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Ma Y, Wang M, Chen X, Ruan W, Yao J, Lian X. Telomere length and multiple sclerosis: a Mendelian randomization study. Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:229-233. [PMID: 35791675 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2098737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Previous studies have established that telomere length is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, confounding factors and reverse causality bias can impair observational research. Here, we conducted a two-sample MR study to see if telomere length is causally linked to MS using publically available GWAS summary statistics. MATERIALS AND METHODS We screened 13 independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to leukocyte telomere length in a recent genome-wide association meta-analysis, which was available for 78,592 samples of European ancestry. The summary statistics for MS were from the latest meta-analyses conducted by the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC), which included 115,803 European participants (47,429 MS, 68,374 controls). RESULTS We found that leukocyte telomere length and MS are correlated (IVW estimate of odds ratio (OR): 2.13 per 1-SD increase in genetically determined telomere length, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55-2.92, p = 3.18 × 10-6). CONCLUSION Our MR study supported that leukocyte telomere length and MS have a positive causal relationship. Further researches are warranted to elucidate the physiological mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Ma
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Wang Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jianrong Yao
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xuegan Lian
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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Bourassa KJ, Halverson TF, Garrett ME, Hair L, Dennis M, Ashley-Koch AE, Beckham JC, Kimbrel NA. Demographic characteristics and epigenetic biological aging among post-9/11 veterans: Associations of DunedinPACE with sex, race, and age. Psychiatry Res 2024; 336:115908. [PMID: 38626626 PMCID: PMC11070289 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Measures of epigenetic aging derived from DNA methylation (DNAm) have enabled the assessment of biological aging in new populations and cohorts. In the present study, we used an epigenetic measure of aging, DunedinPACE, to examine rates of aging across demographic groups in a sample of 2,309 United States military veterans from the VISN 6 MIRECC's Post-Deployment Mental Health Study. As assessed by DunedinPACE, female veterans were aging faster than male veterans (β = 0.39, 95 % CI [0.29, 0.48], p < .001), non-Hispanic Black veterans were aging faster than non-Hispanic White veterans (β = 0.58, 95 % CI [0.50, 0.66], p < .001), and older veterans were biologically aging faster than younger veterans (β = 0.21, 95 % CI [0.18, 0.25], p < .001). In secondary analyses, these differences in rates of aging were not explained by a variety of biopsychosocial covariates. In addition, the percentage of European genetic admixture in non-Hispanic Black veterans was not associated with DunedinPACE. Our findings suggest that female and non-Hispanic Black veterans are at greater risk of accelerated aging among post-9/11 veterans. Interventions that slow aging might provide relatively greater benefit among veterans comprising these at-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Bourassa
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System; Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center.
| | - Tate F Halverson
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System
| | | | - Lauren Hair
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Michelle Dennis
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
| | | | - Jean C Beckham
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System
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Moix S, Sadler MC, Kutalik Z, Auwerx C. Breaking down causes, consequences, and mediating effects of telomere length variation on human health. Genome Biol 2024; 25:125. [PMID: 38760657 PMCID: PMC11101352 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03269-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres form repeated DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes, which shorten with each cell division. Yet, factors modulating telomere attrition and the health consequences thereof are not fully understood. To address this, we leveraged data from 326,363 unrelated UK Biobank participants of European ancestry. RESULTS Using linear regression and bidirectional univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR), we elucidate the relationships between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and 142 complex traits, including diseases, biomarkers, and lifestyle factors. We confirm that telomeres shorten with age and show a stronger decline in males than in females, with these factors contributing to the majority of the 5.4% of LTL variance explained by the phenome. MR reveals 23 traits modulating LTL. Smoking cessation and high educational attainment associate with longer LTL, while weekly alcohol intake, body mass index, urate levels, and female reproductive events, such as childbirth, associate with shorter LTL. We also identify 24 traits affected by LTL, with risk for cardiovascular, pulmonary, and some autoimmune diseases being increased by short LTL, while longer LTL increased risk for other autoimmune conditions and cancers. Through multivariable MR, we show that LTL may partially mediate the impact of educational attainment, body mass index, and female age at childbirth on proxied lifespan. CONCLUSIONS Our study sheds light on the modulators, consequences, and the mediatory role of telomeres, portraying an intricate relationship between LTL, diseases, lifestyle, and socio-economic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Moix
- Department of Computational Biology, UNIL, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
| | - Marie C Sadler
- Department of Computational Biology, UNIL, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- University Center for Primary Care and Public Health, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Zoltán Kutalik
- Department of Computational Biology, UNIL, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
- University Center for Primary Care and Public Health, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
| | - Chiara Auwerx
- Department of Computational Biology, UNIL, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
- University Center for Primary Care and Public Health, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
- Center for Integrative Genetics, UNIL, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
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Yang NY, Hsieh AYY, Chen Z, Campbell AR, Gadawska I, Kakkar F, Sauve L, Bitnun A, Brophy J, Murray MCM, Pick N, Krajden M, Côté HCF. Chronic and Latent Viral Infections and Leukocyte Telomere Length across the Lifespan of Female and Male Individuals Living with or without HIV. Viruses 2024; 16:755. [PMID: 38793637 PMCID: PMC11125719 DOI: 10.3390/v16050755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic/latent viral infections may accelerate immunological aging, particularly among people living with HIV (PLWH). We characterized chronic/latent virus infections across their lifespan and investigated their associations with leukocyte telomere length (LTL). METHODS Participants enrolled in the CARMA cohort study were randomly selected to include n = 15 for each decade of age between 0 and >60 y, for each sex, and each HIV status. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), and HSV-2 infection were determined serologically; HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV) were self-reported. LTLs were measured using monochrome multiplex qPCR. Associations between the number of viruses, LTL, and sociodemographic factors were assessed using ordinal logistic and linear regression modeling. RESULTS The study included 187 PLWH (105 female/82 male) and 190 HIV-negative participants (105 female/84 male), ranging in age from 0.7 to 76.1 years. Living with HIV, being older, and being female were associated with harbouring a greater number of chronic/latent non-HIV viruses. Having more infections was in turn bivariately associated with a shorter LTL. In multivariable analyses, older age, living with HIV, and the female sex remained independently associated with having more infections, while having 3-4 viruses (vs. 0-2) was associated with a shorter LTL. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that persistent viral infections are more prevalent in PLWH and females, and that these may contribute to immunological aging. Whether this is associated with comorbidities later in life remains an important question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Yi Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; (N.Y.Y.); (A.Y.Y.H.); (M.K.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Anthony Y. Y. Hsieh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; (N.Y.Y.); (A.Y.Y.H.); (M.K.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Amber R. Campbell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; (N.Y.Y.); (A.Y.Y.H.); (M.K.)
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 2N9, Canada; (L.S.); (M.C.M.M.)
- Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 0C9, Canada
| | - Izabella Gadawska
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; (N.Y.Y.); (A.Y.Y.H.); (M.K.)
| | - Fatima Kakkar
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada;
| | - Laura Sauve
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 2N9, Canada; (L.S.); (M.C.M.M.)
- Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 0C9, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada
| | - Ari Bitnun
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada;
| | - Jason Brophy
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada;
| | - Melanie C. M. Murray
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 2N9, Canada; (L.S.); (M.C.M.M.)
- Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 0C9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Neora Pick
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 2N9, Canada; (L.S.); (M.C.M.M.)
- Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 0C9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; (N.Y.Y.); (A.Y.Y.H.); (M.K.)
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Hélène C. F. Côté
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; (N.Y.Y.); (A.Y.Y.H.); (M.K.)
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 2N9, Canada; (L.S.); (M.C.M.M.)
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Yu J, Pu F, Yang G, Hao M, Zhang H, Zhang J, Cao X, Zhu L, Wan Y, Wang X, Liu Z. Sex-Specific Association Between Childhood Adversity and Accelerated Biological Aging. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309346. [PMID: 38704685 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Is childhood adversity associated with biological aging, and if so, does sex modify the association, and do lifestyle and mental health mediate the association? A lifespan analysis is conducted using data on 142 872 participants from the UK Biobank to address these questions. Childhood adversity is assessed through the online mental health questionnaire (2016), including physical neglect, physical abuse, emotional neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and a cumulative score. Biological aging is indicated by telomere length (TL) measured from leukocyte DNA using qPCR, and the shorter TL indicates accelerated biological aging; a lifestyle score is constructed using body mass index, physical activity, drinking, smoking, and diet; mental disorder is assessed using depression, anxiety, and insomnia at the baseline survey. The results reveal a sex-specific association such that childhood adversity is associated with shorter TL in women after adjusting for covariates including polygenic risk score for TL, but not in men. Unhealthy lifestyle and mental disorder partially mediate the association in women. The proportions of indirect effects are largest for sexual and physical abuse. These findings highlight the importance of behavioral and psychological interventions in promoting healthy aging among women who experienced childhood adversity, particularly sexual and physical abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fan Pu
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Gan Yang
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meng Hao
- Human Phenome Institute and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Human Phenome Institute and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ageing and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jingyun Zhang
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xingqi Cao
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Aging and Physic-chemical Injury Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuhui Wan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health across Life Cycle/Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, and Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Human Phenome Institute and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ageing and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zuyun Liu
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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Duseikaite M, Gedvilaite G, Mikuzis P, Andrulionyte J, Kriauciuniene L, Liutkeviciene R. Investigating the Relationship between Telomere-Related Gene Variants and Leukocyte Telomere Length in Optic Neuritis Patients. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2694. [PMID: 38731223 PMCID: PMC11084964 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Optic neuritis (ON) is a condition marked by optic nerve inflammation due to various potential triggers. Research indicates a link between telomeres and inflammation, as studies demonstrate that inflammation can lead to increased telomere shortening. Aim: We aimed to determine the associations of telomere-related telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TERF1) rs1545827, rs10107605, and telomeric repeat binding factor 2 (TERF2) rs251796 polymorphisms and relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) with the occurrence of ON. Methods: In this research, a total of 73 individuals diagnosed with optic neuritis (ON) were studied and the control group included 170 individuals without any health issues. The DNA samples were obtained from peripheral blood leukocytes, which were purified using the DNA salting-out technique. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assessed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and relative leukocyte telomere lengths (LTL). The data obtained were processed and analyzed using the "IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0" program. Results: Our study revealed the following results: in the male group, TERF2 rs251796 (AA, AG, and TT) statistically significantly differed between the long and short telomere group, with frequencies of 65.7%, 22.9%, and 2.0% in long telomeres, compared to 35.1%, 56.8%, and 8.1% in the short telomere group (p = 0.013). The TERF2 rs251796 CT genotype, compared to CC, under the codominant genetic model, was associated with 4.7-fold decreased odds of telomere shortening (p = 0.005). Meanwhile, CT+TT genotypes, compared to CC under the dominant genetic model, were associated with 3.5-fold decreased odds of telomere shortening (p = 0.011). Also, the CT genotype, compared to CC+TT, under the overdominant genetic model, was associated with 4.4-fold decreased odds of telomere shortening (p = 0.004). Conclusions: The current evidence may suggest a protective role of TERF2 rs251796 in the occurrence of ON in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Duseikaite
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Institute of Neuroscience, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Street 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.G.); (L.K.); (R.L.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių Pr. 13, LT-50166 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Greta Gedvilaite
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Institute of Neuroscience, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Street 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.G.); (L.K.); (R.L.)
