Genetic predisposition to elevated serum thyrotropin is associated with exceptional longevity.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Exceptional longevity is associated with raised serum TSH.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether offspring of people with exceptional longevity have elevated serum TSH and whether specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TSH-B gene and TSH receptor (TSHR) gene are associated with this phenotype.

Design/setting/patients

We measured serum TSH and free T(4) in Ashkenazi Jewish centenarians (n = 232; median age, 97 yr), their offspring (n = 366; median age, 69 yr), and age-matched controls without familial longevity (n = 163; median age, 70 yr). We determined TSH heritability, its distribution, and association with SNPs in the TSH-B and TSHR genes.

Results

Offspring had higher median serum TSH [1.68 mIU/liter (97.5% confidence

SUBMITTER: Atzmon G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2795660 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature