Depression and telomere length: A meta-analysis

Elevated senescence-associated secretory phenotype index in late-life bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is a biomarker index based on the profile of 22 blood proteins associated with cellular senescence. The SASP index has not been assessed in older patients with bipolar disorder (BD). We hypothesized that older adults with BD will have elevated cellular senescence burden as measured by the SASP index.

METHODS

We measured the 22 SASP proteins to calculate the SASP index in 38 older patients with BD and 34 non-psychiatric comparison individuals (HC).

RESULTS

The SASP index scores were significantly higher in BD than HC after controlling for age, sex, psychopathology, and physical health (F(1,8) = 5.37, p = 0.024, η2 = 0.08). SASP index scores were also associated with higher age, more severe depressive symptoms, and physical illness burden (p < 0.05) in the whole sample.

LIMITATION

Cross-sectional study and small sample size.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of increased SASP index scores in older adults with BD. Our results suggest that dysregulation of age-related biological processes may contribute to more severe depressive symptoms and worse physical health in older adults with BD.

Absent Relations of Religious Coping to Telomere Length in African American and White Women and Men

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated whether race and sex moderated the relations of religious coping to telomere length (TL), a biomarker of cellular aging implicated in race-related health disparities.

METHODS

Participant data were drawn from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study, which included 252 socioeconomically diverse African American and White men and women aged (30-64 years old). Cross-sectional multivariable regression analyses examined interactive associations of religious coping, race, and sex to TL, adjusting for other sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Religious coping was unrelated to TL in this sample (p's > .05). There were no notable race or sex differences. Post hoc exploratory analyses similarly found that neither secular social support coping use nor substance use coping was associated with TL.

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence to support that religious coping use provided protective effects to TL in this sample of African American and White women and men. Nevertheless, future studies should use more comprehensive assessments of religious coping and intersectional identities to provide an in-depth examination of religiosity/spirituality as a potential culturally salient protective factor in cellular aging among African Americans in the context of specific chronic stressors such as discrimination.

Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as a biomarker of systemic inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Additionally, the study aimed to establish an association between PLR and SLE disease activity, specifically lupus nephritis (LN).

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search across Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify relevant articles. Subsequently, we performed meta-analyses to compare PLR between SLE patients and controls, as well as active and inactive SLE cases, along with LN and non-LN groups. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was conducted on correlation coefficients between PLR and various parameters in SLE patients, including the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), C3, C4, anti-dsDNA, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

RESULTS

In total, fifteen studies comprising 1,522 SLE patients and 1,424 controls were eligible for inclusion. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant elevation of PLR in the SLE group compared to the control group (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] = 0.604, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.299-0.909, p < 0.001). Upon stratification by ethnicity, an elevated PLR was observed in the SLE group among both Asian and Arab populations. Subgroup analysis based on sample size revealed consistently higher PLR in both small (n < 200) and large sample (n ≥ 200) SLE groups. Moreover, when considering disease activity, there was a noteworthy trend of increased PLR in the active disease group compared to the inactive group (SMD = 0.553, 95% CI = 0.000-1.106, p = 0.050). However, the meta-analysis did not demonstrate a significant distinction in PLR between the LN and non-LN groups. Notably, a positive association was established between PLR and SLEDAI (correlation coefficient = 0.325, 95% CI = 0.176-0.459, p < 0.001). Furthermore, PLR exhibited positive correlations with ESR, CRP, proteinuria, C3, and anti-dsDNA antibody levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes of this meta-analysis underscored the elevated PLR in SLE patients, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for gauging systemic inflammation in SLE. Additionally, PLR exhibited correlations with SLEDAI, as well as with key indicators such as ESR, CRP, proteinuria, C3, and anti-dsDNA antibody levels.

Sex-Specific Association Between Childhood Adversity and Accelerated Biological Aging

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.

The association of depressive symptoms with handgrip strength and gait speed in community-dwelling older adults: data from the baseline phase of Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study

BACKGROUND

Depression is a multifaceted condition with a high prevalence and burden to society. Handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed (GS) are indices of physical health, which is linked to mental health. Previous studies have shown heterogeneity among countries in the association of physical parameters and depression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of HGS and GS with depressive symptoms in older adults.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study analyzing data from the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study, a cohort of community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years old). Depressive symptoms were assessed by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. HGS was measured with a hand dynamometer in a sitting position, and GS was estimated by a 15-foot walk test at usual pace.

