[Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms related to frailty]

Abstract

Introduction: The search for biomarkers that can lead to the early diagnosis and thus, early treatment of frailty, has become one of the main challenges facing the geriatric scientific community. The aim of the present study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to frailty.

Material and methods: The study was conducted on 152 subjects from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging (65 to 95 years of age), and classified as frail (n=78), and non-frail (n=74), according to Fried's criteria. After blood collection, DNA was isolated and amplified for the analysis of SNPs using Axiom^TM Genotyping technology (Affymetrix). Statistical analyses were performed using the Plink program and library SNPassoc.

Results: The results of the study showed 15 SNPs with a P<.001. Those SNPs involved in processes related to frailty, such as energy metabolism, regulation of biological processes, cell motility and integrity, and cognition are highlighted.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the genetic variations identified in frail individuals that are involved in biological processes related to frailty may be considered as biomarkers for the early detection of frailty.

Keywords: Ageing; Envejecimiento; Fragilidad; Frailty; Genetic variations; Polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido; Single nucleotide polymorphisms; Variantes genéticas.