Gene Variants Link Higher LDL Cholesterol to Less Longevity
Graded Moderate — an analysis using inborn gene variants as a natural experiment, which reduces bias; it relies only on data from people of European ancestry and still needs lab confirmation.
- Design
- Mendelian randomization
- Participants
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- Duration
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- Funding
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Inborn variants that raise LDL cholesterol were linked to less longevity, while variants that raise HDL were linked to more.
People born with gene variants that raise LDL cholesterol had poorer odds of a long, healthy life. Variants that raise HDL cholesterol pointed the other way. Higher counts of white blood cells, the body's immune cells, were also tied to less longevity. Here, longevity combined healthy years of life, lifespan and reaching a very old age.
Researchers in China used a method that treats inborn gene variants as a natural experiment. Because genes are fixed at birth, lifestyle distorts the result less. The team analysed publicly available genetic data from people of European ancestry. They linked it with data on gene activity, proteins and metabolic products in the blood. This turned up 30 genes, 5 proteins and 39 metabolic products tied to longevity or biological age. Biological age was estimated by epigenetic clocks, which read chemical marks on DNA.
The team names the genes CASP8 and PSRC1, among others, as possible drug targets. The growth hormone IGF1 showed only a weak, uncertain link. The main limit: everything rests on statistical links in genetic data. Lab experiments still have to test whether these genes actually steer aging.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.