RESULTS

Compared to participants in the first quartile, those in the second quartile of HGS had significantly lower odds of suffering from depressive symptoms, while GS was not significantly associated with depressive symptoms. A higher HGS was associated with a lower risk of moderate depressive symptoms, while a higher GS was related to a lower risk of moderately severe and severe symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that older people residing in Birjand, Iran with a moderate HGS are less likely to suffer from depressive symptoms than those with lower HGS.

Association between Mean Platelet Volume and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-Analysis

Background

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity, and laboratory parameters including the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), C3 levels, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Methods

The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched comprehensively to identify relevant articles. Meta-Analyses were performed to assess differences in MPV between patients with SLE and control groups and between active and inactive SLE. A separate meta-analysis explored correlation coefficients between MPV and SLEDAI, C3, anti-dsDNA, and ESR.

Results

Fourteen studies comprising 659 patients with SLE and 682 controls were included. No significant difference in MPV was found between patients with SLE and control groups (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.406; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.087 to 0.899; P = 0.107). When stratified by ethnicity, the Arab population displayed markedly elevated MPV levels within the SLE group (SMD: 1.032; 95% CI: 0.475-1.588; P <0.001), unlike their European and Asian counterparts. MPV levels were higher in the active disease group than in the inactive group, particularly among the Arab population (SMD: 2.100; 95% CI: 0.406-3.794; P = 0.015), while no significant difference was observed within the Asian population (SMD: -1.493; 95% CI = -4.465 to 1.479; P = 0.325). MPV did not correlate with SLEDAI (correlation coefficient: 0.252; 95% CI: -0.016 to 0.486; P = 0.065), ESR, C3, or anti-dsDNA.

Conclusion

MPV levels were generally higher in patients with SLE among the Arab population. Moreover, MPV and disease activity were positively correlated within the Arab population, underscoring the potential of MPV as a disease activity indicator in specific ethnic groups.

Leveraging DNA methylation to predict treatment response in major depressive disorder: A critical review

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating and prevalent mental disorder with a high disease burden. Despite a wide array of different treatment options, many patients do not respond to initial treatment attempts. Selection of the most appropriate treatment remains a significant clinical challenge in psychiatry, highlighting the need for the development of biomarkers with predictive utility. Recently, the epigenetic modification DNA methylation (DNAm) has emerged to be of great interest as a potential predictor of MDD treatment outcomes. Here, we review efforts to date that seek to identify DNAm signatures associated with treatment response in individuals with MDD. Searches were conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science with the concepts and keywords MDD, DNAm, antidepressants, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and brain stimulation therapies. We identified 32 studies implicating DNAm patterns associated with MDD treatment outcomes. The majority of studies (N = 25) are focused on selected target genes exploring treatment outcomes in pharmacological treatments (N = 22) with a few studies assessing treatment response to electroconvulsive therapy (N = 3). Additionally, there are few genome-scale efforts (N = 7) to characterize DNAm patterns associated with treatment outcomes. There is a relative dearth of studies investigating DNAm patterns in relation to psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or transcranial magnetic stimulation; importantly, most existing studies have limited sample sizes. Given the heterogeneity in both methods and results of studies to date, there is a need for additional studies before existing findings can inform clinical decisions.

Monochrome Multiplex Quantitative PCR Telomere Length Measurement

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.

Genetics, epigenetics, and neurobiology of childhood-onset depression: an umbrella review

Depression is a serious and persistent psychiatric disorder that commonly first manifests during childhood. Depression that starts in childhood is increasing in frequency, likely due both to evolutionary trends and to increased recognition of the disorder. In this umbrella review, we systematically searched the extant literature for genetic, epigenetic, and neurobiological factors that contribute to a childhood onset of depression. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, OVID/PsychInfo, and Google Scholar with the following inclusion criteria: (1) systematic review or meta-analysis from a peer-reviewed journal; (2) inclusion of a measure assessing early age of onset of depression; and (3) assessment of neurobiological, genetic, environmental, and epigenetic predictors of early onset depression. Findings from 89 systematic reviews of moderate to high quality suggest that childhood-onset depressive disorders have neurobiological, genetic, environmental, and epigenetic roots consistent with a diathesis-stress theory of depression. This review identified key putative markers that may be targeted for personalized clinical decision-making and provide important insights concerning candidate mechanisms that might underpin the early onset of depression.

