Summary: New research reveals that men who carry two copies of a common genetic variant in the HFE gene are more than twice as capable of developing dementia, while women with the same variant are not affected. The variant, known as H63D, is linked to hemochromatosis and is present in around 1 in 36.
Interestingly, the researchers found no direct link between high iron levels and the risk of dementia, pointing rather towards other biological mechanisms such as inflammation or neural damage. These results could guide more personalized dementia prevention strategies, especially for men carrying this gene.
Key facts:
- Specific gender risk: Men with two copies of the H63D gene variant present double the risk of dementia; Women don’t do it.
- Beyond iron levels: The increased risk does not seem linked to iron in the blood, which suggests that other ways are involved.
- Clinical potential: Routine HFE tests could help identify men at high risk for previous intervention.
Source: Curtin University
New research has shown that men who carry a common genetic variant are twice as likely to develop dementia during their lives compared to women.
Research, published in Neurologyused aspirin data in reducing the events of the elderly (aspree) to determine if people who had variants in hemochromatosis (Hfe) The gene, which is essential to regulate iron levels in the body, could be an increased risk of dementia.
The co-author, Professor John Olynyk, of the Curtin Medical School, said that a person in three wore a copy of the variant, known as H63D, while one in 36 in two copies.
“Having a single copy of this variant of genes has no impact on someone’s health or increasing their risk of dementia. However, having two copies of the variant has more than doubled the risk of dementia in men, but not women,” said Professor Olynyk.
“Although the genetic variant itself cannot be changed, the brain roads it affects – resulting in damage that cause dementia – could potentially be treated if we understood more.”
Professor Olynyk said additional research was necessary to determine why this genetic variant increased the risk of dementia for men but not women.
“THE Hfe The gene is systematically tested in most Western countries, including Australia, when evaluating people for hemochromatosis – a disorder that makes the body absorb. Our results suggest that this test may be offered to men more widely, “said Professor Olynyk.
“While the Hfe The gene is essential to control iron levels in the body, we have found no direct link between the blood levels in the blood and the increase in the risk of dementia in affected men.
“This indicates other mechanisms at stake, perhaps involving the increased risk of brain damage to inflammation and cell damage in the body.”
The co-author, Professor Paul Lacaze, of Monash University, said that the results could help improve the results for risky people to develop dementia.
“More than 400,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, with around a third of men. Understand why men with the H63D double variant are more at risk could open the way for more personalized approaches to prevention and treatment, “said Professor Lacaze.
“This study is an excellent example of how various Australian and universities research groups can collaborate effectively to learn more about these progressive diseases and ultimately improve the health results of people around the world.”
The ASPREE trial was a double-blind and randomized double-blind and controlled trial of low daily aspirin in 19,114 healthy elderly people in Australia and the United States. Mainly undertaken to assess the risks compared to the advantages of daily low -dose aspirin in this cohort, he created a treasure of healthy aging data that supported a wealth of research studies.
Research was a collaboration between Curtin University, Monash University, Melbourne University, Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Fiona Stanley Hospital.
About this news of genetics and dementia research
Author: Yasmine Phillips
Source: Curtin University
Contact: Yasmine Phillips – Curtin University
Picture: The image is credited with Neuroscience News
Original search: Closed access.
“”Hemochromatosis genotypes and incident dementia in a prospective study of the elderlyBy John Olynyk et al. Neurology
Abstract
Hemochromatosis genotypes and incident dementia in a prospective study of the elderly
Context and objectives
Variants of the homeostatic iron regulator (Hfe) The gene is widespread in individuals of European ancestry and has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. This study aimed to assess the effects of Hfe P.CYS282TYR and P.HIS63ASP Variants on serum ferritin rates and the incidence of dementia in a cohort of elderly adults initially healthy.
Method
This prospective longitudinal study used aspirin data in reducing the events of the elderly. Participants had no history of cardiovascular disease, dementia or cognitive decline during registration. Genotyping for Hfe The variants P. CYS282TYR and P.HIS63ASP were made using DNA chips, and the basic concentrations of serum ferritin were measured in peripheral blood samples.
Dementia diagnoses were confirmed by an arbitration committee for median follow -up of 6.4 years. Associations were evaluated using proportional risk models fitted for related covariables.
Results
The study included 12,174 health participants not related to European ancestry aged 70 or over, comprising 5,583 men (45.9%) and 6,591 women (54.1%). The median age was 73.7 years (interquartile interval (IQR): 71.6–76.9) for men and 73.9 years (IQR: 71.7–77.5) for women.
Compared to the wild group, men with P.Cys282tyr + / + (p = 0.048) and p.Cys282Tyr + / P.HIS63ASP + Genotypes (p p = 0.015) and p.Cys282tyr + / p.his63asp + (p
However, men with the P.HIS63ASP + / + genotype had a significantly higher risk of incident dementia (adjusted risk ratio = 2.39, 95% CI 1.25–4.57, p = 0.009) compared to those without Hfe Variations. This association was not observed in women.
Discussion
Among the elderly initially healthy, Hfe P.HIS63ASP Homozygotie was associated with a higher risk of incident dementia in men but not for women. These results highlight a potential genetic risk factor specific to dementia sex and justify additional research on the underlying mechanisms connecting the P.HIS63ASP and dementia.