- Medical Faculty, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (P.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Paulius Mikuzis
- Medical Faculty, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (P.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Juste Andrulionyte
- Medical Faculty, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (P.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Loresa Kriauciuniene
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Institute of Neuroscience, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Street 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.G.); (L.K.); (R.L.)
| | - Rasa Liutkeviciene
- Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Institute of Neuroscience, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių Street 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.G.); (L.K.); (R.L.)
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Lopez-Lee C, Torres ERS, Carling G, Gan L. Mechanisms of sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. Neuron 2024; 112:1208-1221. [PMID: 38402606 PMCID: PMC11076015 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the mechanisms underlying its etiology and progression are complex and multifactorial. The higher AD risk in women may serve as a clue to better understand these complicated processes. In this review, we examine aspects of AD that demonstrate sex-dependent effects and delve into the potential biological mechanisms responsible, compiling findings from advanced technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and multi-omics analyses. We review evidence that sex hormones and sex chromosomes interact with various disease mechanisms during aging, encompassing inflammation, metabolism, and autophagy, leading to unique characteristics in disease progression between men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Lopez-Lee
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eileen Ruth S Torres
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gillian Carling
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Frydrychová RČ, Konopová B, Peska V, Brejcha M, Sábová M. Telomeres and telomerase: active but complex players in life-history decisions. Biogerontology 2024; 25:205-226. [PMID: 37610666 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Studies on human telomeres have established that telomeres exert a significant influence on lifespan and health of organisms. However, recent research has indicated that the original idea that telomeres affect lifespan in a universal and central manner across all eukaryotic species is an oversimplification. Indeed, findings from a variety of animal species revealed that the role of telomere biology in aging is more subtle and intricate than previously recognized. Here, we show how telomere biology varies depending on the taxon. We also show how telomere biology corresponds to basic life history traits and affects the life table of a species and investments in growth, body size, reproduction, and lifespan; telomeres are hypothesized to shape evolutionary perspectives for species in an active but complex manner. Our evaluation is based on telomere biology data from many examples from throughout the animal kingdom that vary according to the degree of organismal complexity and life history strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbora Konopová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vratislav Peska
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Brejcha
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Sábová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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Goyne CE, Fair AE, Sumowski PE, Graves JS. The Impact of Aging on Multiple Sclerosis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:83-93. [PMID: 38416310 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Age is one of the most important factors in determining MS phenotype. This review provides an overview of how age influences MS clinical characteristics, pathology, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS New methods for measuring aging have improved our understanding of the aging process in MS. New studies have characterized the molecular and cellular composition of chronic active or smoldering plaques in MS. These lesions are important contributors to disability progression in MS. These studies highlight the important role of immunosenescence and the innate immune system in sustaining chronic inflammation. Given these changes in immune function, several studies have assessed optimal treatment strategies in aging individuals with MS. MS phenotype is intimately linked with chronologic age and immunosenescence. While there are many unanswered questions, there has been much progress in understanding this relationship which may lead to more effective treatments for progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Goyne
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, Ste 4W-222, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ashley E Fair
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, Ste 4W-222, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Paige E Sumowski
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, Ste 4W-222, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jennifer S Graves
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9452 Medical Center Drive, Ste 4W-222, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA.
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10
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Mason CE, Sierra MA, Feng HJ, Bailey SM. Telomeres and aging: on and off the planet! Biogerontology 2024; 25:313-327. [PMID: 38581556 PMCID: PMC10998805 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-024-10098-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Improving human healthspan in our rapidly aging population has never been more imperative. Telomeres, protective "caps" at the ends of linear chromosomes, are essential for maintaining genome stability of eukaryotic genomes. Due to their physical location and the "end-replication problem" first envisioned by Dr. Alexey Olovnikov, telomeres shorten with cell division, the implications of which are remarkably profound. Telomeres are hallmarks and molecular drivers of aging, as well as fundamental integrating components of the cumulative effects of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that erode telomere length over time. Ongoing telomere attrition and the resulting limit to replicative potential imposed by cellular senescence serves a powerful tumor suppressor function, and also underlies aging and a spectrum of age-related degenerative pathologies, including reduced fertility, dementias, cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, very little data exists regarding the extraordinary stressors and exposures associated with long-duration space exploration and eventual habitation of other planets, nor how such missions will influence telomeres, reproduction, health, disease risk, and aging. Here, we briefly review our current understanding, which has advanced significantly in recent years as a result of the NASA Twins Study, the most comprehensive evaluation of human health effects associated with spaceflight ever conducted. Thus, the Twins Study is at the forefront of personalized space medicine approaches for astronauts and sets the stage for subsequent missions. We also extrapolate from current understanding to future missions, highlighting potential biological and biochemical strategies that may enable human survival, and consider the prospect of longevity in the extreme environment of space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria A Sierra
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine and WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Computational Biology & Medicine Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Henry J Feng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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11
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Savage SA. Telomere length and cancer risk: finding Goldilocks. Biogerontology 2024; 25:265-278. [PMID: 38109000 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are the nucleoprotein complex at chromosome ends essential in genomic stability. Baseline telomere length (TL) is determined by rare and common germline genetic variants but shortens with age and is susceptible to certain environmental exposures. Cellular senescence or apoptosis are normally triggered when telomeres reach a critically short length, but cancer cells overcome these protective mechanisms and continue to divide despite chromosomal instability. Rare germline variants in telomere maintenance genes cause exceedingly short telomeres for age (< 1st percentile) and the telomere biology disorders, which are associated with elevated risks of bone marrow failure, myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head/neck and anogenital regions. Long telomeres due to rare germline variants in the same or different telomere maintenance genes are associated with elevated risks of other cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia or sarcoma. Early epidemiology studies of TL in the general population lacked reproducibility but new methods, including creation of a TL polygenic score using common variants, have found longer telomeres associated with excess risks of renal cell carcinoma, glioma, lung cancer, and others. It has become clear that when it comes to TL and cancer etiology, not too short, not too long, but "just right" telomeres are important in minimizing cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 6E456, Bethesda, MD, 20892-6772, USA.
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12
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Koemel NA, Laouali N, Senior AM, Celermajer DS, Grech A, Solon-Biet SM, Simpson SJ, Raubenheimer D, Gill TP, Skilton MR. The Relationship between Dietary Macronutrient Composition and Telomere Length Among US Adults. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300619. [PMID: 38229191 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The role of dietary macronutrients and energy intake in the aging process has been well-established. However, previous research has mainly focused on the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and individual macronutrients, while the effects of macronutrient composition on LTL remain unclear. This cross-sectional analysis involved 4130 US adults (44.8 ± 17.0 years; 51% female) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 1999-2002. A single 24-h dietary recall is used to collect dietary data. The relationship between dietary macronutrient composition and LTL is examined using three-dimensional generalized additive models. After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, education, physical activity, BMI, and dietary quality, a three-dimensional association of macronutrient composition with LTL (P = 0.02) is revealed. Diets lower in protein (5-10%), higher in carbohydrates (75%), and lower in fat (15-20%) are associated with the longest LTL corresponding to 7.7 years of slower biological aging. Diets lowest in protein (5%) and carbohydrate (40%), while highest in dietary fat (55%) are associated with the shortest LTL, corresponding to accelerated biological aging of 4.4 years. The associations appeared magnified with higher energy intake. These findings support a complex relationship between dietary macronutrients and biological aging independent of diet quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Koemel
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - Nasser Laouali
- Université Paris-Saclay, CESP UMR1018, UVSQ, Inserm, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, Paris, 94805, France
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Alistair M Senior
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - David S Celermajer
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - Amanda Grech
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - Samantha M Solon-Biet
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - Stephen J Simpson
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - Timothy P Gill
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - Michael R Skilton
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
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13
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Martin NA, McLester-Davis LWY, Roy TR, Magruder MG, Hastings WJ, Drury SS. Monochrome Multiplex Quantitative PCR Telomere Length Measurement. J Vis Exp 2024:10.3791/66545. [PMID: 38587381 PMCID: PMC11080955 DOI: 10.3791/66545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are ribonucleoprotein structures at the end of all eukaryotic chromosomes that protect DNA from damage and preserve chromosome stability. Telomere length (TL) has been associated with various exposures, biological processes, and health outcomes. This article describes the monochrome multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MMqPCR) assay protocol routinely conducted in our laboratory for measuring relative mean TL from human DNA. There are several different PCR-based TL measurement methods, but the specific protocol for the MMqPCR method presented in this publication is repeatable, efficient, cost-effective, and suitable for population-based studies. This detailed protocol outlines all information necessary for investigators to establish this assay in their laboratory. In addition, this protocol provides specific steps to increase the reproducibility of TL measurement by this assay, defined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) across repeated measurements of the same sample. The ICC is a critical factor in evaluating expected power for a specific study population; as such, reporting cohort-specific ICCs for any TL assay is a necessary step to enhance the overall rigor of population-based studies of TL. Example results utilizing DNA samples extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrate the feasibility of generating highly repeatable TL data using this MMqPCR protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren W Y McLester-Davis
- Native American Center for Health Professions, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | | | | | | - Stacy S Drury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital;
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14
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Campisi M, Cannella L, Celik D, Gabelli C, Gollin D, Simoni M, Ruaro C, Fantinato E, Pavanello S. Mitigating cellular aging and enhancing cognitive functionality: visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy in neurocognitive disorders. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1354025. [PMID: 38524114 PMCID: PMC10957554 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1354025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The growing phenomenon of population aging is redefining demographic dynamics, intensifying age-related conditions, especially dementia, projected to triple by 2050 with an enormous global economic burden. This study investigates visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy (CAT) as a non-pharmacological CAT intervention targets both biological aging [leukocyte telomere length (LTL), DNA methylation age (DNAmAge)] and cognitive functionality. Aligning with a broader trend of integrating non-pharmacological approaches into dementia care. The longitudinal study involved 20 patients with mild to moderate neurocognitive disorders. Cognitive and functional assessments, and biological aging markers -i.e., LTL and DNAmAge- were analyzed before and after CAT intervention. Change in LTL was positively correlated with days of treatment (p =0.0518). LTL significantly elongated after intervention (p =0.0269), especially in men (p =0.0142), correlating with younger age (p =0.0357), and higher education (p =0.0008). DNAmAge remained instead stable post-treatment. Cognitive and functional improvements were observed for Copy of complex geometric figure, Progressive Silhouettes, Position Discrimination, Communication Activities of Daily Living-Second edition, Direct Functional Status (p < 0.0001) and Object decision (p =0.0594), but no correlations were found between LTL and cognitive gains. Visual arts-mediated CAT effectively mitigates cellular aging, especially in men, by elongating LTL. These findings underscore the potential of non-pharmacological interventions in enhancing cognitive and functional status and general well-being in dementia care. Further research with larger and longer-term studies is essential for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Campisi
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luana Cannella
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Dilek Celik
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Gabelli
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Donata Gollin
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Simoni
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristina Ruaro
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Fantinato
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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15
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Torigoe TH, Willcox DC, Shimabukuro M, Higa M, Gerschenson M, Andrukhiv A, Suzuki M, Morris BJ, Chen R, Gojanovich GS, Allsopp RC, Willcox BJ. Novel protective effect of the FOXO3 longevity genotype on mechanisms of cellular aging in Okinawans. NPJ AGING 2024; 10:18. [PMID: 38459055 PMCID: PMC10923797 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-024-00142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The genetic association of FOXO3 genotypes with human longevity is well established, although the mechanism is not fully understood. We now report on the relationship of the FOXO3 longevity variant rs2802292 with telomere length, telomerase activity, FOXO3 expression, and inflammatory cytokine levels in men and women. In agreement with earlier work, the FOXO3 longevity variant conferred protection against telomere shortening of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from adults aged 55 years and older. This was accompanied by higher levels of telomerase activity in mononuclear cells for carriers of the longevity-associated FOXO3 G-allele of SNP rs2802292 (P = 0.015). FOXO3 mRNA expression increased slightly with age in both young (P = 0.02) and old (P = 0.08) G-allele carriers. Older female G-allele carriers displayed a modest decline in levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 with age (P = 0.07). In contrast, older male G-allele carriers displayed an age-dependent increase in levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with age (P = 0.04). Thus, FOXO3 may act through several different pro-longevity mechanisms, which may differ by age and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor H Torigoe
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - D Craig Willcox
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Department of Human Welfare, Okinawa International University, Ginowan, Okinawa, Japan
- Okinawa Research Center for Longevity Science, Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan
- Department of Research, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Michio Shimabukuro
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan
- Diabetes and Life-Style Related Disease Center, Tomishiro Central Hospital, Tomishiro, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Moritake Higa
- Diabetes and Life-Style Related Disease Center, Tomishiro Central Hospital, Tomishiro, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Mariana Gerschenson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Anastasia Andrukhiv
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Makoto Suzuki
- Okinawa Research Center for Longevity Science, Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Brian J Morris
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Department of Research, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Randi Chen
- Department of Research, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Greg S Gojanovich
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Richard C Allsopp
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA.
