Chinese Centenarians Research Articles

Centenarians in China: Health Profile and Life Style Characteristics Based on a Census-Based Survey

Background: Centenarians have been the fastest growing population worldwide. However, this group has been less studied in developing countries. China, as the first country in the world to age before getting rich, has provided a unique setting to study centenarians in developing areas. This study aimed to investigate the current sociodemographic characteristics, health profiles, and social relationships of Chinese centenarians. Methods: We used a census-based approach to conduct face-to-face survey in April 2017 with centenarian residents in Suixi County, the first Intrenational Healthy Longevity Area in China. A total of 100 centenraians were involved, including 67 females and 33 males. Information of socioeconomic and demographics characteristics, quality of life (physical, cognitive, and psychological function), and social support and relationships was collected. Sex differences in each measure were examined. Findings: We find that good self-reported health, good life satisfaction, intact memory function, independence, and unsatisfied healthcare needs were reported by 24.4%, 45.9%, 31.6%, 46.3%, and 33.4% of the respondents, respectively. Subjective symptoms among males were less prevalent (p<0.05). There were no statistical significant sex differences in cognitive and psychological function. The major source of care provision has been family. Generally, the centenarians had intimate relationships with families but maintained distant relationships with friends and communities. Interpretation: Our results bring attention to family-based care to provide informal care, and health education to promote healthy behaviors and healthcare utilization, for the oldest-old in China. The findings also imply a crucial role of good relationships with family in exceptional longevity. Funding Statement: This study was sponsored by Shanghai Science and Technology Committee (Grand No. 16DZ2344000) Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was conducted as a joint collaboration between the Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University and the Affliated Hospital to Guangdong Medical University. Ethical approval was obtained from local health authorites in Guangdong Province before the survey began. The study was conducted in compliance with the ethical standards of the ethics committee of Guangdong Medical University. Informed consent was obtained from all respondents.

Associations of immunological factors with metabolic syndrome and its characteristic elements in Chinese centenarians

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) has an increased prevalence (approximately 20–25% of the adult population) all over the world. Immunological function is significantly associated with the development of MetS, and MetS is beginning to be considered as a chronic immune-related disease. The present study addressed on the associations of immunological factors with MetS and its characteristic elements in Chinese centenarians.MethodsHainan is a longevity region with the highest population density of centenarians in China. The China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study has a considerable sample size, and provides a significant population-based sample of centenarians. Home interview, physical examination and blood analysis were conducted following standard procedures.ResultsAll centenarians had a median age of 102 (100–115) years, and the proportion of females was 80.8%. The proportion of centenarians with MetS was 16.0% (135 centenarians). Abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus had a prevalence of 26.4% (223 centenarians), 73.7% (623 centenarians), 40.4% (341 centenarians) and 10.7% (90 centenarians), respectively. In Logistic regression analyses, MetS was significantly associated with immunoglobulin E and complement C3 levels (P < 0.05 for all). Abdominal obesity was significantly associated with immunoglobulin E and complement C3 levels (P < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsThe present study provides epidemiological evidence that MetS has significant associations with immunoglobulin E and complement C3 levels, and demonstrates that abdominal obesity is significantly associated with immunoglobulin E and complement C3 levels in Chinese centenarians.

Sex, Residence and Fish Intake Predict Vitamin D Status in Chinese Centenarians.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Chinese centenarians and to identify the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. Cross-sectional population-based study. Hainan province in the south of China. 943 subjects aged 100 years old and older. Details on sociodemographics and lifestyle characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometrics and blood samples were obtained. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration < 20ng/mL (50nmol/L). The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among these 943 centenarians was 39.9% (376 subjects) and the mean serum vitamin D concentrations were 22.7±9.5 (ng/mL). Female centenarians had higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than male (44.0% vs. 21.7%, P <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that being female, urban residency, lower body mass index, higher serum parathyroid hormone levels, no fish consumption, and less sun exposure time were all significant and independent determinants of vitamin D deficiency. No significant associations of vitamin D deficiency with ethnic, education, geographic location, tea drinking, alcohol use, or smoking were found in this study. Vitamin D deficiency was common in Chinese centenarians, especially in women. Given that vitamin D deficiency is linked to numerous adverse health outcomes, dietary, outdoor activities and other intervention measures are needed to correct vitamin D deficiency in this population.

