Red blood cell distribution width: Genetic evidence for aging pathways in 116,666 volunteers.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Variability in red blood cell volumes (distribution width, RDW) increases with age and is strongly predictive of mortality, incident coronary heart disease and cancer. We investigated inherited genetic variation associated with RDW in 116,666 UK Biobank human volunteers.

Results

A large proportion RDW is explained by genetic variants (29%), especially in the older group (60+ year olds, 33.8%, <50 year olds, 28.4%). RDW was associated with 194 independent genetic signals; 71 are known for conditions including autoimmune disease, certain cancers, BMI, Alzheimer's disease, longevity, age at menopause, bone density, myositis, Parkinson's disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Exclusion of anemic participants did not affect the overall findings. Pathways anal

SUBMITTER: Pilling LC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5619771 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature