Renal function in familial longevity: the Leiden Longevity Study

• Men with a propensity for longevity have better renal function than controls.
• This better renal function is especially present in men with a history of cardiovascular disease.
• Offspring of long-lived families may better handle systemic inflammation.
• Females may have protective effects of sex hormones.

Studying renal function in subjects with a familial propensity for longevity may provide insight in (un)known mechanisms that determine the age-related decline in renal function of normal subjects. In the Leiden Longevity Study, middle-aged offspring of non-agenarian siblings and their partners as environmentally matched controls were included. Information was collected on lifestyle, medical history, medication use, and a non-fasting blood sample was drawn. Renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR) was assessed with the Chronic Kidney Disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula. Linear mixed models were used to account for familial dependencies within the offspring and all analyses were stratified by sex. eGFR was similar between female offspring and female controls (0.44 ml/min/1.73 m2 (SE 0.72) difference, p = 0.54, age-adjusted). Male offspring had a higher eGFR compared to male controls (1.78 ml/min/1.73 m2 (SE 0.78) difference, p = 0.022, age-adjusted), and further adjustments for various characteristics did not materially change this difference. Among men with a history of hypertension, or myocardial infarction and/or stroke, offspring had a higher eGFR compared to controls (4.74 ml/min/1.73 m2 (SE 1.53) difference, p = 0.002, age-adjusted, and 6.21 ml/min/1.73 m2 (SE 2.85) difference, p = 0.033, age-adjusted, respectively). Middle-aged men, but not women, with a propensity for longevity have better renal function compared to environmentally matched controls, especially among those with a history of cardiovascular disease.