Prevalence of functional dependence in Chinese centenarians and its relationship with serum vitamin D status.

BackgroundFunctional dependence (FD) and vitamin D deficiency are common conditions in older adults. However, little is known about the relationship between FD and serum vitamin D status in centenarians. The current study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of FD and examine its relationship with serum vitamin D status among centenarians in China.Subjects and methodsA cross-sectional study of a large sample of Chinese centenarians including 180 men and 822 women was conducted from June 2014 to December 2016. Home interviews, physical examinations, and blood analyses were performed in 958 centenarians following standard procedures. FD was evaluated using the Barthel index of activities of daily living (ADL). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations were measured as a marker of vitamin D status.ResultsThe prevalence of centenarians with FD was 71.2%. Vitamin D deficiency, lack of tea consumption, lack of outdoor activities, visual impairment, and fracture were predictors of FD. Centenarians in the lowest quartile of serum 25OHD concentration had an approximately threefold greater likelihood of FD than those in the highest quartile in multiple logistic regression models (OR =2.88; 95% CI 1.75–4.73; P<0.001). The multivariable OR with a 1 ng/mL decrease in serum 25OHD concentration was 1.06 (95% CI 1.04–1.08; P<0.001) for FD.ConclusionSerum 25OHD levels have important associations with FD in Chinese centenarians. Future research could focus on the value of intervening in the case of low serum 25OHD levels through vitamin D supplementation and improving ADL in the older population.

Relationships of Hyperhomocysteinemia and Hyperuricemia With Metabolic Syndrome and Renal Function in Chinese Centenarians.

As the first time worldwide, this study aimed to investigate the relationships of hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperuricemia with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and renal function in Chinese centenarians. The China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study was performed in 18 cities and counties of the Hainan Province. Home interview, physical examination, and blood analysis were performed on 808 centenarians following standard procedures. All centenarians had a median age of 102 (100–115) years. Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperuricemia was 91.6% (740 centenarians) and 28.5% (230 centenarians), respectively. The MetS was present in 117 centenarians (14.5%). In simple correlation analyses, hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperuricemia were significantly correlated with MetS and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.05 for all). Serum homocysteine levels were significantly correlated with GFR, waist circumference (WC), and triglyceride levels, while serum uric acid levels were significantly correlated with these variables plus high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (P < 0.05 for all). In logistic regression analyses, hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperuricemia were significantly associated with MetS and GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.05 for all). In linear regression analyses, serum homocysteine levels were significantly associated with GFR, WC, and triglyceride, while serum uric acid levels were significantly associated with these variables plus HDL-C (P < 0.05 for all). Both hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperuricemia had important relationships with MetS and renal function in Chinese centenarians. Hyperuricemia and hyperhomocysteinemia that could help identify, while also affecting, the development of MetS and renal function may unfold complex relationships between MetS, renal function, and cardiovascular risk and provide effective prevention strategies for these conditions.

Relationship between thyroid nodules and lifestyle characteristics in Chinese centenarians

Objective To study the correlation of lifestyle characteristics with thyroid nodules in a population-based sample of centenarians in Hainan. Methods The study was based on China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study (CHCCS) conducted in 18 cities and counties in Hainan province from 2014 to 2016. A group of multidisciplinary team interviewed and examined local centenarians with structured questionnaires and ultrasonography procedures. A total of 918 centenarians were analyzed after excluding those who refused ultrasonographic examinations or had relevant missing data. Thyroids of centenarians were examined by 3-year experienced sonographer, details on lifestyle characteristics and dietary habits were collected by standard procedure. Results Of the 918 centenarians, 683 (74.4%) had thyroid nodules under the ultrasonography procedures. The prevalence of thyroid nodules in different group of areca nut consumption varied significantly (P<0.05). In multivariate logistic regression model, the results showed female and areca nut intake were independently associated with thyroid nodules in centenarians (P<0.05). Conclusions The modifiable variables including areca nut intake as well as non-modifiable such as gender are independent determinants of thyroid nodules in centenarians. Further studies are warranted to explore and verify these associations in populations with different ranges of age. Key words: Ultrasonography; Thyroid nodules; Centenarians; Lifestyle characteristics

