A group of spanish researchers did not find evidence that certain genes influence on longevity, said the magazine Journal of Gerontology in its latest edition.
Researchers of the Genetic Center of the University of Barcelona studied several deceased centennials and did not find proof that genes were related to their long life.
The team took off from the hypothesis that longevity of the eldest, who lived 114 years, and members of his family, was due to his excellent bone health.
Bones of the man and his brothers did not show curves and never suffered any fracture, one of the causes that accelerate the death of persons over 90 years of age.
"We know that for many people over 90, a hip or femur fracture accelerates their mortality," said one of the work´s main authors, Susana Balcells.
Investigators started by analyzing the bone mass of centennial elderly and the genetic factor it is thought to play a key role in longevity.
Only a gen called KLOTHO has been related to a good density of the bones.
That gen was investigated in the 114 year-old elderly and his centennial relatives, without discovering a significant mutation related with so long a life.
They did not observe either changes in the gen LRP5, linked to strong bones.
Depite these results, scientists do not discard the possibility that some genes had influenced on longevity with good life quality of the elderly and his relatives.
The 114-old deceased lived in Menorca, had an excellent physical and mental health and up to his 102 birthday, besides riding a bike he took care of the family orchard.
http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID=%7B00798B7B-8E6A-4196-AD32-F8C7A02914ED%7D%29&language=EN
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