- Okinawa Research Center for Longevity Science, Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Bradley J Willcox
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Okinawa Research Center for Longevity Science, Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan
- Department of Research, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
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16
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Wolf SE, Hastings WJ, Ye Q, Etzel L, Apsley AT, Chiaro C, Heim CC, Heller T, Noll JG, Schreier HMC, Shenk CE, Shalev I. Cross-tissue comparison of telomere length and quality metrics of DNA among individuals aged 8 to 70 years. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0290918. [PMID: 38386656 PMCID: PMC10883573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is an important biomarker of cellular aging, yet its links with health outcomes may be complicated by use of different tissues. We evaluated within- and between-individual variability in TL and quality metrics of DNA across five tissues using a cross-sectional dataset ranging from 8 to 70 years (N = 197). DNA was extracted from all tissue cells using the Gentra Puregene DNA Extraction Kit. Absolute TL (aTL) in kilobase pairs was measured in buccal epithelial cells, saliva, dried blood spots (DBS), buffy coat, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using qPCR. aTL significantly shortened with age for all tissues except saliva and buffy coat, although buffy coat was available for a restricted age range (8 to 15 years). aTL did not significantly differ across blood-based tissues (DBS, buffy coat, PBMC), which had significantly longer aTL than buccal cells and saliva. Additionally, aTL was significantly correlated for the majority of tissue pairs, with partial Spearman's correlations controlling for age and sex ranging from ⍴ = 0.18 to 0.51. We also measured quality metrics of DNA including integrity, purity, and quantity of extracted DNA from all tissues and explored whether controlling for DNA metrics improved predictions of aTL. We found significant tissue variation: DNA from blood-based tissues had high DNA integrity, more acceptable A260/280 and A260/230 values, and greater extracted DNA concentrations compared to buccal cells and saliva. Longer aTL was associated with lower DNA integrity, higher extracted DNA concentrations, and higher A260/230, particularly for saliva. Model comparisons suggested that incorporation of quality DNA metrics improves models of TL, although relevant metrics vary by tissue. These findings highlight the merits of using blood-based tissues and suggest that incorporation of quality DNA metrics as control variables in population-based studies can improve TL predictions, especially for more variable tissues like buccal and saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Wolf
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Waylon J. Hastings
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Qiaofeng Ye
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Laura Etzel
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Abner T. Apsley
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christopher Chiaro
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christine C. Heim
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Heller
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennie G. Noll
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Hannah M. C. Schreier
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Chad E. Shenk
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States of America
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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17
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Wai KM, Swe T, Su Hninn TS, Paing AM, Naing YL, Htay ZW, Ihara K. Prenatal exposure to environmental heavy metals and newborn telomere length: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123192. [PMID: 38135140 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental heavy metals is associated with telomere length (TL) alteration. Available information regarding the effect of prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants on newborn TL is controversial. The aim of this study is to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of the existing epidemiological studies on the associations between prenatal metal exposure and newborn TL. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the online databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect from their inception to December 1, 2023. Thirteen eligible studies were included from the overall initial identification of 3559 records. The effect size was expressed as standardized beta coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by the restricted maximum-likelihood approach with a weighted random-effects model. Prenatal exposure to environmental heavy metals was associated with a shorter newborn TL (standardized beta = -0.04; 95% CI: -0.08, 0.00; p = 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that prenatal exposure to cadmium was significantly, negatively associated with TL in newborns (standardized beta = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.10, -0.01; p = 0.021). Heavy metal exposure during the third trimester was significantly associated with a shorter TL in newborns (standardized beta = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.11, -0.01; p = 0.045). No significant association was found between the newborn's sex and exposure sample type. This study provides evidence for the negative effect of prenatal exposure to heavy metals on newborn TL. In particular, cadmium exposure and exposure during the third trimester of pregnancy are critical factors associated with heavy metal-induced TL shortening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyi Mar Wai
- Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Japan; Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Thinzar Swe
- Preclinical Department, University of Medicine (2), Myanmar
| | - Thae Su Su Hninn
- International Program in Hazardous Substance and Environmental Management, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
| | | | - Yoon Lei Naing
- Department of Human Resource for Health, University of Medicine (1), Myanmar
| | - Zin Wai Htay
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazushige Ihara
- Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Japan
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18
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Hassler EM, Almer G, Reishofer G, Deutschmann H, Mangge H, Herrmann M, Leber SL, Gunzer F, Langsenlehner T, Renner W. A sex-specific association of leukocyte telomere length with thigh muscle mass. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:150-156. [PMID: 37725415 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes at the ends of linear chromosomes that protect against DNA degradation. Telomeres shorten during normal cell divisions and therefore, telomere length is an indicator of mitotic-cell age. In humans, telomere shortening is a potential biomarker for disease risk, progression and premature death. Physical activity has been associated with longer leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in some studies. In the current study the relationship between LTL, thigh muscle mass and adipose tissue distribution was explored. METHODS We performed anthropometric measurements and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the thigh in 149 healthy subjects (77 male, 72 female). LTL was measured using qPCR. Additionally, the subjects answered a questionnaire concerning their training behaviour. RESULTS In male subjects, LTL was significantly associated with thigh muscle mass, independent of age and body mass index (p=0.006). In addition, a slight association of LTL with weekly endurance units in the male group was found. These relations could not be observed in females. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we observed a sex-specific association of LTL and thigh muscle mass in healthy males. The reason of this sex-specific association is currently unclear, but could be related to different training effects and/or hormonal pathways in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Maria Hassler
- Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gunter Almer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Reishofer
- Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hannes Deutschmann
- Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Harald Mangge
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BiotechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Herrmann
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan L Leber
- Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Felix Gunzer
- Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tanja Langsenlehner
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wilfried Renner
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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19
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Moshfeghinia R, Torabi A, Mostafavi S, Rahbar S, Moradi MS, Sadeghi E, Mootz J, Vardanjani HM. Maternal psychological stress during pregnancy and newborn telomere length: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:947. [PMID: 38102621 PMCID: PMC10724935 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05387-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes, and shorter leukocyte telomeres are associated with major group diseases. Maternal psychological stress may be related to the shortening of telomeres in infants. This systematic review and meta-analysis set out to consolidate the varying effect sizes found in studies of maternal psychological stress and telomere length (TL) in newborns and identify moderators of the relationship between stress during pregnancy and newborn TL. METHODS Our systematic review was registered in Prospero. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL Complete) were searched for records in English from inception to February 10, 2023. Observational studies were included that measured the relationship of psychological stress of the mother during pregnancy on the TL of the newborn. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random-effect model was selected. Statistical analysis performed by Stata software version 17. RESULTS Eight studies were included for qualitative and four for quantitative analysis. There was an inverse statistically significant relationship between maternal stress and newborn TL; A one score increase in maternal psychological stress resulted in a 0.04 decrease in the TL of the newborn (B = -0.04, 95% CI = [-0.08, 0.00], p = 0.05). Selectivity analysis showed that the pooled effect size was sensitive to one study; After removing this study, the pooled effect size remained significant (B = -0.06, 95% CI = [-0. 10, -0.02], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Physiological and environmental factors can significantly affect the TL of newborns. Our results support a significant impact of maternal psychological stress on the TL of a newborn. This association demonstrates the significance of stress in influencing the telomere length, which can be a contributing factor in the infant's future. Therefore, recognizing this association is crucial for understanding and addressing potential health risks and necessitates the need for additional future studies to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Moshfeghinia
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- MD-MPH Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Torabi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- MD-MPH Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- MD-MPH Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shiva Rahbar
- Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Erfan Sadeghi
- Research Consultation Center (RCC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jennifer Mootz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NYC, USA.
| | - Hossein Molavi Vardanjani
- MD-MPH Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Shiraz, Iran.
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20
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Hou X, Li R, Wang J, Wei D, Yang X, Liao W, Yuchi Y, Liu X, Huo W, Mao Z, Liu J, Wang C, Hou J. Gender-specific associations between mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and telomere length. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:9583-9598. [PMID: 37773482 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01752-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Evidence shows the relationships of individual environmental PAHs by their urinary metabolites with relative telomere length (RTL), which may be affected by biological gender differences. Since plasma parent PAHs are not metabolized, it may reflect human exposure to PAHs more realistically in daily life. Thus, exploring joint associations between plasma parent PAHs and RTL is urgent, which may identify the major contributor to its adverse effect. In this study, 2577 participants were obtained from the Henan Rural Cohort. The level of PAHs in blood samples was detected by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. RTL in blood samples was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Generalized linear models or quantile g-computation were performed to evaluate the associations between the individual or a mixture of PAHs and RTL. Results from generalized linear models showed that each unit increment in BghiP value corresponded to a 0.098 (95%CI: 0.067, 0.129) increment in RTL for men; each unit increment in BaP, BghiP and Flu value corresponded to a 0.041 (95%CI: 0.014, 0.068), 0.081 (95%CI: 0.055, 0.107) and 0.016 (95%CI: 0.005, 0.027) increment in RTL for women. Results from quantile-g computation revealed that each one-quantile increment in the mixture of 10 PAHs corresponded to a 0.057 (95%CI: 0.021, 0.094) and 0.047 (95%CI: 0.003, 0.091) increment in RTL values of women and men, but these associations were mainly ascribed to three PAHs for women (BaP, Flu and BghiP) and men (BaP, BghiP and Pyr), respectively. Similar results were found in smoking men and cooking women without smoking. Our study found that exposure to 10 PAHs mixture was positively associated with RTL across gender, mainly attributed to Flu, BaP and BghiP, implicating that gender-specific associations may be ascribed to tobacco and cooking smoke pollution. The findings provided clues for effective measures to control PAHs pollutants-related aging disease.Clinical trial registration The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 06 July 2015. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Hou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiying Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohuan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghao Yuchi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotian Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqian Huo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenxing Mao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junlin Liu
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongjian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Liang Y, Huang P. Associations of telomere length with risk of mortality from influenza and pneumonia in US adults: a prospective cohort study of NHANES 1999-2002. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:3115-3125. [PMID: 37962763 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02607-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, interest has arisen to realize the relationship between telomere length (TL) and influenza and pneumonia mortality. AIM Our study attempted to investigate this correlation by analyzing information gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002. METHODS A total of 7229 participants were involved in the conducted research. We utilized Cox proportional risk model analysis to determine the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for TL and influenza and pneumonia mortality. RESULTS During the average follow-up time of 204.10 ± 51.26 months, 33 (0.45%) participants died from influenza and pneumonia. After adjusting for multiple variables, shorter TL was associated with higher influenza-pneumonia mortality. In subgroup analyses stratified by sex, men exhibited stronger associations with influenza-pneumonia mortality than women (Model 1: HRmale: 0.014 vs HRfemale: 0.054; Model 2: HRmale: 0.082 vs HRfemale: 0.890; Model 3: HRmale: 0.072 vs HRfemale: 0.776). For subgroup analyses by visceral adiposity index (VAI), all statistically significant (P < 0.05) models displayed an inverse relationship between TL and influenza and pneumonia mortality. CONCLUSIONS Our research provides further proof for the connection between shorter telomeres and higher influenza-pneumonia mortality. Larger prospective researches are essential to support our results and explain the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingshan Liang
- Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Guangzhou, 510800, China.
