OBJECTIVETo explore the distribution of polymorphisms of apolipoprotein E(apoE) gene and its relation to natural longevity in the Xinjiang Uighur people.

METHODSUsing polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP), the authors obtained data from centenarians(n=42), 90-year-old people (n=102), 65-70-year-old people (n=70) and controls(n=53).

RESULTSThe frequencies of apoE genotypes epsilon 3/4, epsilon 3/3 and epsilon 2/3 were 2.4%, 69.0% and 23.8% respectively in the centenarian group, and the frequencies of their epsilon 4, epsilon 3 and epsilon 2 alleles were 1.2%, 82.1% and 16.7%. The frequencies of genotype epsilon 3/4 and epsilon 4, epsilon 3 allele in the centenarian group were significantly lower than those in controls(P< 0.01), whereas the frequencies of genotype epsilon 2/3 and epsilon 2 allele in the centenarian group were significantly higher than those in controls(P< 0.01). Longevity was noted to be positively correlated with epsilon 2 and negatively correlated with epsilon 4.

CONCLUSIONThis relationship reflects a genetic influence on differential survival and may point to pleiotropic age-dependent effects on longevity.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; China ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Longevity ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

Objective To investigate the physiological characteristics and the association with low prevalence of hypertension in "desert people" ,as an isolated population,in Taklimakan Desert.Methods All data were obtained from each person by questionnaire and standardized physical examinations. Total 469 subjects received examinations,including 359 subjects of "desert people" (M/F=205/154),aged from 15~99 years; 101 subjects of Uyghur from Yutian county (M/F=51/50),aged from 20~85 years,as controls. Some parameters :TC,TG,LDL-C,HDL-C,Apo-A,Apo-B,Lp-a,BUN,UA and CRE were determined. The statistical analysis was performed with SAS9.1.3 Version (Inititute Inc. Cary,NC. USA). Continuos values were expressed as mean?SD.Differences between groups were examined by student's t test,and statistical difference was considered when the P value was less than 0.05.Results 1)The height in "desert people" was significantly taller than that in controls.P value was 0.0317 for male and P60 years,P value was 0.0127 and 0.0443,respectively.(3)The prevalence of hypertension in "desert people" was 7%(24/359),that was significantly lower than that in controls(30.7%,31/101),P