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The Catalase -262C/T Promoter Polymorphism and Aging Phenotypes

¹ Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark.
² Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Address correspondence to Lene Christiansen, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000 Odense C, Denmark. E-mail: lchristiansen{at}health.sdu.dk

A low level of the central antioxidant enzyme catalase has been suggested to be a risk factor for diseases influenced by oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the possible association of the catalase -262C/T polymorphism with survival, physical and cognitive functioning, and a number of oxidative stress-mediated disorders. The study population was 2223 Danish individuals, aged 45–93 years, drawn from three population-based surveys. The results suggest that the catalase -262C/T polymorphism is not associated with either survival, or the majority of the age-related phenotypes investigated. However, our data indicate a statistical significant association of TT homozygosity with improved physical functioning as well as a trend of the T allele conferring an improved general cognitive functioning, although these results did not remain significant after correcting for multiple testing. The results raise the hypothesis that the catalase -262T allele serves as protection against neurodegenerative and physical decline, although replication in other studies is warranted for confirmation of these findings.