiliation: National Center for Research, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy ; Department of Science and Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Sonya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vasto
keywords: ABO; Cancer; Cardiovascular diseases; Inflammation; Longevity