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors and their relationships with renal function in Chinese centenarians

As the first time, this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors and explore their relationships with renal function in Chinese centenarians. China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study was performed in 18 cities and counties of Hainan Province. Home interview, physical examination and blood analysis were performed in 874 centenarians following standard procedures. Prevalence of MetS was 15.6% (136 centenarians). There were 229 centenarians with abdominal obesity (26.2%), 645 centenarians (73.8%) with hypertension, 349 centenarians with dyslipidemia (39.9%) and 92 centenarians with diabetes mellitus (10.5%). In multivariate linear regression, age, smoking, waist circumstance (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and triglyceride levels were inversely and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels were positively associated with glomerular filtration rate levels (P < 0.05 for all). This study reported low prevalence of MetS risk factors and demonstrated that age, smoking, abdominal obesity (WC), hypertension (SBP and DBP) and triglyceride levels were independently associated with renal function in Chinese centenarians. This study provided reliable data about Chinese centenarians, analyzed significant relationships between Mets risk factors and renal function, and explained possible reason (low prevalence of MetS and its risk factors) and mechanism (interrelationship of age, Mets risk factors with renal function) of longevity.

Thyroid nodules in centenarians: prevalence and relationship to lifestyle characteristics and dietary habits.

BackgroundThyroid nodules (TNs) are common thyroid lesions in older population. Few studies have focused on the prevalence of TNs and their relationship to lifestyle characteristics and dietary habits in centenarians. The current study aimed at determining the prevalence of TNs in Chinese centenarians by using high-resolution ultrasound (US) equipment and at investigating its relationship to lifestyle characteristics and dietary habits.Participants and methodsThe current study was part of the China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study that was conducted in Hainan, an iodine-sufficient region in People’s Republic of China. A total of 874 permanent residents aged ≥100 years (mean age =102.8±2.8 years) without any missing data were included in the analysis.ResultsAmong the participants, 649 of them were detected at least one TN under the US examinations. The overall prevalence rate of TNs was 74.3%. The prevalence of TNs was higher in participants who were women, had hypertension, had diabetes, and were underweight compared with their counterparts. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that being female, hypertensive, and diabetic; betel quid consumption; and red meat consumption were independent risk factors, while being underweight and nut consumption were independent protective factors for TNs.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the presence of TNs was highly prevalent in Chinese centenarians, particularly in women. In addition to gender, having hypertension, having diabetes, and being underweight, the presence of TNs was independently associated with betel quid, red meat, and nut consumption. Further prospective studies are warranted to verify these associations in populations from different age strata, races, cultures, and iodine supplementation.

METABOLIC SYNDROME AND DISABILITY IN CHINESE NONAGENARIANS AND CENTENARIANS

AbstractMetabolic syndrome (MetS) increases with aging. Little is known about the relationship between MetS and disability in the elderly population, especially in the oldest old. We therefore conducted this study to investigate the possible association between MetS and disability in a population of Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians. Data were obtained from a face-to-face survey conducted in 870 Chinese adults aged 90 years or older. MetS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disabilities were evaluated using the physical self-maintenance scale and the Lawton-Brody IADL scale, respectively. The subjects included in the current analyses were 500 women and 225 men (mean age: 93.8 ± 3.1 years). MetS was present 13.0% in women and 9.8% in men. In women, the prevalence of ADL and IADL disabilities was significantly higher in the MetS group compared with the non-MetS group (ADL:43.1% vs. 30.6%, p=0.044; IADL: 73.8% vs. 59.8%, p=0.030). After adjusting for relevant confounders, the MetS group showed significantly increased odds ratios (ORs) for either ADL (1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.4) or IADL disability (2.1, 95% CI 1.3–4.7) compared with the non-MetS group. In men, similar results were found with respect to the prevalence of ADL or IADL disability and adjusted ORs between MetS and non-MetS groups, but these results were not statistically significant. In conclusion, in our study population, MetS appeared to be associated with an increased risk of either ADL or IADL disability, especially in women.

