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theory is also a possible explanation for the apparent discrepancy with a recent study performed in Denmark. In a C282Y mutation high-carrier frequency population as Denmark (Lucotte 2001; Bathum et al., 2001), this mutation shows an age-related reduction in the fre- quency of heterozygotes for C282Y, which suggests that carrier status is associated with shorter life expectancy. The observed reduction in C282Y mutation carrier frequency persists until age 95 years; however, the frequency in the centenarian group was the same as that in the youngest group for both men and women (Bathum et al., 2001). So, in that study heterozygosity for C282Y has a higher mortality rate in the younger groups but becomes beneficial in the oldest old.

All together present and previous reports seem to strongly suggest that longevity is the results of interac- tion between genetic and environmental factors that in different age, gender and population may result in a successful or unsuccessful ageing.

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Dr Alessandra Errigo for the help in patient recruitment and in blood samples processing. The ‘AKEA Project’ coordinated by Pro- fessor L. Deiana was funded by grants from the Regione Autonoma della Sardegna and MIUR (ex 40% and ex 60%). The ‘Gruppo di Studio sull’immunosenescenza’ coordinated by Professor C. Caruso was funded by grants from MIUR, Rome (ex 40%, to CC and DL; ex 60% to GC and GCR). The collaboration between this group and the Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura per Anziani was enhanced by a cooperation contract (Long- evity and elderly disability biological markers) and by the EU thematic network program ImAginE (QLK6- CT-1999-02031).

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