| | - Peipei Huang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
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22
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Gold NM, Okeke MN, He Y. Involvement of Inheritance in Determining Telomere Length beyond Environmental and Lifestyle Factors. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.1023. [PMID: 37962459 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
All linear chromosomal ends have specific DNA-protein complexes called telomeres. Telomeres serve as a "molecular clock" to estimate the potential length of cell replication. Shortening of telomere length (TL) is associated with cellular senescence, aging, and various age-related diseases in humans. Here we reviewed the structure, function, and regulation of telomeres and the age-related diseases associated with telomere attrition. Among the various determinants of TL, we highlight the connection between TL and heredity to provide a new overview of genetic determinants for TL. Studies across multiple species have shown that maternal and paternal TL influence the TL of their offspring, and this may affect life span and their susceptibility to age-related diseases. Hence, we reviewed the linkage between TL and parental influences and the proposed mechanisms involved. More in-depth studies on the genetic mechanism for TL attrition are needed due to the potential application of this knowledge in human medicine to prevent premature frailty at its earliest stage, as well as promote health and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naheemat Modupeola Gold
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic, Evolution and Animal Models, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Michael Ngozi Okeke
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Nanomedical Technology Research, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yonghan He
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic, Evolution and Animal Models, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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23
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Fan G, Liu Q, Bi J, Qin X, Fang Q, Wang Y, Song L. Association between female-specific reproductive factors and leukocyte telomere length. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2239-2246. [PMID: 37671590 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the associations between female-specific reproductive factors and leukocyte telomere length (LTL)? SUMMARY ANSWER Early menarche, early menopause, short reproductive lifespan, early age at first birth, multiparity, and use of oral contraceptives (OCs) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were associated with shorter LTL. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Reproductive factors have been associated with age-related diseases, but their associations with cellular aging, as indicated by LTL, are unclear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This population-based study included 224 965 women aged 40-69 years from the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women aged 40-69 were included. Female-specific reproductive factors, including age at menarche, age at natural menopause, reproductive lifespan, number of live births, age at first live birth, history of stillbirth, history of miscarriage, and use of OCs and HRT were self-reported. LTL was measured using a validated polymerase chain reaction method. Multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline models were applied to explore the association between each reproductive factor and LTL. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After adjustment for potential confounders, early menarche (<12 years; percent change, per unit change in LTL Z score: -1.29%, 95% CI: -2.32%, -0.26%), early menopause (<45 years; percent change: -7.18%, 95% CI: -8.87%, -5.45%), short reproductive lifespan (<30 years; percent change: -6.10%, 95% CI: -8.14%, -4.01%), multiparity (percent change: -3.38%, 95% CI: -4.38%, -2.37%), early age at first live birth (<20 years; percent change: -4.46%, 95% CI: -6.00%, -2.90%), and use of OCs (percent change: -1.10%, 95% CI: -2.18%, -0.02%) and HRT (percent change: -3.72%, 95% CI: -4.63%, -2.80%) were all significantly associated with shorter LTL. However, no significant association was found for history of miscarriage and stillbirth. We observed nonlinear relationships of age at menarche, age at natural menopause, reproductive lifespan, and age at first live birth with LTL (Pnonlinear < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Considering that the participants were predominantly of European ethnicity, the findings may not be generalizable to women of other ethnic backgrounds. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings suggest that early menarche, early menopause, short reproductive lifespan, early age at first birth, multiparity, and use of OCs and HRT were associated with shorter LTL, which has been linked to various chronic diseases. The accelerated shortening of telomeres may potentially contribute to the development of chronic diseases related to reproductive factors. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82003479, 82073660), Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (2023AFB663), and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2019M662646, 2020T130220). The authors have no competing interests to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaojie Fan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianing Bi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiya Qin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qing Fang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Youjie Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lulu Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Zhang N, Baker EC, Welsh TH, Riley DG. Telomere Dynamics in Livestock. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1389. [PMID: 37997988 PMCID: PMC10669808 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are repeated sequences of nucleotides at the end of chromosomes. They deteriorate across mitotic divisions of a cell. In Homo sapiens this process of lifetime reduction has been shown to correspond with aspects of organismal aging and exposure to stress or other insults. The early impetus to characterize telomere dynamics in livestock related to the concern that aged donor DNA would result in earlier cell senescence and overall aging in cloned animals. Telomere length investigations in dairy cows included breed effects, estimates of additive genetic control (heritability 0.12 to 0.46), and effects of external stressors on telomere degradation across animal life. Evaluation of telomeres with respect to aging has also been conducted in pigs and horses, and there are fewer reports of telomere biology in beef cattle, sheep, and goats. There were minimal associations of telomere length with animal productivity measures. Most, but not all, work in livestock has documented an inverse relationship between peripheral blood cell telomere length and age; that is, a longer telomere length was associated with younger age. Because livestock longevity affects productivity and profitability, the role of tissue-specific telomere attrition in aging may present alternative improvement strategies for genetic improvement while also providing translational biomedical knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
| | - Emilie C. Baker
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX 79016, USA;
| | - Thomas H. Welsh
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - David G. Riley
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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25
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Gao S, Rohr JK, de Vivo I, Ramsay M, Krieger N, Kabudula CW, Farrell MT, Bassil DT, Harriman NW, Corona-Perez D, Pesic K, Berkman LF. Telomere Length, Health, and Mortality in a Cohort of Older Black South African Adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:1983-1990. [PMID: 37352164 PMCID: PMC10613001 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) may be a biomarker of aging processes as well as age-related diseases. However, most studies of TL and aging are conducted in high-income countries. Less is known in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as South Africa, where life expectancy remains lower despite population aging. We conducted a descriptive analysis of TL in a cohort of older adults in rural South Africa. TL was assayed from venous blood draws using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (T/S ratio). We examined the correlation between TL and biomarkers, demographic characteristics, mental/cognitive health measures, and physical performance measures in a subsample of the Wave 1 2014-2015 "Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa" (HAALSI) cohort (n = 510). We used logistic regression to measure the association between TL and mortality through Wave 3 (2021-2022). In bivariate analyses, TL was significantly correlated with age (r = -0.29, p < .0001), self-reported female sex (r = 0.13, p = .002), mortality (r = -0.1297, p = .003), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.09, p = .037), pulse pressure (r = -0.09, p = .045), and being a grandparent (r = -0.17, p = .0001). TL was significantly associated with age (β = -0.003; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.005, -0.003). TL was significantly associated in unadjusted multivariate analyses with mortality, but the relationship between TL and mortality was attenuated after adjusting for age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.03, 1.27) and other covariates (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.02, 1.19). Our study is the first analysis of TL in an older adult South African population. Our results corroborate existing relationships between TL and age, sex, cardiometabolic disease, and mortality found in higher-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gao
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia K Rohr
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Immaculata de Vivo
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michele Ramsay
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nancy Krieger
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Meagan T Farrell
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darina T Bassil
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nigel W Harriman
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diana Corona-Perez
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katarina Pesic
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa F Berkman
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Yeung SS, Ma SL, Wang X, Chen Y, Tsui SKW, Tang NLS, Woo J. Telomere Length among Chinese Aged 75+ Years. Gerontology 2023; 69:1414-1423. [PMID: 37857262 PMCID: PMC10652652 DOI: 10.1159/000534644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telomere length (TL) is generally regarded as a biomarker of aging. TL, which is influenced by sociodemographic factors, has been shown to be inversely associated with morbidity. However, most studies examined the youngest, and whether the findings can be extended to older individuals is less clear. Further, few studies have examined these questions in Chinese older adults. This cross-sectional study examined TL and its associated factors in Chinese aged 75+ years in Hong Kong. METHODS Participants were from the Mr. and Ms. Osteoporosis cohort. A structured interview on sociodemographic factors and physical measurement was conducted. Frailty and sarcopenia status were respectively determined by Fried's criteria and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definition. TL was measured by a molecular inversion probe-quantitative PCR assay and expressed as a novel telomere/a single copy reference gene (T/S) ratio. Adjusted binary logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between TL and the presence of multimorbidity, age-related diseases, frailty, and sarcopenia. RESULTS Among 555 participants (mean age 83.6 ± 3.8 years, 41.3% females), the mean T/S ratio was 1.01 ± 0.20. Males had a lower T/S ratio (0.97 ± 0.20) compared with females (1.07 ± 0.18) (p < 0.001). A lower education level was related to a longer TL (p = 0.016). Being a current smoker was related to a shorter TL (p = 0.007). TL was not significantly different across categories of age, subjective socioeconomic status, drinking status, physical activity level, and body mass index (p > 0.05). There were no associations between TL and the presence of multimorbidity, diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, frailty, and sarcopenia. CONCLUSION Among Chinese aged 75+ years, males had shorter TL compared with females. TL was not associated with age-related diseases, frailty, and sarcopenia in this age group. TL may not be a biological marker of aging among older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suey S.Y. Yeung
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Suk Ling Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Xingyan Wang
- Department of Chemical Pathology and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Hong Kong Branch of CAS Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Functional Genomics and Biostatistical Computing Laboratory, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yangchao Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Hong Kong Bioinformatics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Centre for Microbial Genomics and Proteomics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Nelson Leung Sang Tang
- Department of Chemical Pathology and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Hong Kong Branch of CAS Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Functional Genomics and Biostatistical Computing Laboratory, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- Cytomics Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jean Woo
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Centre for Nutritional Studies, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Liu X, Ma T, Yang C, Li J, Zhang Y, Zhao Y. Persistent dyslipidemia increases the longitudinal changes in telomere length. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:173. [PMID: 37853446 PMCID: PMC10585729 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01938-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) as a 'biological clock' of aging is closely related to human health, its association with an aging-related disease, dyslipidemia, has been less studied and mainly focused on cross-sectional investigations. METHODS Two rounds of information and blood collections were conducted on a cohort of 1624 individuals residing in rural Ningxia, located in northwest China, with an average time gap of 9.8 years. The relative telomere length (RTL) of peripheral blood leukocytes was assessed using real-time quantitative PCR. To investigate the association between dyslipidemia, blood lipid levels, and alterations in RTL, multiple linear regression and generalized linear models were employed. RESULTS After conducting the follow-up analysis, it was observed that 83.3% of the participants in the study exhibited a reduction in telomere length, while 16.7% experienced an increase in telomere length. The results suggested that dyslipidemia at baseline or follow-up may increase longitudinal changes in telomere length, but it was more significant in the healthy group, especially in those aged ≥ 60 years. Furthermore, HDL-C levels in baseline and follow-up were found to be associated with longitudinal changes in telomere length, and lower HDL-C levels may be associated with increased longitudinal changes in telomere length. CONCLUSIONS The change in telomere length is correlated with dyslipidemia and its lipid indicators especially HDL-C. Persistent dyslipidemia and a reduction in HDL-C levels may be associated with elevated longitudinal fluctuations in telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Liu
- Public Health School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Public Health School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Chan Yang
- School of Nursing, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Juan Li
- Public Health School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Public Health School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| | - Yi Zhao
- Public Health School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Waziry R, Gu Y, Williams O, Hägg S. Connections between cross-tissue and intra-tissue biomarkers of aging biology in older adults. EPIGENETICS COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:7. [PMID: 38037563 PMCID: PMC10688599 DOI: 10.1186/s43682-023-00022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Saliva measures are generally more accessible than blood, especially in vulnerable populations. However, connections between aging biology biomarkers in different body tissues remain unknown. Methods The present study included individuals (N = 2406) who consented for saliva and blood draw in the Health and Retirement Telomere length study in 2008 and the Venous blood study in 2016 who had complete data for both tissues. We assessed biological aging based on telomere length in saliva and DNA methylation and physiology measures in blood. DNA methylation clocks combine information from CpGs to produce the aging measures representative of epigenetic aging in humans. We analyzed DNA methylation clocks proposed by Horvath (353 CpG sites), Hannum (71 CpG sites), Levine or PhenoAge, (513 CpG sites), GrimAge, (epigenetic surrogate markers for select plasma proteins), Horvath skin and blood (391 CpG sites), Lin (99 CpG sites), Weidner (3 CpG sites), and VidalBralo (8 CpG sites). Physiology measures (referred to as phenotypic age) included albumin, creatinine, glucose, [log] C-reactive protein, lymphocyte percent, mean cell volume, red blood cell distribution width, alkaline phosphatase, and white blood cell count. The phenotypic age algorithm is based on parametrization of Gompertz proportional hazard models. Average telomere length was assayed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) by comparing the telomere sequence copy number in each patient's sample (T) to a single-copy gene copy number (S). The resulting T/S ratio was proportional to telomere length, mean. Within individual, relationships between aging biology measures in blood and saliva and variations according to sex were assessed. Results Saliva-based telomere length showed inverse associations with both physiology-based and DNA methylation-based aging biology biomarkers in blood. Longer saliva-based telomere length was associated with 1 to 4 years slower biological aging based on blood-based biomarkers with the highest magnitude being Weidner (β = - 3.97, P = 0.005), GrimAge (β = - 3.33, P < 0.001), and Lin (β = - 3.45, P = 0.008) biomarkers of DNA methylation. Conclusions There are strong connections between aging biology biomarkers in saliva and blood in older adults. Changes in telomere length vary with changes in DNA methylation and physiology biomarkers of aging biology. We observed variations in the relationship between each body system represented by physiology biomarkers and biological aging, particularly at the DNA methylation level. These observations provide novel opportunities for integration of both blood-based and saliva-based biomarkers in clinical care of vulnerable and clinically difficult to reach populations where either or both tissues would be accessible for clinical monitoring purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Waziry
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Y. Gu
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- The Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- G.H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- The Department of Epidemiology, Joseph P. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - O. Williams
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - S. Hägg
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Mayer SE, Guan J, Lin J, Hamlat E, Parker JE, Brownell K, Price C, Mujahid M, Tomiyama AJ, Slavich GM, Laraia BA, Epel ES. Intergenerational effects of maternal lifetime stressor exposure on offspring telomere length in Black and White women. Psychol Med 2023; 53:6171-6182. [PMID: 36457292 PMCID: PMC10235210 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722003397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although maternal stressor exposure has been associated with shorter telomere length (TL) in offspring, this literature is based largely on White samples. Furthermore, timing of maternal stressors has rarely been examined. Here, we examined how maternal stressors occurring during adolescence, pregnancy, and across the lifespan related to child TL in Black and White mothers. METHOD Mothers (112 Black; 110 White; Mage = 39) and their youngest offspring (n = 222; Mage = 8) were part of a larger prospective cohort study, wherein mothers reported their stressors during adolescence (assessed twice during adolescence for the past year), pregnancy (assessed in midlife for most recent pregnancy), and across their lifespan (assessed in midlife). Mother and child provided saliva for TL measurement. Multiple linear regression models examined the interaction of maternal stressor exposure and race in relation to child TL, controlling for maternal TL and child gender and age. Race-stratified analyses were also conducted. RESULTS Neither maternal adolescence nor lifespan stressors interacted with race in relation to child TL. In contrast, greater maternal pregnancy stressors were associated with shorter child TL, but this effect was present for children of White but not Black mothers. Moreover, this effect was significant for financial but not social pregnancy stressors. Race-stratified models revealed that greater financial pregnancy stressors predicted shorter telomeres in offspring of White, but not Black mothers. CONCLUSIONS Race and maternal stressors interact and are related to biological aging across generations, but these effects are specific to certain races, stressors, and exposure time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie E. Mayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
| | - Joanna Guan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Elissa Hamlat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
| | - Jordan E. Parker
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kristy Brownell
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Candice Price
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mahasin Mujahid
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - A. Janet Tomiyama
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - George M. Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Barbara A. Laraia
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Elissa S. Epel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
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Romero-Haro AA, Figuerola J, Alonso-Alvarez C. Low Antioxidant Glutathione Levels Lead to Longer Telomeres: A Sex-Specific Link to Longevity? Integr Org Biol 2023; 5:obad034. [PMID: 37753451 PMCID: PMC10519275 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that protect them from degradation. They have been the focus of intense research because short telomeres would predict accelerated ageing and reduced longevity in vertebrates. Oxidative stress is considered a physiological driver of the telomere shortening and, consequently, short lifespan. Among molecules fighting against oxidative stress, glutathione is involved in many antioxidant pathways. Literature supports that oxidative stress may trigger a compensatory "hormetic" response increasing glutathione levels and telomere length. Here, we tested the link between total glutathione concentration and telomere length in captive birds (zebra finches; Taeniopygia guttata). Total glutathione levels were experimentally decreased during birds' growth using a specific inhibitor of glutathione synthesis (buthionine sulfoximine; BSO). We monitored the birds' reproductive performance in an outdoor aviary during the first month of life, and their longevity for almost 9 years. Among control individuals, erythrocyte glutathione levels during development positively predicted erythrocyte telomere length in adulthood. However, BSO-treated females, but not males, showed longer telomeres than control females in adulthood. This counterintuitive finding suggests that females mounted a compensatory response. Such compensation agrees with precedent findings in the same population where the BSO treatment increased growth and adult body mass in females but not males. BSO did not influence longevity or reproductive output in any sex. However, early glutathione levels and adult telomere length interactively predicted longevity only among control females. Those females with "naturally" low (non-manipulated) glutathione levels at the nestling age but capable of producing longer telomeres in adulthood seem to live longer. The results suggest that the capability to mount a hormetic response triggered by low early glutathione levels can improve fitness via telomere length. Overall, the results may indicate a sex-specific link between glutathione and telomere values. Telomerase activity and sexual steroids (estrogens) are good candidates to explain the sex-biased mechanism underlying the early-life impact of oxidative stress on adult telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Romero-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071Ciudad Real, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - J Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana—CSIC, Sevilla, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - C Alonso-Alvarez
- Evolutionary Ecology Department, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE-CSIC) Avda. Nuestra Señora de la Victoria, 16. 22700 Jaca, Huesca, Spain
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31
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Tichy ED, Lee JH, Li G, Estep KN, Brad Johnson F, Mourkioti F. Impacts of radiation exposure, hindlimb unloading, and recovery on murine skeletal muscle cell telomere length. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:76. [PMID: 37714858 PMCID: PMC10504369 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00303-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts are exposed to harsh conditions, including cosmic radiation and microgravity. Spaceflight elongates human telomeres in peripheral blood, which shorten upon return to Earth and approach baseline levels during postflight recovery. Astronauts also encounter muscle atrophy, losing up to 20% loss of muscle mass on spaceflights. Telomere length changes in muscle cells of astronauts remain unexplored. This study investigates telomere alterations in grounded mice experiencing radiation exposure and muscle atrophy, via a hindlimb unloading spaceflight mimicking model. We find telomere lengthening is present in muscle stem cells and in myofiber nuclei, but not in muscle-resident endothelial cells. We further assessed telomere length in the model following hindlimb unloading recovery. We find that telomere length failed to return to baseline values. Our results suggest a role for telomeres in muscle acclimatization, which is relevant for the well-being of astronauts in space, and upon their return to Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisia D Tichy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ji-Hyung Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Grant Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Katrina N Estep
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - F Brad Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Foteini Mourkioti
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Musculoskeletal Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Lynch MT, Taub MA, Farfel JM, Yang J, Abadir P, De Jager PL, Grodstein F, Bennett DA, Mathias RA. Evaluating genomic signatures of aging in brain tissue as it relates to Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14747. [PMID: 37679407 PMCID: PMC10484923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) attrition, epigenetic age acceleration, and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) decline are established hallmarks of aging. Each has been individually associated with Alzheimer's dementia, cognitive function, and pathologic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epigenetic age and mtDNAcn have been studied in brain tissue directly but prior work on TL in brain is limited to small sample sizes and most studies have examined leukocyte TL. Importantly, TL, epigenetic age clocks, and mtDNAcn have not been studied jointly in brain tissue from an AD cohort. We examined dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) tissue from N = 367 participants of the Religious Orders Study (ROS) or the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP). TL and mtDNAcn were estimated from whole genome sequencing (WGS) data and cortical clock age was computed on 347 CpG sites. We examined dementia, MCI, and level of and change in cognition, pathologic AD, and three quantitative AD traits, as well as measures of other neurodegenerative diseases and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). We previously showed that mtDNAcn from DLPFC brain tissue was associated with clinical and pathologic features of AD. Here, we show that those associations are independent of TL. We found TL to be associated with β-amyloid levels (beta = - 0.15, p = 0.023), hippocampal sclerosis (OR = 0.56, p = 0.0015) and cerebral atherosclerosis (OR = 1.44, p = 0.0007). We found strong associations between mtDNAcn and clinical measures of AD. The strongest associations with pathologic measures of AD were with cortical clock and there were associations of mtDNAcn with global AD pathology and tau tangles. Of the other pathologic traits, mtDNAcn was associated with hippocampal sclerosis, macroscopic infarctions and CAA and cortical clock was associated with Lewy bodies. Multi-modal age acceleration, accelerated aging on both mtDNAcn and cortical clock, had greater effect size than a single measure alone. These findings highlight for the first time that age acceleration determined on multiple genomic measures, mtDNAcn and cortical clock may have a larger effect on AD/AD related disorders (ADRD) pathogenesis than single measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan T Lynch
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Margaret A Taub
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jose M Farfel
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jingyun Yang
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter Abadir
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philip L De Jager
- Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francine Grodstein
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rasika A Mathias
