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In conclusion, we found that a common, natural genetic variation within the CHIT-1 gene was strongly associated with human longevity and was also associated with several phenotypes of healthy aging. A further study of the CHIT-1 polymorphism and aging phenotypes is warranted in other populations.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This study was supported by an FIRS grant No 9775 from MIUR (Ministero dell’Universita` e Ricerca Scientifica).

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