Genetic determinants of extreme longevity: the role of ABO blood group

Abstract

Letters to the Editor Dear Sirs, The ABO blood group, the most important among human blood group systems, consists of complex carbohydrate moieties at the extracellular surface of red blood cell (RBC) membrane (1, 2). Along with their expression on RBCs, ABO antigens (namely, A, B, AB and O) are also highly expressed by a large number of human cells and tissues, including epithelia, sensory neurons, platelets and the vascular endothelia (3, 4). It seems thus biologically plausible that the ABO system may expand its clinical significance beyond the traditional boundaries of immunohaematology, transfusion and transplantation medicine. There is growing evidence from the scientific literature that the ABO blood group system may be actively involved in the pathogenesis of a number of human disorders, including cardiovascular, infectious, neoplastic and other diseases (5-8). The fact that ABO blood type may be associated with human disease and may impact on morbidity and death is another intriguing matter of debate, which has stimulated the interest of several investigators over the past 50 years (9, 10). In particular, recent data are supporting the existence of a positive relationship with cardiovascular disorders (11). A particularly interesting model to assess whether the ABO blood groups may contribute or not to promote life extension by eluding most serious diseases is the investigation of the blood

Allelic distribution of ABO gene in Chinese centenarians

“…After screening based on titles and abstracts, 22 citations remained for further full‐text review. Finally, based on the selection criteria, only five studies were included 16,18,30‐32 (Figure 1).…”

“…further full-text review. Finally, based on the selection criteria, only five studies were included 16,18,[30][31][32] (Figure 1).…”

“…It was reported as early as the 1960s that individuals with type A lived longer 15 . Later, a number of studies reported that type B and O were associated with longer lifespan or longevity phenotypically and genotypically 16‐19 …”

“…15 Later, a number of studies reported that type B and O were associated with longer lifespan or longevity phenotypically and genotypically. [16][17][18][19] However, these findings remain debatable. 20 The debate is possibly caused by small population sizes and stratifications as well as the moderate effects of blood type on longevity.…”

Effects of ABO Blood Groups on Psychological and Physical Activity Outcomes with COVID-19: A Comparative Study on Women

“…After more than a century of research, it is now clear that having a certain blood type can have significant consequences for health and wellbeing. It is also stated that diseases such as diabetes, venous thrombosis, and especially cardiovascular diseases are associated with the ABO blood group (19). Lippi et al, in their study to determine the effect of ABO blood group on running and athletic endurance, stated that blood groups have a relationship with physical activity (20).…”