Telomere Erosion and Depressive Symptoms Across Development Following Institutional Care

OBJECTIVE

A large literature has identified exposure to early caregiving adversities as a potent risk for developing affective psychopathology, with depression, in particular, increasing across childhood into adolescence. Evidence suggests telomere erosion, a marker of biological aging, may underlie associations between adverse early-life experiences and later depressive behavior; yet, little is understood about this association during development.

METHOD

The current accelerated longitudinal study examined concurrent telomere length and depressive symptoms concurrently, 2 and 4 years later, from the preschool period through adolescence among children exposed (n =116) and not exposed (n = 242) to early previous institutional (PI) care.

RESULTS

PI care was associated with shorter telomeres on average and with quadratic age-related growth in depressive symptoms, indicating a steeper association between PI care and depressive symptoms in younger age groups that leveled off in adolescence. Contrary to studies in adult samples, telomere length was not associated with depressive symptoms, and it did not predict future symptoms.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that early caregiving disruptions increase the risk for both accelerated biological aging and depressive symptoms, although these variables did not correlate with each other during this age range.

Methamphetamine use shortens telomere length in male adults and rats

BACKGROUND

Methamphetamine (MA) use increases the risk of age-related diseases. However, it remains uncertain whether MA use exhibits accelerated biological aging, as indicated by telomere length (TL), a proposed marker of aging. Here we conducted studies in both humans and rats to investigate the association between MA use and TL.

METHODS

We recruited 125 male MA users and 66 healthy controls, aged 30-40 years. MA users were diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria and categorized into two groups: non-severe (n = 78) and severe (n = 47) MA use disorder (MUD). MA-treated conditioned place preference (CPP) rats were utilized to validate our clinical investigations. TL was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

At clinical levels, MA users exhibited significantly shorter leukocyte TL compared to healthy controls. Among MA users, individuals with severe MUD had significantly shorter leukocyte TL than those with non-severe MUD. Importantly, both univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses demonstrated a negative association between the severity of MA use and leukocyte TL. In a rat model of MA-induced CPP, leukocyte TL was also significantly shortened after MA administration, especially in rats with higher CPP expression or reinstatement scores.

CONCLUSION

MA use shortened TL, and the severity of MA use was negatively correlated with TL. These findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of accelerated aging caused by MA use and may have implications for identifying biomarkers and developing novel treatment strategies for MUD.

Examining the Biological Impacts of Parent-Child Relationship Dynamics on Preschool-Aged Children who have Experienced Adversity

Parent-child relationship dynamics have been shown to predict socioemotional and behavioral outcomes for children, but little is known about how they may affect biological development. The aim of this study was to test if observational assessments of parent-child relationship dynamics (cohesion, enmeshment, and disengagement) were associated with three biological indices of early life adversity and downstream health risk: (1) methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1), (2) telomere attrition, and (3) mitochondrial biogenesis, indexed by mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), all of which were measured in children's saliva. We tested hypotheses using a sample of 254 preschool-aged children (M age = 51.04 months) with and without child welfare-substantiated maltreatment (52% with documented case of moderate-severe maltreatment) who were racially and ethnically diverse (17% Black, 40% White, 23% biracial, and 20% other races; 45% Hispanic) and from primarily low-income backgrounds (91% qualified for public assistance). Results of path analyses revealed that: (1) higher parent-child cohesion was associated with lower levels of methylation of NR3C1 exon 1D and longer telomeres, and (2) higher parent-child disengagement was associated with higher levels of methylation of NR3C1 exon 1D and shorter telomeres. Results suggest that parent-child relationship dynamics may have distinct biological effects on children.