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Bukic E, Milasin J, Toljic B, Jadzic J, Jevtovic D, Obradovic B, Dragovic G. Association between Combination Antiretroviral Therapy and Telomere Length in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1210. [PMID: 37759609 PMCID: PMC10525818 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Long-term exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) may be associated with accelerated ageing. Telomere length is considered to be reliable aging biomarker. The aim of this study was to compare patients' relative telomere length (RTL) between and within different cART classes and to estimate the impact of certain HIV-related variables on RTL. The study was conducted in 176 HIV-infected male patients receiving cART, with ≤50 copies HIV RNA/mL plasma. RTL was determined from mononuclear cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Standard statistical tests and unsupervised machine learning were performed. The mean RTL was 2.50 ± 1.87. There was no difference (p = 0.761) in RTL between therapeutic groups: two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors as the backbone treatment, combined with either integrase inhibitor, protease inhibitor, or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Machine learning results suggested duration of HIV infection, CD4+ T-cell count, and cART, including NNRTI, as potentially significant variables impacting RTL. Kendall's correlation test excluded duration of HIV infection (p = 0.220) and CD4+ T-cell count (p = 0.536) as significant. The Mann-Whitney test confirmed that cART containing NNRTI impacted RTL (p = 0.018). This was the first study to show that patients using efavirenz within cART had significantly shorter telomeres than patients using nevirapine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ena Bukic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Milasin
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bosko Toljic
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Jadzic
- Center of Bone Biology, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Djordje Jevtovic
- Infective and Tropical Diseases Hospital, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bozana Obradovic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gordana Dragovic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Marti A, Fernández de la Puente M, Canudas S, Zalba G, Razquin C, Valle-Hita C, Fitó M, Martínez-González MÁ, García-Calzón S, Salas-Salvadó J. Effect of a 3-year lifestyle intervention on telomere length in participants from PREDIMED-Plus: A randomized trial. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:1581-1587. [PMID: 37478811 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Short telomeres have been observed in chronic disease patients. Identifying environmental and lifestyle factors that could reduce telomere attrition is crucial for disease prevention. The aim of this work was to determine whether weight-loss induced by an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet (erMedDiet) and physical activity (PA) could modify telomere length (TL). METHODS In 317 randomized non-smoker participants (mean age, 65.8 ± 4.98 years) with metabolic syndrome from two "Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus" (PREDIMED-Plus) trial centers, we evaluated MedDiet adherence, PA, anthropometric variables and TL at baseline and after a 3-year intervention using an intensive lifestyle program (IG) with an erMedDiet and PA or an unrestricted MedDiet without PA promotion (CG). RESULTS Participants in the IG displayed greater 3-year weight reductions (-3.7 ± 4 kg, P < 0.001) compared to those in the CG. No differences in TL changes between groups were observed in the cohort as a whole. However, an interaction was observed between the intervention group and sex for TL changes (pinteraction = 0.039). Women in the IG showed an increase in TL after 3-y (+0.25 ± 0.9, relative units) compared to women in the CG (-0.07 ± 1.0) (pANCOVA = 0.036), whereas no differences between groups were observed in men. Women in the IG had a lower risk of telomere shortening after the intervention (OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.05-0.64, p = 0.008) compared to women in the CG. CONCLUSIONS A 3-year lifestyle intervention based on an erMedDiet and PA slowed telomere shortening in women but not in men. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN89898870. Registered 24 July 2014- Retrospectively registered, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89898870.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Marti
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Physiology, Center for Nutrition and Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - María Fernández de la Puente
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Reus, Spain; Institut D'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Silvia Canudas
- Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Food Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain; Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety of the University of Barcelona, INSA-UB Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain.
| | - Guillermo Zalba
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Cristina Razquin
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Cristina Valle-Hita
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Reus, Spain; Institut D'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Montse Fitó
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group (CARIN), Hospital Del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Martínez-González
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sonia García-Calzón
- Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Physiology, Center for Nutrition and Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Epigenetic and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Center, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P. Fisiopatología de La Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Reus, Spain; Institut D'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Hospital Universitari San Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
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Ye Q, Apsley AT, Etzel L, Hastings WJ, Kozlosky JT, Walker C, Wolf SE, Shalev I. Telomere length and chronological age across the human lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 414 study samples including 743,019 individuals. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102031. [PMID: 37567392 PMCID: PMC10529491 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Telomere attrition is a proposed hallmark of aging. To evaluate the association of telomere length (TL) with chronological age across the human lifespan, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 414 study samples comprising 743,019 individuals aged 0-112 years. We examined both cross-sectional and longitudinal data, and evaluated the impact of various biological and methodological factors including sex, health status, tissue types, DNA extraction procedures, and TL measurement methods. The pooled corrected correlation between TL and age from cross-sectional samples was -0.19 (95%CI: -0.22 to -0.15), which weakened with increased chronological age (β = 0.003, p < 0.001). Z-score change rates of TL across the lifespan showed a gradual decrease in shortening rate until around age 50 and remained at a relatively stable rate towards the elderly period. A greater attrition rate was observed in longitudinal than cross-sectional evaluations. For TL measured in base pairs, the median change rate of TL was -23 bp/year in cross-sectional samples and -38 bp/year in longitudinal samples. Methodological factors including TL measurement methods and tissue types impacted the TL-age correlation, while sex or disease status did not. This meta-analysis revealed the non-linear shortening trend of TL across the human lifespan and provides a reference value for future studies. Results also highlight the importance of methodological considerations when using TL as an aging biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaofeng Ye
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Abner T Apsley
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Biological Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Laura Etzel
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Waylon J Hastings
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Tulane University School of Medicine, LA 70112, USA.
| | - John T Kozlosky
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Cade Walker
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Sarah E Wolf
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Montoya M, Uchino BN. Social support and telomere length: a meta-analysis. J Behav Med 2023; 46:556-565. [PMID: 36617609 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-022-00389-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that lower social support is associated with higher all-cause mortality (Holt-Lunstad et al. in PLoS ONE Medicine 7:e1000316, 2010). While social support has been associated with system-specific biological measures (e.g., cardiovascular), there is the need to elucidate more general biological mechanisms linking social support to health risk across a number of diseases. In this meta-analytic review, the link between social support and telomere length (Cawthon et al. in Lancet 361:393-395, 2003) was conducted based on the updated PRISMA guidelines (Page et al., 2021). Across 17 studies, higher social support was not significantly related to longer telomere length (Zr = 0.010, 95% CI [- 0.028, 0.047], p > 0.05). The confidence interval indicated that the bulk of plausible values were small to null associations. Little evidence for bias was found as shown by funnel plots and Kendall's Tau. Moderator analyses focusing on the measure of support, health of sample, age, type of assay specimen, and gender were not significant. In conclusion, this review showed no significant relationship between social support and telomere length and highlights important future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Montoya
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Bert N Uchino
- Department of Psychology and Health Psychology Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
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Allaire P, He J, Mayer J, Moat L, Gerstenberger P, Wilhorn R, Strutz S, Kim DS, Zeng C, Cox N, Shay JW, Denny J, Bastarache L, Hebbring S. Genetic and clinical determinants of telomere length. HGG ADVANCES 2023; 4:100201. [PMID: 37216007 PMCID: PMC10199259 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2023.100201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Many epidemiologic studies have identified important relationships between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) with genetics and health. Most of these studies have been significantly limited in scope by focusing predominantly on individual diseases or restricted to GWAS analysis. Using two large patient populations derived from Vanderbilt University and Marshfield Clinic biobanks linked to genomic and phenomic data from medical records, we investigated the inter-relationship between LTL, genomics, and human health. Our GWAS confirmed 11 genetic loci previously associated with LTL and two novel loci in SCNN1D and PITPNM1. PheWAS of LTL identified 67 distinct clinical phenotypes associated with both short and long LTL. We demonstrated that several diseases associated with LTL were related to one another but were largely independent from LTL genetics. Age of death was correlated with LTL independent of age. Those with very short LTL (<-1.5 standard deviation [SD]) died 10.4 years (p < 0.0001) younger than those with average LTL (±0.5 SD; mean age of death = 74.2 years). Likewise, those with very long LTL (>1.5 SD) died 1.9 years (p = 0.0175) younger than those with average LTL. This is consistent with the PheWAS results showing diseases associating with both short and long LTL. Finally, we estimated that the genome (12.8%) and age (8.5%) explain the largest proportion of LTL variance, whereas the phenome (1.5%) and sex (0.9%) explained a smaller fraction. In total, 23.7% of LTL variance was explained. These observations provide the rationale for expanded research to understand the multifaceted correlations between TL biology and human health over time, leading to effective LTL usage in medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Allaire
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Jing He
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John Mayer
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Office of Research Computing and Analytics, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Luke Moat
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Peter Gerstenberger
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Reynor Wilhorn
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Sierra Strutz
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - David S.L. Kim
- Marshfield Clinic Health System, Pathology, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Chenjie Zeng
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nancy Cox
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jerry W. Shay
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology and the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joshua Denny
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lisa Bastarache
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Scott Hebbring
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield, WI, USA
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McLester-Davis LWY, Estrada P, Hastings WJ, Kataria LA, Martin NA, Siebeneicher JT, Tristano RI, Mayne CV, Horlick RP, O'Connell SS, Drury SS. A review and meta-analysis: Cross-tissue telomere length correlations in healthy humans. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 88:101942. [PMID: 37172909 PMCID: PMC11081027 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Tissue source has been shown to exert a significant effect on the magnitude of associations between telomere length and various health outcomes and exposures. The purpose of the present qualitative review and meta-analysis is to describe and investigate the impact of study design and methodological features on the correlation between telomere lengths measured in different tissues from the same healthy individual. METHODS This meta-analysis included studies published from 1988 to 2022. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science and studies were identified using the keywords "telomere length" and "tissues" or "tissue." A total of 220 articles of 7856 initially identified studies met inclusion criteria for qualitative review, of which 55 met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis in R RESULTS: Studies meeting inclusion criteria for meta-analysis tended to have enhanced demographic and methodological reporting relative to studies only included in the qualitative review. A total of 463 pairwise correlations reported for 4324 unique individuals and 102 distinct tissues were extracted from the 55 studies and subject to meta-analysis, resulting in a significant effect size z = 0.66 (p < 0.0001) and meta-correlation coefficient of r = 0.58. Meta-correlations were significantly moderated by sample size and telomere length measurement methodology, with studies of smaller size and those using hybridization-based analyses exhibiting the largest meta-correlation. Tissue source also significantly moderated the meta-correlation, wherein correlations between samples of a different lineage (e.g., blood vs. non-blood) or collection method (e.g., peripheral vs. surgical) were lower than correlations between samples of the same lineage or collection method. CONCLUSION These results suggest that telomere lengths measured within individuals are generally correlated, but future research should be intentional in selecting a tissue for telomere length measurement that is most biologically relevant to the exposure or outcome investigated and balance this with the feasibility of obtaining the sample in sufficient numbers of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Estrada
- Princeton University Graduate School Neuroscience Institute, United States.
| | | | - Leila A Kataria
- Louisiana State University School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Noelle A Martin
- Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, United States.
| | | | - Renee I Tristano
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Celia V Mayne
- Tulane University School of Medicine, United States.
| | | | - Samantha S O'Connell
- Louisiana State University School of Medicine, United States; Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, United States.
| | - Stacy S Drury
- Tulane University School of Medicine, United States.
