Distribution of functional polymorphic variants of inflammation-related genes RANTES and CCR5 in long-lived individuals

Cytokine. 2012 Apr;58(1):10-3. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.12.021. Epub 2012 Jan 20.

Abstract

Although persistent inflammation has been related to unsuccessful aging, a pro-inflammatory status is the common phenotype in older people. To assess for a genetic component in the inflammatory status of the oldest we studied the distribution of two polymorphic chemokine pathway genes, RANTES and CCR5, in elderly. RANTES -403G/A and RANTES Int1.1T/C polymorphisms and CCR5Δ32 polymorphism were genotyped in 104 elderly and 110 controls. RANTES -403A and RANTES Int1.1C alleles have been associated with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory status, respectively. CCR5Δ32 abrogates functional receptor expression of the pro-inflammatory CCR5-mediated action. Prevalence of RANTES -403G allele, associated in other studies with high RANTES production, was reduced in elderly males, compared with controls. In addition, RANTES pro-inflammatory haplotype -403A-Int1.1T was overrepresented in elderly males, while RANTES anti-inflammatory haplotype -403G-Int1.1C was overrepresented in elderly females. Our results suggest a sex-specific RANTES inflammatory genetic determinant that could contribute to the known sex-related differences in aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chemokine CCL5 / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Longevity / genetics*
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Receptors, CCR5 / genetics*

Substances

  • Chemokine CCL5
  • Receptors, CCR5