Background: We aimed to identify the role of SIRT6 gene polymorphism rs350846 in human longevity.
Methods: SIRT6 C/G genotypes were determined using Taqman SNP Genotyping Assays in 169 long-lived inhabitants (LG group aged 90-110 yr), 158 healthy internal controls (internal control group; aged 26-82 yr) and 176 healthy external controls (external control group; aged 20-82 yr) without a family history of exceptional longevity. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 16.0.
Results: BMI and TG level were lower in the longevity than in the two control groups, while serum LDL-c and HDL-c and SBP and DBP levels in long-lived individuals were higher than in the two control groups (P<0.01). The waist circumference was obviously different (P=0.001) among the three groups, with the maximum observed in the external group. No statistically significant differences of the gender FBG and TC were seen in long-lived individuals than in the two control groups. Significant genotype differences existed among the different groups except for the longevity and internal control group. The frequency of the minor allele-C was 0.319. The minor allele frequency of rs350846 in SIRT6 was much higher in the external control than in the other groups. BMI, SBP and HDL-c displayed significant effect on longevity.
Conclusion: The C allele of rs350846 in SIRT6 gene, CC and CG genotypes as well as BMI, systolic pressure and HDL-c are associated with longevity. Further studies are needed to validate our results.
Keywords: Longevity; Polymorphisms; SIRT6.