Ageing is characterized by a pro-inflammatory status which could contribute to the onset of major age-related diseases such as @entity65 , @entity179 , @entity571 and @entity170 , and @entity6 . Thus, it can be hypothesized that genetic variations in pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines might influence successful ageing and longevity. We have studied the distribution of @entity23595 @entity379 ( @entity379 ) polymorphisms in a large number of Italian centenarians to evaluate if the two alleles might be differently represented in @entity1 selected for longevity. DNA samples were obtained from 174 Italian centenarians (>99 years old, 142 @entity1 and 32 @entity1 ) and from 248 <60-year-old control subjects (90 @entity1 and 158 @entity1 ) matched for geographical distribution. Polymorphisms at +874 were identified by using amplification refractory mutational system methodology. The +874T allele was found less frequently in centenarian @entity1 than in centenarian @entity1 or in control @entity1 whereas no significant differences were observed in the distribution of the two alleles between male or female controls. Allele frequencies in centenarian @entity1 were not found significantly different from male controls. Possession of the +874A allele, known to be associated with low @entity379 production, significantly increases the possibility to achieve extended longevity, suggesting that the pro-inflammatory status characteristic of ageing may be detrimental for successful ageing. The datum that the allele was significantly increased in female but not male centenarians seems to strengthen the idea that gender may be a major variable in the biology of the ageing process. However, the present data add another piece of evidence to the complex puzzle of genetic and environmental factors involved in controlling life span expectancy in @entity1 . Thus, studies on cytokine gene polymorphisms may promise to individuate a complex network of trans-interactive genes able to influence the type and strength of responses to environmental stressors and as a final result, thereby conditioning individual life expectancy.

Allele frequencies of @entity23595 single nucleotide polymorphism at the first intron of XXXX gene in a group of Italian centenarians.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['men', 'women', 'humans', 'people'] @entity571 :: ('MESH:D010003', 'Disease') :: ['osteoarthritis'] @entity6 :: ('MESH:D003920', 'Disease') :: ['diabetes'] @entity23595 :: ('c|SUB|T|+874|A', 'DNAMutation') :: ['+874T-->A'] @entity170 :: ('MESH:D010024', 'Disease') :: ['osteoporosis'] @entity179 :: ('MESH:D019636', 'Disease') :: ['neurodegeneration'] @entity379 :: ('3458', 'Gene') :: ['IFN-gamma', 'interferon-gamma'] @entity65 :: ('MESH:D002318', 'Disease') :: ['cardiovascular diseases']
@entity379 :: (3458,Gene) :: ['interferon-gamma']
