Forkhead box O3 protein (FOXO3) genes and longevity

Approximately 25–32% of the overall variation in adult lifespan is accounted for by genetic differences that become particularly important for survival after the age of 60.

Forkhead box O3 protein (FOXO3) is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of genes involved in many cellular processes, including DNA repair, tumor suppression, immune function, and resistance to oxidative stress. Some variants of FOXO3 are associated with longevity in humans.

FOXO3 is on chromosome 6. 

FOXO3A encodes a key regulator of the insulin–IGF1 signaling pathway that is known to influence metabolism and lifespan. 

A study of long-lived men of Japanese ancestry [Willcox et al. (2008) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:13987–13992] and 1,762 German centenarians/nonagenarians and younger controls provided evidence that polymorphisms in this gene were indeed associated with the ability to attain exceptional old age. Replication in a French centenarian sample generated a trend that supported the previous results. 

rs9400239 (C,T and T,T) has been associated with increased lifespan. The T allele is the one associated with longevity.

Centenarians represent the top percentiles of their respective birth cohort-specific age distributions and have outlived most of their peers by several decades. Only 4% of male and 5.6% of female 90-year-olds and 15–17% of 95-year-olds in Germany are likely to become 100 years themselves. Centenarians represent a highly selected phenotype. The genetic contribution to survival is strongest at very advanced ages, centenarians may be particularly enriched for beneficial variants in “longevity assurance genes”.

rs2802288 (A;G and AA), has been associated with increased lifespan. The A allele is the one associated with longevity.

rs2764264 (C;T), has been associated with increased lifespan. The C allele is the one associated with longevity, particularly among men. 

rs2802292 (G;T) has been associated with increased lifespan. The G allele is the one associated with longevity. 

rs1935949 (C;T) demonstrated a significant association with longevity but only among women. 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2650329/

https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/Longevity

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2992870/

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genes: rs429358 and rs7412

The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene makes a protein which, when combined with fat, becomes a lipoprotein.

The lipoprotein ApoE is a very low-density lipoprotein, responsible in part for removing cholesterol from the bloodstream. Variations in ApoE affect cholesterol metabolism, which in turn alter your chances of having heart disease and in particular a heart attack or a stroke. Variations in ApoE are also associated with altered odds of having Alzheimer's disease and other diseases.

There are 3 allelic variants of ApoE, as defined by two SNPs, rs429358 and rs7412 known as:

- ApoE-ε2
- ApoE-ε3
- ApoE-ε4

The proteins produced by these genes are called ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4.

The most common variant overall is the "standard" ApoE-ε3, and therefore more people inherited one ApoE-ε3 from each parent than any other of the possible pairs of variants. 

Apo-ε2/ε2 - rs429358 and rs7412 (T;T) (T;T) - has the lowest risk. 

Apo-ε3/ε3 - rs429358 and rs7412 (T;T) (C;C) - is the the most common.

Apo-ε4/ε4  - rs429358 and rs7412 (C;C) (C;C) - has 11 times higher increased Alzheimer's risk. 

References:

https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/APOE

Where does your state rank in terms of life expectancy? Only Hawaii is over 80 years

People in some southern states can expect to die 8 years younger than the average American, according to a data compilation that highlights the disparities in US life expectancy.

While Americans lived for 79 years on average in 2020, those in Mississippi can expect to reach just 71.

For comparison, people in Hawaii — which has the highest life expectancy — live to 80 on average. 

The Daily Mail credits the summary to an online pharmacy, NiceRx, it's probably just a compilation of publicly available data. 

References:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11627841/Where-does-state-rank-terms-life-expectancy.html

New option for H pylori treatment: Voquezna

 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following new medication for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in adults.:

- Voquezna Triple Pak (vonoprazan, amoxicillin, clarithromycin)
- Voquezna Dual Pak (vonoprazan, amoxicillin)

Vonoprazan, which gives the name of the medication, is an oral small molecule potassium-competitive acid blocker.

H. pylori eradication rates were 84.7% and 78.5% with Voquezna Triple and Dual Pak, respectively.

Voquezna Triple Pak is supplied as a carton containing 56-tablets and 56-capsules divided into 14 daily dose blister cards. Each daily blister card contains 2 vonoprazan tablets (20mg each), 4 amoxicillin capsules (500mg each), and 2 clarithromycin tablets (500mg each).

Voquezna Dual Pak is supplied as a carton containing 28-tablets and 84-capsules divided into 14 daily dose blister cards. Each daily blister card contains 2 vonoprazan tablets (20mg each) and 6 amoxicillin capsules (500mg each).

References:
https://www.empr.com/home/news/voquezna-triple-dual-pak-approved-for-h-pylori-infection-treatment/

Physiological Effects of Ancient Religious Chants

Several studies have explore the effects of religious changes, such as OM, on physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure and heat rate variability (HRV). 

Overall, the effects were considered beneficial.

For example, a brief chanting of OM (5 min) might enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity, promote relaxation, and provide calmness. 

Rhythm formulas that involve breathing at 6 breaths per minute induced favorable psychological and possibly physiological effects. Breathing at 6 breaths per minute is very close to so called resonance frequency breathing for most people.

References:

Physiological Effects of Cryptic Ancient Religious Chants.  Abhijit. V. Bodne    Varsha Patond. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, Volume 33, Issue 60B, Page 1042-1048 DOI: 10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i60B34711 Published: 23 December 2021
https://journaljpri.com/index.php/JPRI/article/view/6842

Effect of rosary prayer and yoga mantras on autonomic cardiovascular rhythms: comparative study. BMJ. 2001 Dec 22; 323(7327): 1446–1449. doi: 10.1136/bmj.323.7327.1446  PMCID: PMC61046 PMID: 11751348
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC61046/

Immediate Effects of OM Chanting on Heart Rate Variability Measures Compared Between Experienced and Inexperienced Yoga Practitioners. Int J Yoga. 2022 Jan-Apr; 15(1): 52–58. Published online 2022 Mar 21. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_141_21 PMCID: PMC9015091 PMID: 35444369
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9015091/