Untangling the Genetics of Human Longevity—A Challenging Quest

Dato, Serena; Soerensen, Mette; Rose, Giuseppina

doi:10.3390/genes10080585

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 7 publications

(7 reference statements)

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“…Twin studies suggested a heritability of life span close to 25% (Dato et al, 2019). To date, only a few genetic variants in the following genes have been linked to longevity in different populations: APOE (APOE/TOMM40), FOXO3А, CDKN2B-AS1, and locus 5q33.3 (Kunizheva et al, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To date, only a few genetic variants in the following genes have been linked to longevity in different populations: APOE (APOE/TOMM40), FOXO3А, CDKN2B-AS1, and locus 5q33.3 (Kunizheva et al, 2022). These variants explain only a small part of the estimated heritability of human longevity (Dato et al, 2019). The mechanisms regulating the longevity on population levels remain poorly understood.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Link between Homosexuality, Contraception and Human Longevity

Wlassoff¹

2023

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The presence of homosexual behavior in the human population represents an evolutionary puzzle, as such behavior leads to obvious reproductive disadvantages. Recently, it was revealed that the length of telomeres inherited by offspring is determined, among other things, by the age of father. Older fathers pass longer telomeres to their children. The length of telomeres is generally considered as one of the factors determining the individual life span, which suggests that children of older fathers live longer. This phenomenon may provide a plausible explanation for the persistence of homosexuality among humans. Homosexuality is a partially inheritable trait. As homosexual males do not actively pursue reproductive sex, they are much likelier to become fathers later in life, if they reproduce at all. Through delayed reproduction, homosexual and bisexual subpopulations contribute to the increasing mean length of telomeres in population, which results in the gradually increasing life span. However, longer telomeres inherited from homosexual father are passed together with the genes predisposing to homosexual behavior, which helps to sustain a substantial pool of “gay genes” despite their reproductive disadvantage. The described effects are likely to be small but may results in a significant demographical shifts (increased longevity and sustained presence of homosexual sub-population) over multiple generations. The introduction of effective contraception (and the consequent serious increase of the mean age of fathering the children) may provide a similar mechanism for extending the mean telomere length in population, with consequences for longevity and general health.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Link between Homosexuality, Contraception and Human Longevity

Wlassoff¹

2023

Preprint

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“…The demographic and epidemiological transition has contributed to a growing increase in the proportion of older people in the world, whose numbers are estimated to reach 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050, and could rise to 3.2 billion in 2100 [ 1 ]. Longevity is a multifactorial and complex characteristic, with the contribution of genetic and environmental factors [ 2 , 3 ]. Differences in socioeconomic, demographic, cultural and lifestyle conditions can influence the life expectancy of the population [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regional differences regarding the occurrence of falls and associated factors in two populations of Brazilian longevous people

et al. 2022

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Background Few studies have explored regional asymmetries and their implications for health policies regarding episodes of falls among the population of ≥80 years old in continental and developing countries like Brazil with deep inequalities and sociocultural differences. Objective To evaluate the occurrence of falls and their association with functional capacity and nutritional status in the longest oldest-old living in two municipalities in the Northeast and Southeast of Brazil. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, with primary data collection in which were included in the research seniors aged 80 years or more, of both sexes, belonging to two Brazilian municipalities of discrepant socioeconomic aspects. The dependent variable was the occurrence of falls in the last year. The independent variables were grouped into demographic aspects, functional capacity and nutritional status. To identify variables that contribute to the occurrence of falls, the multiple logistic regression model, adopts a significance level of 5%. Results The sample was composed of 415 oldest-old adults. From the total, 32.3% reported having fallen in the last year, 24.7% in Brejo dos Santos and 37.8% in São Paulo. Among the former population, the mean value of walking speed for those who had falls was 0.27 m/s and for those who had no occurrence of falls was 0.33 m/s; and, among the seniors from São Paulo, the mean values were 0.51 m/s and 0.58 m/s, respectively. Significant correlations between walking speed and falls were verified for both populations, showing that the lower the walking speed, the higher the predisposition to falls. In the final regression model, the occurrence of falls was associated with moderate balance (OR = 5.28; CI: 1.11–25.18) among the longevous people Brejo dos Santos and with very poor functional performance (OR = 16.09; CI:1.46–177.06) among those from São Paulo. Conclusion The results pointed out a lower prevalence of falls in longevous people from Brejo dos Santos than in those from São Paulo and differences regarding the associated factors, showing heterogeneity between the two populations; indicating the need for public policies and effective programmes aimed at preventing falls based on the maintenance or increase of functional capacity.

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