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Rampersaud R, Wu GWY, Reus VI, Lin J, Blackburn EH, Epel ES, Hough CM, Mellon SH, Wolkowitz OM. Shorter telomere length predicts poor antidepressant response and poorer cardiometabolic indices in major depression. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10238. [PMID: 37353495 PMCID: PMC10290110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35912-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is a marker of biological aging, and shorter telomeres have been associated with several medical and psychiatric disorders, including cardiometabolic dysregulation and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In addition, studies have shown shorter TL to be associated with poorer response to certain psychotropic medications, and our previous work suggested shorter TL and higher telomerase activity (TA) predicts poorer response to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) treatment. Using a new group of unmedicated medically healthy individuals with MDD (n = 48), we sought to replicate our prior findings demonstrating that peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) TL and TA predict response to SSRI treatment and to identify associations between TL and TA with biological stress mediators and cardiometabolic risk indices. Our results demonstrate that longer pre-treatment TL was associated with better response to SSRI treatment (β = .407 p = .007). Additionally, we observed that TL had a negative relationship with allostatic load (β = - .320 p = .017) and a cardiometabolic risk score (β = - .300 p = .025). Our results suggest that PBMC TL reflects, in part, the cumulative effects of physiological stress and cardiovascular risk in MDD and may be a biomarker for predicting SSRI response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Rampersaud
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Gwyneth W Y Wu
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor I Reus
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Blackburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elissa S Epel
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christina M Hough
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB-GYN and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
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40
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Coskun M, Altinova AE, Babayeva A, Sel AT, Yapar D, Karaca M, Yalcin MM, Akturk M, Toruner FB, Karakoc MA, Yetkin I. Leukocyte Telomere Length and Neuregulin-4 Levels in Female Patients with Acromegaly: The Relationship between Disease Activity and Body Fat Distribution. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4108. [PMID: 37373801 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to examine leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and serum neuregulin-4 levels and their relationship with disease activity, co-morbidities and body fat distribution in female acromegaly patients. Forty female patients with acromegaly and thirty-nine age and body mass index (BMI) similar healthy female volunteers were included in the study. Patients were classified into two groups: active acromegaly (AA) and controlled acromegaly (CA). The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to study LTL, and T/S ratio < 1 was accepted as shortened telomere length. Neuregulin-4 was studied by ELISA. There was no difference in median LTL between acromegaly and the control group (p = 0.530). The percentage of T/S < 1 in patients with acromegaly (60.0%) was similar to that of the control group (43.6%) (p = 0.144). However, serum neuregulin-4 was significantly higher in patients with acromegaly than those in the control group (p = 0.037). There were no significant differences concerning LTL, percentage of T/S < 1 and neuregulin-4 levels between active and controlled acromegaly groups (p > 0.05). Neuregulin-4 correlated positively with fasting glucose, triglyceride (TG), triglyceride/glucose (TyG) index, and lean body mass in the acromegaly group. A negative correlation was observed between LTL and neuregulin-4 in the control group (p = 0.039). When the factors affecting neuregulin-4 were evaluated by multivariate linear regression analysis with an enter method, TG (β: 0.316, p = 0.025) was independently and positively associated with neuregulin-4. Our findings indicate that acromegaly is associated with unchanged LTL and high neuregulin-4 levels in female patients. However, the relationship between acromegaly, the aging process, and neuregulin-4 involves complex mechanisms, and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meric Coskun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Alev Eroglu Altinova
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Afruz Babayeva
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Aydin Tuncer Sel
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Dilek Yapar
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mine Karaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Muhittin Yalcin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mujde Akturk
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Fusun Balos Toruner
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ayhan Karakoc
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Ilhan Yetkin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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Francis M, Lindrose A, O'Connell S, Tristano RI, McGarvey C, Drury S. The interaction of socioeconomic stress and race on telomere length in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM Popul Health 2023; 22:101380. [PMID: 37065841 PMCID: PMC10102414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Proposed mechanisms relating early life exposures to poor health suggest that biologic indicators of risk are observable in childhood. Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker of aging, psychosocial stress, and a range of environmental exposures. In adults, exposure to early life adversity, including low socioeconomic status (SES), is predictive of shorter TL. However, results in pediatric populations have been mixed. Defining the true relation between TL and SES in childhood is expected to enhance the understanding of the biological pathways through which socioeconomic factors influence health across the life span. Objective The aim of this meta-analysis was to systematically review and quantitatively assess the published literature to better understand how SES, race, and TL are related in pediatric populations. Methods Studies in the United States in any pediatric population with any measure of SES were included and identified through the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline, Socindex, CINAHL, and Psychinfo. Analysis utilized a multi-level random-effects meta-analysis accounting for multiple effect sizes within a study. Results Thirty-two studies were included with a total of 78 effect sizes that were categorized into income-based, education-based, and composite indicators. Only three studies directly tested the relation between SES and TL as the primary study aim. In the full model, there was a significant relation between SES and TL (r = 0.0220 p = 0.0286). Analysis by type of SES categorization identified a significant moderating effect of income on TL (r = 0.0480, 95% CI: 0.0155 to 0.0802, p = 0.0045) but no significant effect for education or composite SES. Conclusions There is an overall association between SES and TL that is predominately due to the association with income-based SES measures implicating income disparities as a key target for efforts to address health inequity across the life span. Identification of associations between family income and biological changes in children that predict life-span health risk provides key data to support public health policies addressing economic inequality in families and presents a unique opportunity to assess the effect of prevention efforts at the biologic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariza Francis
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute and School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Alyssa Lindrose
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Samantha O'Connell
- Office of Academic Affairs and Provost, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Renee I. Tristano
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Cecile McGarvey
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute and School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Stacy Drury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane Brain Institute and School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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Roka K, Solomou EE, Kattamis A. Telomere biology: from disorders to hematological diseases. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1167848. [PMID: 37274248 PMCID: PMC10235513 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1167848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Variations in the length of telomeres and pathogenic variants involved in telomere length maintenance have been correlated with several human diseases. Recent breakthroughs in telomere biology knowledge have contributed to the identification of illnesses named "telomeropathies" and revealed an association between telomere length and disease outcome. This review emphasizes the biology and physiology aspects of telomeres and describes prototype diseases in which telomeres are implicated in their pathophysiology. We also provide information on the role of telomeres in hematological diseases ranging from bone marrow failure syndromes to acute and chronic leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleoniki Roka
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, Full Member of ERN GENTURIS, Athens, Greece
| | - Elena E. Solomou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Rion, Greece
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, Full Member of ERN GENTURIS, Athens, Greece
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Sheikh-Wu SF, Liang Z, Downs CA. The Relationship Between Telomeres, Cognition, Mood, and Physical Function: A Systematic Review. Biol Res Nurs 2023; 25:227-239. [PMID: 36222081 DOI: 10.1177/10998004221132287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Cognitive, affective, and physical symptoms and alterations in their function are seen across chronic illnesses. Data suggest that environmental, psychological, and physiological factors contribute to symptom experience, potentially through loss of telomeres (telomere attrition), structures at the ends of chromosomes. Telomere length is affected by many factors including environmental (e.g., exercise, diet, smoking) and physiological (e.g., response to stress), as well as from oxidative damage and inflammation that occurs in many disease processes. Moreover, telomere attrition is associated with chronic disease (cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease) and predicts higher morbidity and mortality rates. However, findings are inconsistent among telomere roles and relationships with health outcomes. This article aims to synthesize the current state-of-the-science of telomeres and their relationship with cognitive, affective, and physical function and symptoms. Method: A comprehensive literature search was performed in two databases: CINAHL and PUBMED. A total of 33 articles published between 2000 and 2022 were included in the final analysis. Results: Telomere attrition is associated with various changes in cognitive, affective, and physical function and symptoms. However, findings are inconsistent. Interventional studies (e.g., meditation and exercise) may affect telomere attrition, potentially impacting health outcomes. Conclusion: Nursing research and practice are at the forefront of furthering the understanding of telomeres and their relationships with cognitive, affective, and physical function and symptoms. Future interventions targeting modifiable risk factors may be developed to improve health outcomes across populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhan Liang
- 5452University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Duchaine CS, Brisson C, Diorio C, Talbot D, Maunsell E, Carmichael PH, Giguère Y, Gilbert-Ouimet M, Trudel X, Ndjaboué R, Vézina M, Milot A, Mâsse B, Dionne CE, Laurin D. Work-Related Psychosocial Factors and Global Cognitive Function: Are Telomere Length and Low-Grade Inflammation Potential Mediators of This Association? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4929. [PMID: 36981836 PMCID: PMC10049148 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The identification of modifiable factors that could maintain cognitive function is a public health priority. It is thought that some work-related psychosocial factors help developing cognitive reserve through high intellectual complexity. However, they also have well-known adverse health effects and are considered to be chronic psychosocial stressors. Indeed, these stressors could increase low-grade inflammation and promote oxidative stress associated with accelerated telomere shortening. Both low-grade inflammation and shorter telomeres have been associated with a cognitive decline. This study aimed to evaluate the total, direct, and indirect effects of work-related psychosocial factors on global cognitive function overall and by sex, through telomere length and an inflammatory index. A random sample of 2219 participants followed over 17 years was included in this study, with blood samples and data with cognitive function drawn from a longitudinal study of 9188 white-collar workers (51% female). Work-related psychosocial factors were evaluated according to the Demand-Control-Support and the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) models. Global cognitive function was evaluated with the validated Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Telomere length and inflammatory biomarkers were measured using standardised protocols. The direct and indirect effects were estimated using a novel mediation analysis method developed for multiple correlated mediators. Associations were observed between passive work or low job control, and shorter telomeres among females, and between low social support at work, ERI or iso-strain, and a higher inflammatory index among males. An association was observed with higher cognitive performance for longer telomeres, but not for the inflammatory index. Passive work overall, and low reward were associated with lower cognitive performance in males; whereas, high psychological demand in both males and females and high job strain in females were associated with a higher cognitive performance. However, none of these associations were mediated by telomere length or the inflammatory index. This study suggests that some work-related psychosocial factors could be associated with shorter telomeres and low-grade inflammation, but these associations do not explain the relationship between work-related psychosocial factors and global cognitive function. A better understanding of the biological pathways, by which these factors affect cognitive function, could guide future preventive strategies to maintain cognitive function and promote healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S. Duchaine
- Centre d’excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ), CIUSSS-Capitale Nationale, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- VITAM, Centre de Recherche en santé Durable, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Institut sur le Vieillissement et la Participation Sociale des Aînés, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Chantal Brisson
- Centre d’excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ), CIUSSS-Capitale Nationale, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- VITAM, Centre de Recherche en santé Durable, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Caroline Diorio
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Denis Talbot
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Maunsell
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Pierre-Hugues Carmichael
- Centre d’excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ), CIUSSS-Capitale Nationale, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Yves Giguère
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Mahée Gilbert-Ouimet
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Canada Research Chair in Sex and Gender in Occupational Health, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Campus de Lévis, Lévis, QC G6V 0A6, Canada
| | - Xavier Trudel
- Centre d’excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ), CIUSSS-Capitale Nationale, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- VITAM, Centre de Recherche en santé Durable, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Ruth Ndjaboué
- School of Social Work, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Michel Vézina
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Alain Milot
- Centre d’excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ), CIUSSS-Capitale Nationale, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Benoît Mâsse
- École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Clermont E. Dionne
- Centre d’excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ), CIUSSS-Capitale Nationale, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- VITAM, Centre de Recherche en santé Durable, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Institut sur le Vieillissement et la Participation Sociale des Aînés, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Danielle Laurin
- Centre d’excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ), CIUSSS-Capitale Nationale, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- VITAM, Centre de Recherche en santé Durable, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Institut sur le Vieillissement et la Participation Sociale des Aînés, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Martínez de Toda I, González-Sánchez M, Díaz-Del Cerro E, Valera G, Carracedo J, Guerra-Pérez N. Sex differences in markers of oxidation and inflammation. Implications for ageing. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 211:111797. [PMID: 36868323 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism is a key factor to consider in the ageing process given the impact that it has on life expectancy. The oxidative-inflammatory theory of ageing states that the ageing process is the result of the establishment of oxidative stress which, due to the interplay of the immune system, translates into inflammatory stress, and that both processes are responsible for the damage and loss of function of an organism. We show that there are relevant gender differences in a number of oxidative and inflammatory markers and propose that they may account for the differential lifespan between sexes, given that males display, in general, higher oxidation and basal inflammation. In addition, we explain the significant role of circulating cell-free DNA as a marker of oxidative damage and an inductor of inflammation, connecting both processes and having the potential to become a useful ageing marker. Finally, we discuss how oxidative and inflammatory changes take place differentially with ageing in each sex, which could also have an impact on the sex-differential lifespan. Further research including sex as an essential variable is needed to understand the grounds of sex differences in ageing and to better comprehend ageing itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Martínez de Toda
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology. Unit of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mónica González-Sánchez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology. Unit of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Estefanía Díaz-Del Cerro
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology. Unit of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gemma Valera
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology. Unit of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Julia Carracedo
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology. Unit of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Natalia Guerra-Pérez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology. Unit of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain.
