Centenarian Studies and HDL

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You may recall some work last year on longevity, HDL and the sizes of lipoproteins (something that is genetically determined). Small lipoproteins imply a shorter, less healthy life. This New York Times author interviews Dr. Nir Barzilai, who has been studying centenarians for genetic and biochemical clues to longevity. At the top of the list so far: HDL and lipoprotein size. The researchers expect to track down specific longevity genes related to these conditions in the near future, and trial drugs to mimic their effects. Having this genetic knowledge to hand would be a good argument for tweaking the genes in all new children to produce longer, healthier lives.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/24/health/24CONV.html?pagewanted=print