RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM GENE POLYMORPHISM AND AGING

Abstract

A personalized healthy aging program based on the preservation of the intrinsic capacity as a set of functional abilities in old age should take into account genetic (hereditary) factors that affect the structure and functions of organs and systems of the body and their age-related changes. An individual genetic profile can be an important tool for ensuring healthy aging. For this reason, numerous studies focus on identifying the genetic mechanisms of aging and longevity and the associated multifactorial diseases. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) disorders contribute to the formation of pathological conditions associated with cardiovascular disease, cognitive changes, functioning of auditory and visual analyzers, and are the probable predictors of functional disorders in older adults. This article is a literature review of the involvement of RAS gene polymorphisms in the aging processes. The performed analysis of modern domestic and foreign literature has brought new light on the contribution of polymorphic variants of the angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) genes to the occurrence and development of pathological conditions and the associated decreases in the intrinsic capacity. The findings suggest that testing for these polymorphisms can be of a practical importance for personalized prognosis and the development of timely preventive programs aimed at improving life expectancy and quality among the elderly.