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46
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Ha SJ, Kwag E, Kim S, Park JH, Park SJ, Yoo HS. Effect of Traditional Korean Medicine Oncotherapy on the Survival, Quality of Life, and Telomere Length: A Prospective Cohort Study. Integr Cancer Ther 2023; 22:15347354231154267. [PMID: 37615075 PMCID: PMC10467224 DOI: 10.1177/15347354231154267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A 4-year prospective cohort study on patients with lung, gastric, hepatic, colorectal, breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer was conducted at the East-West Cancer Center (EWCC) of Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital in Daejeon, Korea. We divided patients into 2 groups based on how long they had been receiving TKM oncotherapy and compared event-free survival (EFS), telomere length change, and quality of life (QoL). The study collected data on 83 patients from October 2016 to June 2020 and discovered no statistical differences in EFS based on the duration of TKM oncotherapy. In the analysis of changes in QoL outcomes, there were no statistically significant group differences between the groups. After controlling for covariates that could affect telomere length, the long-term TKM oncotherapy group had a higher daily telomere attrition rate. The study of the relationship between telomere length and prognostic factors discovered that patients with advanced N stage at the time of diagnosis and who had previously received radiotherapy had shorter telomere length. When examining associations between SNP genotype and percentile score of telomere length, this study was able to confirm an association between telomere length and rs4387287. This study is significant because it is the first to assess the effects of TKM oncotherapy and investigate telomere length-related factors. To assess the effects of TKM oncotherapy on cancer patients' survival and QoL, a longer-term observational study with a larger sample size is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jung Ha
- Daejeon University, Daejeon City, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbin Kwag
- Daejeon University, Daejeon City, Republic of Korea
| | - Soodam Kim
- Daejeon University, Daejeon City, Republic of Korea
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ji-Hye Park
- Daejeon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Jung Park
- Pusan National University Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
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47
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Wong KK, Cheng F, Lim CKP, Tam CHT, Tutino G, Yuen LY, Wang CC, Hou Y, Chan MHM, Ho CS, Joglekar MV, Hardikar AA, Jenkins AJ, Metzger BE, Lowe WL, Tam WH, Ma RCW. Early emergence of sexual dimorphism in offspring leukocyte telomere length was associated with maternal and children's glucose metabolism-a longitudinal study. BMC Med 2022; 20:490. [PMID: 36536359 PMCID: PMC9764638 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02687-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is suggested to be a biomarker of biological age and reported to be associated with metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Glucose metabolic traits including glucose and insulin levels have been reported to be associated with LTL in adulthood. However, there is relatively little research focusing on children's LTL and the association with prenatal exposures. This study investigates the relationship between maternal and offspring glucose metabolism with offspring LTL in early life. METHODS This study included 882 mother-child pairs from the HAPO Hong Kong Field Centre, with children evaluated at age 7.0 ± 0.4 (mean ± SD) years. Glucose metabolic traits including maternal post-load glucose during pregnancy, children's glucose and insulin levels, and their derived indices at follow-up were measured or calculated. Offspring LTL was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Sex- and age-adjusted children's LTL was found to be associated with children's HOMA-IR (β=-0.046 ± 0.016, p=0.005). Interestingly, both children's and maternal post-load glucose levels were positively associated with children's LTL. However, negative associations were observed between children's LTL and children's OGTT insulin levels. In addition, the LTL in females was more strongly associated with pancreatic beta-cell function whilst LTL in males was more strongly associated with OGTT glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a close association between maternal and offspring glucose metabolic traits with early life LTL, with the offspring sex as an important modifier of the disparate relationships in insulin production and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwun Kiu Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Feifei Cheng
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Cadmon K P Lim
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Claudia H T Tam
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Greg Tutino
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Lai Yuk Yuen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Chinese University of Hong Kong-Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yong Hou
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Michael H M Chan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Chung Shun Ho
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Mugdha V Joglekar
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.,NHMRC Clinical Trial Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Anandwardhan A Hardikar
- Diabetes and Islet Biology Group, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.,NHMRC Clinical Trial Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Alicia J Jenkins
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,NHMRC Clinical Trial Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Boyd E Metzger
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - William L Lowe
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Wing Hung Tam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ronald C W Ma
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. .,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. .,Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. .,Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Research Centre in Diabetes Genomics and Precision Medicine, Shatin, Hong Kong. .,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
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48
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Seo B, Yang K, Kahe K, Qureshi AA, Chan AT, De Vivo I, Cho E, Giovannucci EL, Nan H. Association of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake with leukocyte telomere length in US males. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 116:1759-1766. [PMID: 36130216 PMCID: PMC9761772 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, which are related to telomere shortening. Evidence supporting an association between intake of n-3 or n-6 fatty acids and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in males has been limited. OBJECTIVES We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the associations of total or individual n-3 or total n-6 fatty acid intake with LTL in US males. METHODS We included 2,494 US males with LTL measurement from 4 nested case-control studies within the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Individuals with previous histories of cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases at or before blood collection were excluded. Blood collection was performed between 1993 and 1995, and relevant information including n-3 and n-6 intake was collected in 1994 by questionnaire. The LTL was log-transformed and Z scores of the LTL were calculated for statistical analyses by standardizing the LTL in comparison with the mean within each selected nested case-control study. RESULTS We found that consumption of DHA (22:6n-3) was positively associated with LTL. In the multivariable-adjusted model, compared with individuals who had the lowest intake of DHA (i.e., first quartile group), the percentage differences (95% CIs) of LTL were -3.7 (-13.7, 7.5), 7.0 (-4.3, 19.7), and 8.2 (-3.5, 21.3) for individuals in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of consumption, respectively (P-trend = 0.0498). We did not find significant associations between total n-3 or total n-6 fatty acid intakes and LTL. In addition, we found that males who consumed canned tuna had longer LTL than those who did not; in the multivariable-adjusted model, the percentage difference of LTL was 10.5 (95% CI: 1.3, 20.4) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that higher intakes of DHA and canned tuna consumption are associated with longer LTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojung Seo
- Department of Epidemiology, Richard M Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Keming Yang
- Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ka Kahe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abrar A Qureshi
- Department of Dermatology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Andrew T Chan
- Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Immaculata De Vivo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eunyoung Cho
- Department of Dermatology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward L Giovannucci
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hongmei Nan
- Department of Epidemiology, Richard M Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Global Health, Richard M Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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49
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Reichard M, Giannetti K, Ferreira T, Maouche A, Vrtílek M, Polačik M, Blažek R, Ferreira MG. Lifespan and telomere length variation across populations of wild-derived African killifish. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5979-5992. [PMID: 34826177 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres and telomerase prevent the continuous erosion of chromosome-ends caused by lifelong cell division. Shortened telomeres are associated with age-related pathologies. While short telomere length is positively correlated with increased lethality at the individual level, in comparisons across species short telomeres are associated with long (and not short) lifespans. Here, we tested this contradiction between individual and evolutionary patterns in telomere length using African annual killifish. We analysed lifespan and telomere length in a set of captive strains derived from well-defined wild populations of Nothobranchius furzeri and its sister species, N. kadleci, from sites along a strong gradient of aridity which ultimately determines maximum natural lifespan. Overall, males were shorter-lived than females, and also had shorter telomeres. Male lifespan (measured in controlled laboratory conditions) was positively associated with the amount of annual rainfall in the site of strain origin. However, fish from wetter climates had shorter telomeres. In addition, individual fish which grew largest over the juvenile period possessed shorter telomeres at the onset of adulthood. This demonstrates that individual condition and environmentally-driven selection indeed modulate the relationship between telomere length and lifespan in opposite directions, validating the existence of inverse trends within a single taxon. Intraindividual heterogeneity of telomere length (capable to detect very short telomeres) was not associated with mean telomere length, suggesting that the shortest telomeres are controlled by regulatory pathways other than those that determine mean telomere length. The substantial variation in telomere length between strains from different environments identifies killifish as a powerful system in understanding the adaptive value of telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reichard
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Ecology and Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.,Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Ahmed Maouche
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284 U1081 Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Milan Vrtílek
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Polačik
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Blažek
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miguel Godinho Ferreira
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal.,Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), UMR7284 U1081 Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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50
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Remot F, Ronget V, Froy H, Rey B, Gaillard JM, Nussey DH, Lemaitre JF. Decline in telomere length with increasing age across nonhuman vertebrates: A meta-analysis. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5917-5932. [PMID: 34437736 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The prediction that telomere length (TL) shortens with increasing age is a major element in considering the role of telomeres as a key player in evolution. While telomere attrition is found in humans both in vitro and in vivo, the increasing number of studies reporting diverse age-specific patterns of TL challenges the hypothesis of a universal decline of TL with increasing age. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the relationship between TL and age across 175 estimates encompassing 98 species of vertebrates. We found that, on average, TL does decline with increasing age during adulthood. However, this decline was weak and variable across vertebrate classes, and we also found evidence for a publication bias that might weaken our current evidence of decreasing TL with increasing age. We found no evidence for a faster decline in TL with increasing age when considering the juvenile stage (from birth to age at first reproduction) compared to the adult stage. Heterogeneity in TL ageing rates was explained by the method used to measure telomeres: detectable TL declines with increasing age were found only among studies using TRF with in-gel hybridisation and qFISH methods, but not in studies using qPCR and Southern blot-based TRF methods. While we confirmed that TL declines with increasing age in most adult vertebrates, our results identify an influence of telomere measurement methodology, which highlights the need to examine more thoroughly the effect of the method of measurement on TL estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentin Remot
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Victor Ronget
- Unité Eco-anthropologie (EA), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Hannah Froy
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Benjamin Rey
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Daniel H Nussey
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jean-François Lemaitre
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
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