Blood type B might imply longevity

Kenichiro Shimizu, Nobuyoshi Hirose, Yoshinori Ebihara, Yasumichi Arai, Michiyo Hamamatsu, Susumu Nakazawa, Yukie Masui, Hiroki Inagaki, Yasuyuki Gondo, Junko Fujimori, Yoshiko Kanno, Kanoko Konishi, Koji Kitagawa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between blood groups and life expectancy. We compared frequencies of ABO blood group in 269 centenarians (persons over 100 years) living in Tokyo and those in regionally matched controls (n=7153). Frequencies of blood types A, O, B, and AB in centenarians were 34.2, 28.3, 29.4, and 8.2%, respectively, while those in controls were 38.6, 30.1, 21.9, and 9.4%, respectively. Blood type B was observed more frequently in centenarians than in controls (χ 2=8. 41, P=0.04). This tendency also was true in comparison between centenarians and 118 elderly old individuals of the 7153. Approximate one-third of the centenarians were free from serious diseases such as malignancy. However, blood types were not associated with such medical records. Our findings suggest that blood type B might be associated with exceptional longevity. Responsible mechanisms need to be investigated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1563-1565
Number of pages3
JournalExperimental Gerontology
Volume39
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004 Oct

Keywords

  • Blood group
  • Centenarian
  • Longevity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Ageing
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Blood type B might imply longevity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this