Genetic background of centenarians may be protective against cardiovascular diseases

The major trait characterising centenarian offspring is a significant reduction of cardiovascular disease prevalence. Because pro-inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms seem to contribute significantly to the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), alleles associated to CHD susceptibility would not be included in the genetic background favouring longevity. To evaluate the role of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-alpha in CHD and in longevity, we have typed for TNF -308G/A single nucleotide polymorphism CHD male patients, age matched healthy men and centenarians from South Italy. The number of patients carrier of A+ genotypes, associated to an augmented production of cytokine, was increased in patients in comparison both with young and centenarian controls, but significance was obtained only between patients and centenarians. Our results support the hypothesis that genetic background favouring cardiovascular disease is detrimental for longevity.