Arthritis, Other Medical Illnesses and Morale Among Chinese Nonagenarians and Centenarians

Summary Background Limited studies have explored the impact of arthritis, other medical illnesses on morale in the elderly. Our study is aim to assess the association between arthritis and morale among Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians. Methods This work was conducted as a cross-sectional study. The presence of arthritis, other medical illnesses was based on the subjects' report of diagnoses as told by their doctors and medical records from the investigation. The 17-item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) was used to measure morale. Low morale was defined as PGCMS score Results Our population included 650 unrelated Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians (67.3% women, mean age 93.5 years). The mean (SD) PGCMS score for the sample was 12.2 (2.9), and the prevalence of arthritis was 34%. After adjustment for potential confounders, multiple logistic regressions demonstrated that arthritis is associated with low morale among Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians (OR = 2.079, 95% CI 1.293 to 3.343). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that R1.5 arthritis may be associated with low morale among Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians.

The Adhesion of Lactobacillus salivarius REN to a Human Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line Requires S-layer Proteins

Lactobacillus salivarius REN, a novel probiotic isolated from Chinese centenarians, can adhere to intestinal epithelial cells and subsequently colonize the host. We show here that the surface-layer protein choline-binding protein A (CbpA) of L. salivarius REN was involved in adherence to the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29. Adhesion of a cbpA deletion mutant was significantly reduced compared with that of wild-type, suggesting that CbpA acts as an adhesin that mediates the interaction between the bacterium and its host. To identify the molecular mechanism of adhesion, we determined the crystal structure of a truncated form of CbpA that is likely involved in binding to its cell-surface receptor. The crystal structure identified CbpA as a peptidase of the M23 family whose members harbor a zinc-dependent catalytic site. Therefore, we propose that CbpA acts as a multifunctional surface protein that cleaves the host extracellular matrix and participates in adherence. Moreover, we identified enolase as the CbpA receptor on the surface of HT-29 cells. The present study reveals a new class of surface-layer proteins as well as the molecular mechanism that may contribute to the ability of L. salivarius REN to colonize the human gut.

Psychological Resilience of Chinese Centenarians and Its Associations With Survival and Health: A Fuzzy Set Analysis.

To investigate psychological resilience (positive adaptations or effective responses to challenges in daily living) and its associations with survival and health among Chinese centenarians. On the basis of the latest 5 waves (2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011) of a nationwide longitudinal survey in China with more than 7,400 centenarians, we constructed 5 resilience types using the grade of membership (fuzzy set) method: high, upper middle, lower middle, low, and unable to answer questions. About 50% of male centenarians and nearly 60% of female centenarians have 0% membership in the high resilience group; only 9% of male centenarians and 6% of female centenarians have 80%-100% probability of membership in the high resilience group. Each additional 10-percentage-point increase in the probability of membership in the high resilience group is associated with 2%-4% lower mortality risk; 36%-55% higher odds of no cognitive impairment, self-rated good health, and self-rated good life satisfaction; and 7%-12% higher odds of no activities of daily living (ADL) disability in male centenarians after adjusting for covariates. Results for female centenarians are similar. High resilience is not significantly associated with short-term health decline. Higher psychological resilience is associated with a lower mortality and better health among centenarians.

Gut Microbiota Community and Its Assembly Associated with Age and Diet in Chinese Centenarians.

Increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota underpin the development of health and longevity. However, our understanding of what influences the composition of this community of the longevous has not been adequately described. Therefore, illumina sequencing analysis was performed on the gut microbiota of centenarians (aged 100-108 years; RC) and younger elderlies (aged 85-99 years; RE) living in Bama County, Guangxi, China and the elderlies (aged 80-92 years; CE) living in Nanning City, Guangxi, China. In addition, their diet was monitored using a semiquantitative dietary questionary (FFQ 23). The results revealed the abundance of Roseburia and Escherichia was significantly greater, whereas that of Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides, Butyricimonas, Coprococcus, Megamonas, Mitsuokella, Sutterella, and Akkermansia was significantly less in centenarians at the genus level. Both clustering analysis and UniFraq distance analysis showed structural segregation with age and diet among the three populations. Using partial least square discriminate analysis and redundancy analysis, we identified 33 and 34 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) as key OTUs that were significantly associated with age and diet, respectively. Age-related OTUs were characterized as Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Lachnospiraceae, and the former two were increased in the centenarians; diet-related OTUs were classified as Bacteroidales, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae. The former two were deceased, whereas the later one was increased, in the high-fiber diet. The age and high-fiber diet were concomitant with changes in the gut microbiota of centenarians, suggesting that age and high-fiber diet can establish a new structurally balanced architecture of gut microbiota that may benefit the health of centenarians.

Lifestyle of Chinese centenarians and their key beneficial factors in Chongqing, China.

This study aims to describe the lifestyle of Chinese centenarians and to identify the beneficial factors that are correlated to their longevity. A census-based survey was conducted among centenarians in Chongqing, Southwest China, to identify the lifestyle factors affecting their health. From screening identification cards, 878 centenarians (age range 100-117, mean 102) were identified and interviewed. The survey indicated that 64% centenarians were able to take care of themselves. The majority of centenarians were nonsmokers (92%) and non-drinkers (83%). No significant difference was observed between urban and rural distributions (Χ2=0.939, p=0.625). Moreover, 43% centenarians maintained a regular diet, and only 33% had a sedentary lifestyle. A nutritious diet, adequate physical exercise, and a harmonious family environment may be the key lifestyle factors for their longevity of centenarians in Chongqing. These observations might be helpful in designing health promotion and welfare strategies for the elderly.

Association of serum uric acid with Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR-γ2 among Chinese nonagenarians/centenarians.

In previous studies, Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator- activated receptors gamma 2 (PPAR-γ2) was shown to be associated with both longevity and metabolic syndrome, which was closely related with hyperuricemia. We examined long-lived subjects (≥90 years), to ascertain whether the polymorphism is associated with the level of serum uric acid (SUA). The present study analysed data from a survey conducted in 2005 on all residents aged 90 years or more in a district with 2,311,709 inhabitants. The sample comprised 669 unrelated Chinese participants (aged 90-108 years, mean: 93.54±3.53 years; 67.2% women). The genotype frequencies of the Pro12Ala polymorphism were 0% Ala12Ala and 9.0% Pro12Ala, 91.0% Pro12Pro. Between men or women, and between subjects who were or were not 12Ala carriers, neither in SUA levels nor the prevalence of hyperuricemia were significant. Between subjects with and without hyperuricemia, the difference in prevalence of 12Ala carriers was also non-significant. Unadjusted and adjusted multiple logistic regressions showed that the odds ratios (OR) for hyperuricemia were not associated with Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR-γ2. In Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians, SUA levels are not associated with polymorphism in PPAR-γ2.

Serum lipid/lipoprotein and arterial blood pressure among Chinese nonagenarians/centenarians

Objective. In the present study, we detected a relationship between serum lipid/lipoprotein [serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol] and arterial blood pressure among Chinese nonagenarians/centenarian. Methods. The present study analyzed data from the survey that was conducted on all residents aged 90 years or more in a district; there were 2,311,709 inhabitants in 2005. Arterial blood pressure included systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Results. The subjects included in the statistical analysis were 217 men and 444 women. Subjects with hypertension (1.29 ± 0.74 vs 1.13 ± 0.45, t = 3.362, p = 0.001) or systolic hypertension (1.30 ± 0.74 vs 1.12 ± 0.45, t = 3.534, p < 0.0001) had higher levels of TG than those without. Subjects with abnormal levels of serum TG had higher SBP (145 ± 22 vs 139 ± 23, t = 2.223, p = 0.027). The Pearson correlation showed a significant relationship between SBP and serum TG levels (r = 0.088, p = 0.024). Unadjusted and adjusted multiple logistic regressions showed that hypertension or systolic hypertension was associated with an increased risk of abnormal of serum TG levels. Conclusions. In summary, we found that among Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians, the levels of serum lipid/lipoprotein were associated with arterial blood pressure. Hypertriglyceridemia was associated with SBP.

