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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Tuomo Polvikoski
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Background. Senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA) is characterized by deposition of wild-type transthyretin (TTR)-based amyloid in parenchymal organs in elderly individuals. Previously, no population-based studies have been performed on SSA. Methods. Here we have studied the prevalence and risk factors for SSA in a Finnish autopsied population aged 85 or over, as part of the population-based Vantaa 85+ Autopsy Study (n = 256). The diagnosis of SSA was based on histological examination of myocardial samples stained with Congo red and anti-TTR immunohistochemistry. The genotype frequencies of 20 polymorphisms in 9 genes in subjects with and without SSA were compared. Results. The prevalence of SSA was 25%. SSA was associated with age, myocardial infarctions, the G/G (Val/Val) genotype of the exon 24 polymorphism in the alpha2-macroglobulin (α2M), and the H2 haplotype of the tau gene (P-values 0.002, 0.004, 0.042, and 0.016). Conclusion. This population-based study shows that SSA is very common in old individuals, affecting one-quarter of people aged over 85 years. Myocardial infarctions and variation in the genes for α2M and tau may be associated with SSA. © 2008 Informa UK Ltd.
Author(s): Tanskanen M, Peuralinna T, Polvikoski T, Notkola I-L, Sulkava R, Hardy J, Singleton A, Kiuru-Enari S, Paetau A, Tienari PJ, Myllykangas L
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Annals of Medicine
Year: 2008
Volume: 40
Issue: 3
Pages: 232-239
ISSN (print): 0785-3890
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2060
Publisher: Taylor & Francis A B
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07853890701842988
DOI: 10.1080/07853890701842988
PubMed id: 18382889
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