77 | id == 77
77 | category_id == 9
77 | category_order == 6
77 | category_name == Longevity
77 | category_color == #C47AC0
77 | slug == IGF1R-Longevity
77 | title == Does This Growth-Hormone Gene Affect Lifespan? (IGF-1R)
77 | meta_description == The IGF-1R gene plays a role in the body’s growth and development. It may even affect lifespan as well. Learn more here.
77 | summary == <p style="text-align:justify"><strong>The IGF-1R gene plays an important role in growth and development. Research suggests this gene may also be linked to lifespan. Find out how this gene works and how it may impact longevity!</strong></p>
77 | overall_score_text == Longevity Score (based on IGF-1R)
77 | image == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/background/IGF-1R.jpg
77 | author_id == 8
77 | author_name == Mathew Eng
77 | author_title == PharmD
77 | author_order == 40
77 | author_photo == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/author-photo/Mathew.jpg
77 | author_intro == <p><strong>Mathew received his PharmD from the University of Hawaii and an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Washington.</strong></p>    <p>Mathew is a licensed pharmacist with clinical experience in oncology, infectious disease, and diabetes management. He has a passion for personalized patient care and believes that education is essential to living a healthy life. His goal is to motivate individuals to find ways to manage their chronic conditions.</p>
77 | reviewer == None
77 | medical_reviewer_id == 11
77 | medical_reviewer_name == Puya Yazdi
77 | medical_reviewer_title == MD
77 | publish_date == 2020
77 | publish_date == 1
77 | publish_date == 10
77 | avg_rating == 5.0
77 | tags_id == 222
77 | tags_name == Growth Hormone
77 | tags_id == 221
77 | tags_name == IGF-1
77 | tags_id == 220
77 | tags_name == IGF-1R Gene
77 | tags_id == 101
77 | tags_name == Longevity
77 | permissions_favorite == False
77 | permissions_rate == False
77 | content_article == <h2><strong>What Is The <em>IGF-1R</em> Gene?</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="../../gene/igf1r/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">IGF-1R gene</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> codes for a protein called the IGF-1 receptor, which plays an important role in the body&rsquo;s growth and development. Let&rsquo;s breakdown these terms a little more [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2692840/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="../../gene/igf1r/"><strong>The IGF-1R gene</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> codes for a protein called IGF-1 receptor</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>The IGF-1 receptor</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> protein acts as a receptor for a hormone called IGF-1</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/the-truth-about-igf-1-top-10-benefits-and-potential-drawbacks/"><strong>The IGF-1 hormone</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, short for </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/the-truth-about-igf-1-top-10-benefits-and-potential-drawbacks/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">insulin-like growth factor 1</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, plays an important role in childhood development and muscle growth in adults</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is some evidence that specific genetic variations in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">IGF-1R</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are associated with longevity. Based on several studies, these gene variations are much more common in those that live exceptionally long lives, which may possibly be due to lower activity by the IGF-1 receptor [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2265137/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h2><strong>Longevity And The <em>IGF-1R</em> Gene</strong></h2> <h3><strong>How Does IGF-1 Work?</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IGF-1 receptors are found on many of the cells that make up the body&rsquo;s various tissues. When the IGF-1 hormone binds to the IGF-1 receptor, it triggers the </span><a href="https://www.selfdecode.com/gene/akt1/?utm_source=seo&amp;#38;utm_medium=selfhacked&amp;#38;utm_campaign=id00002"><span style="font-weight: 400;">AKT</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> signaling pathway, which stimulates cell growth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This interaction between the IGF-1 receptor and hormone is crucial for growth, especially in childhood development. Conditions that lower IGF-1 levels or impair the IGF-1 receptor can lead to growth defects, such as dwarfism. However, research also suggests that reduced IGF-1 levels may have anti-cancer effects as well [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2780013/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614012/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the other hand, elevated activity of IGF-1 hormones or receptors is associated with conditions of excess growth, such as acromegaly or cancer [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22784832"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5687252/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s not totally clear how the activity of IGF-1 or IGF-1R affects longevity. Different studies have found that both low and high levels of IGF-1 may be linked to increased risk of death [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258605/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18931092"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>Longevity Studies</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is some evidence that certain genetic variations in the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">IGF-1R</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene are associated with longer lifespans.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, one study examined the </span><a href="../../snp/rs2229765/"><strong>rs2229765</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> SNP of 668 elderly people from Northeastern Italy. Researchers found that the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele in this SNP is much more common in those that live past 85 years of age. The &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele in </span><strong>rs2229765</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was also associated with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">lower</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> blood levels of IGF-1 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19460140"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, these associations were only found in males. The SNP </span><strong>rs2229765</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> had no correlation to longevity or IGF-1 levels in women [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19460140"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another study looked at the </span><a href="../../snp/rs34516635/"><strong>rs34516635</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> SNP in 384 Ashkenazi Jews, a group that originates from Eastern Europe. According to this study, the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele in this SNP is more common in those that are 100 years or older [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2265137/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, this second study only found an association with longevity in females. Researchers also found that women with the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele had </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">higher</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> blood levels of IGF-1. These results contradict what was found in the first study and it&rsquo;s not exactly clear why [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2265137/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele in rs2229765 is associated with longer lifespans, but only in males from certain populations in Italy. On the other hand, the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele in rs34516635 is linked to longevity only in females from certain Jewish groups.</span></p> <h2><strong>Your <em>IGF-1R</em> Results for Longevity</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can see your genotypes for these two SNPs in the table below. However, keep in mind that these associations are based on studies from certain ethnic populations &mdash; so you should interpret your results with caution if you are not descended from one of these specific groups!</span></p> <p><strong>*3632104681567805*</strong></p> <p><strong>Primary SNPs:&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>IGF-1R </strong><a href="../../snp/rs2229765/"><strong>rs2229765</strong></a></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; = No association with longevity</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; = More common in those with longer lifespans in certain populations</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">About 12% of people have the &lsquo;AA&rsquo; genotype</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The association between the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele and longevity has only been found in males from certain areas in Italy</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>IGF-1R </strong><a href="../../snp/rs34516635/"><strong>rs34516635</strong></a></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; = No association with longevity</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; = More common in those with longer lifespans in certain populations</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele is extremely rare, less than 1% of people carry it and there are no reported individuals who have the &lsquo;AA&rsquo; genotype</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The association between the &lsquo;A&rsquo; allele and longevity has only been found in females from certain Jewish groups</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>*8416282057631295*</strong></p> <h2><strong>Recommendations for Longevity</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before implementing any of the following strategies, always speak with your doctor first about your options! There may be unexpected interactions with your current medications or health conditions. Also keep in mind that none of these recommendations should ever be used to replace any of the treatments or medications that your doctor gives you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s not clear exactly how genetic variations in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">IGF-1R</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> help extend lifespan. The mechanism may involve the activity of the IGF-1 hormone or receptor, but the evidence is conflicting. Both high and low levels of IGF-1 have been associated with improved longevity [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258605/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614012/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For this reason, instead of focusing on IGF-1, we&rsquo;ll list some general recommendations for improving longevity that have been backed by strong clinical evidence.</span></p> <p><strong>*7799475506734246*</strong></p> <h3><strong>Lifestyle</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Exercise Regularly</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is conflicting evidence on whether </span><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/top-14-proven-health-benefits-exercise-references-mechanisms/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">exercise</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> affects IGF-1 levels in the blood. Nonetheless, research consistently shows that physical activity is one of the best things to do to extend lifespan [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29988330"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9158556/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4608228/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regular exercise is associated with lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and death from any cause [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28943267"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30646252"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3501820/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many organizations, including the U.S. Department of Health, recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to exercise even more than this &mdash; there is strong evidence that the more exercise you get, the more health benefits there are [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3501820/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/physical-activity-guidelines-for-americans/index.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Any amount of physical activity can also help. Even if you cannot reach 150 minutes of exercise in a week, some amount of physical activity can still have health benefits. A sedentary lifestyle is strongly linked to a significantly increased risk of death [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6133005/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5998593/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h4><strong>Quitting Smoking</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smoking and tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Regardless of IGF-1 status, quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve longevity [</span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to some estimates, nonsmokers have lifespans that are at least 10 years longer than smokers. On top of that, those that quit smoking before the age of 40 may decrease their risk of smoking-related death by about 90% [</span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/tobacco_related_mortality/index.htm"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>Diet</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is some evidence that diet may affect IGF-1 levels. Research suggests that protein intake may be correlated to IGF-1 levels, although it&rsquo;s not clear how this can affect lifespan [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21557887"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3141390/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead, it may be more beneficial to focus on diets associated with longevity that have been backed by strong clinical research.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, a heart-healthy diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, a heart-healthy diet includes [</span><a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A variety of fruits and vegetables</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Poultry (without the skin)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fish and other seafood</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Healthy cooking oils</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is some evidence that other diets or eating strategies may be linked to improved longevity, including:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mediterranean diet [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5902736/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/intermittent-fasting/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Intermittent fasting</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27810402"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29063418"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25815989"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> </ul>
77 | content_snp_table_3632104681567805_key == 3632104681567805
77 | content_snp_table_3632104681567805_blur == True
77 | content_snp_table_3632104681567805_hidden == False
77 | content_learn_more_8416282057631295_key == 8416282057631295
77 | content_learn_more_8416282057631295_blur == True
77 | content_learn_more_8416282057631295_hidden == False
77 | content_learn_more_8416282057631295_text == Based on the variants we looked at, your IGF-1R genotype is somewhat associated with longevity in certain ethnic groups. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect your overall longevity — just one gene related to it. Diet and exercise can help. Keep scrolling to find out more.
77 | content_recommendation_7799475506734246_key == 7799475506734246
77 | content_recommendation_7799475506734246_blur == True
77 | content_recommendation_7799475506734246_hidden == False
rsIDs = rs2229765,rs34516635
rsStatus = rs2229765,IGF1R,chr15,98934996,G,A,T,,7,16,HET
rsStatus = rs34516635,IGF1R,chr15,98908747,G,A,,,33,0,Normal