Trace Elements in Fingernails of Healthy Chinese Centenarians

Trace element concentrations in body tissues of healthy centenarians have not been widely analyzed, yet they can be used as reference data leading to improved assessment of the aging process and monitoring of the micronutrient status of this age group. The present study sought to assess trace element concentrations and behaviors in the fingernails of healthy Chinese centenarians. The effects of gender on element concentrations, which also play an important role in determining the lifespan, were also investigated. Trace elements (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in the fingernails of 78 healthy Chinese centenarians were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The overall reference values obtained in milligram per kilogram are as follows: Ba, 5.10; Cd, 0.031; Co, 0.101; Cr, 0.82; Cu, 3.71; Fe, 154.35; Li, 0.31; Mn, 3.09; Mo, 0.040; Ni, 0.95; Pb, 1.86; Se, 0.44; Sr, 6.20; and Zn, 147.96. Data analysis showed that only Cr and Se concentrations show a normal distribution, and no significant difference between male and female groups was found for any element except Cr. Result also revealed that sufficient Se, Co, and Zn as well as lower or lack of exposure to Cr contribute positively to the lifespan of centenarians. The results suggest that regulating in vivo contents of trace elements, especially Se, Co, and Zn, is reasonable to intervene with geriatric diseases.

Trace element concentrations in hair of healthy Chinese centenarians

Trace element concentrations, as indicators of micronutrient status of healthy centenarians, have not been widely analyzed. This study aimed to assess trace element concentrations in the hair of healthy centenarians. The effects of gender and age on element concentrations were also investigated. Eleven trace elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Pb, Se, Sr and Zn) in the scalp hair of 107 healthy Chinese centenarians were examined. The overall reference values (RVs) in mg/kg for the hair concentrations of trace elements in centenarians were as follows: Al, 14.95; Ba, 2.68; Cd, 0.06; Cr, 0.59; Cu, 6.21); Fe, 19.37; Mo, 0.50; Pb, 4.64; Se, 0.37; Sr, 4.84; and Zn, 154.37. Data analysis found that only Cu and Zn concentrations show a normal distribution, and there is no significant difference between males and females in any element except Zn. However, the levels of Al, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mo, Pb decrease and the levels of Ba, Cu, Se, Sr, Zn increase with age in the centenarian cohort. Results also revealed that sufficient Zn and Se concentrations as well as low exposure to heavy metals pollution contribute to the longevity of centenarians. The results imply the possibility of manipulating trace element concentrations, especially Zn and Se concentrations in tissues, as a means for therapeutic modality in geriatric disease.

Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR-γ2 and dementia in Chinese nonagenarians/centenarians

We examined the existence of a relationship between polymorphism and dementia in subjects aged 90 years and above. The sample included 732 unrelated Chinese nonagenarians/centenarians (aged 90-108 years, mean age 93.68 years; 67.5% women). The Pro12Ala variant was examined using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. Cognitive function was measured with 30-item mini-mental state examination. The genotype frequencies of the Pro12Ala polymorphism were 0% Ala12Ala, 9.1% Pro12Ala, and 90.9% Pro12Pro. The prevalence rates of dementia were 64.9% in the whole sample (45.0% for men and 74.5% for women). In both men and women, between subjects with and without 12Ala carriers, there was no significant difference in cognitive function scores and also no significant difference in prevalence of dementia; there was no significant difference in frequency of 12Ala carriers between subjects with and without dementia. Multiple logistic regression was performed by adjusting clinical factors that are thought to be associated with cognitive function or with 12Ala carriers. We found that 12Ala is not a risk factor for dementia. We found that Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR-gamma2 was not directly correlated with dementia among Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians.