Highlights
- •Genome wide association studies identified over 44 SNPs that are associated with age of onset of natural menopause (ANM).
- •Genes linked with ANM are classified into three groups: genes implicated in genome stability, immune and mitochondrial function.
- •Biological and epidemiological data indicate that reproductive performance, age at menopause and longevity are interlinked through genome stability genes.
- •Aging of the soma as a result of inefficient DNA repair appears also responsible for failure to reproduce and the subsequent menopause.
- •Hence reproductive performance is strongly linked to the health of the soma and is a very good predictor for general health in later life.
Abstract
Menopause is defined as the age-dependent permanent cessation of menstruation and
ovulation due to ovarian failure. Menopause occurs on average around the age of 51
years. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 44 genetic
variants that are associated with age of onset of natural menopause. Genes linked
with menopause can be classified into three major groups: genes implicated in genome
stability (DNA repair), immune function and mitochondrial biogenesis. Biological and
epidemiological data indicate that reproductive performance, age at menopause and
longevity are interlinked through common genetic factors, which play a pivotal role
in DNA repair and genome maintenance, which has been linked before with the process
of ageing. Consequently, ageing of the soma as a result of inefficient DNA repair
appears also to be responsible for failure to reproduce and the subsequent occurrence
of menopause. In this way reproductive performance may be strongly linked to the physical
condition of the soma and may be a very good predictor of general health in later
life.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 08, 2016
Accepted:
July 7,
2016
Received:
June 30,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
