Comparison of biochemical data, blood pressure and physical activity between longevity and non-longevity districts in Japan

Background There is controversy about longevity-associated factors. including environmental and genetic factors. Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that multiple risk factors decrease life-span, but there has not been a definitive report regarding the association of risk factors with longevity. The ultimate aim of the present study was to prevent the overwhelming increase in life-style-related diseases by evaluating this association in 2 districts in Japan. Methods and Results Plasma glucose levels, hemoglobin (Hb) A(1c), lipids dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, adiponectin and physical activity were examined in 133 subjects (M/F 47/86, 67 +/- 1 years) in Kokufu, a longevity district (mean life span: 80.4 years according to 2000 Japanese census) and 69 subjects (M/F 29/40, 62 +/- 1 years) in Miyama, a non-longevity district (mean life span 77.4 years. 2000 census). There were significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressures (Bps, p < 0.001), exercise capacity (p < 0.0001) and plasma adiponectin levels (p < 0.04) between the districts. Plasma adiponectin level was significantly correlated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (r=0.333. p < 0.0001), triglyceride (TG) (r=-0.161, p < 0.04). HbA(1c) (r=-0.163, p < 0.03) and HOMA-R (r=-0.163, p < 0.03). Conclusion Life-style-related factors such as BP. exercise capacity and plasma adiponectin levels might play all important role in longevity, and those of HDL-C and TG, as well as glucose tolerance, might be associated with adiponectin levels.