Dietary fat, telomere length and cognitive function: unravelling the complex relations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The review aims to explore the recent evidence on the associations between different dietary fat intake and cognitive function, and to understand the role of telomere length in this relationship.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical and preclinical studies included in this review suggest that dietary fat intake is associated with cognitive function and telomere length. High intake of saturated fats and trans fats, commonly found in ultra-processed foods, appears to have negative effects on cognitive function and telomere length, while other dietary fats, such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids are associated with improved cognitive performance and reduced telomere attrition. Controversial results related to omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and its impact on cognitive function were found. Dietary fats may affect telomere length and cognition through oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance.

SUMMARY

The current review illustrated the relationship between dietary fat and cognitive function by focusing on the role of telomere length as a potential intermediator. More future studies are required, however, in order to develop targeted interventions aimed at preserving cognitive well-being throughout life.

Association of Neighborhood Deprivation and Depressive Symptoms With Epigenetic Age Acceleration: Evidence From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

BACKGROUND

Neighborhood deprivation and depression have been linked to epigenetic age acceleration. The next-generation epigenetic clocks including the DNA methylation (DNAm) GrimAge, and PhenoAge have incorporated clinical biomarkers of physiological dysregulation by selecting cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites that are associated with risk factors for disease, and have shown improved accuracy in predicting morbidity and time-to-mortality compared to the first-generation clocks. The aim of this study is to examine the association between neighborhood deprivation and DNAm GrimAge and PhenoAge acceleration in adults, and assess interaction with depressive symptoms.

METHODS

The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging recruited 51 338 participants aged 45-85 years across provinces in Canada. This cross-sectional analysis is based on a subsample of 1 445 participants at baseline (2011-2015) for whom epigenetic data were available. Epigenetic age acceleration (years) was assessed using the DNAm GrimAge and PhenoAge, and measured as residuals from regression of the biological age on chronological age.

RESULTS

A greater neighborhood material and/or social deprivation compared to lower deprivation (b = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.21, 1.12) and depressive symptoms scores (b = 0.07; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.13) were associated with higher DNAm GrimAge acceleration. The regression estimates for these associations were higher but not statistically significant when epigenetic age acceleration was estimated using DNAm PhenoAge. There was no evidence of a statistical interaction between neighborhood deprivation and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms and neighborhood deprivation are independently associated with premature biological aging. Policies that improve neighborhood environments and address depression in older age may contribute to healthy aging among older adults living in predominantly urban areas.

Depressive symptoms and shorter survival in lung cancer: the role of leukocyte telomere length

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between depressive symptoms, leukocyte telomere length-a marker of cellular ageing, and survival amongst lung cancer patients.

DESIGN

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer were recruited from a university-affiliated cancer center clinic.

MAIN OUTCOME

Patients (N = 67) reported on depressive symptoms and provided a blood sample for leukocyte telomere length assessment at baseline and at a 3-month follow-up. Survival status was tracked over 3 years.

RESULTS

Age at diagnosis and depressive symptoms, as measured by the CES-D, were associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length (p < .05), although only age at diagnosis contributed statistical significance to the model. Depressive symptoms predicted shorter survival from date of diagnosis (p < .01). Patients who reported experiencing clinically meaningful levels of depressive symptoms (CES-D scores ≥ 16) demonstrated shorter survival than those who reported sub-clinical levels of depressive symptoms (p < .05). Leukocyte telomere length did not emerge as a predictor of shorter survival.

CONCLUSION

Clinically meaningful levels of depressive symptoms are associated with shorter survival amongst lung cancer patients. These findings support the on-going efforts to screen all cancer patients for low mood and to investigate mechanisms linking depressive symptoms and shorter survival in cancer contexts.

Association between Lipids, Apolipoproteins and Telomere Length: A Mendelian Randomization Study

(1) Background: The relationship between lipids, apolipoproteins, and telomere length (TL) has been explored in previous studies; however, the causal relationship between the two remains unclear. This study aims to assess the causal relationship between lipids, apolipoproteins, and TL using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach; (2) Methods: This study comprehensively employed both univariate MR (uvMR) and multivariate MR (mvMR) methods to genetically evaluate the associations between 21 exposures related to lipids and apolipoproteins and the outcome of TL. During the analysis process, we utilized various statistical methods, including Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), Weighted Median, MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO, and outlier tests. Furthermore, to confirm the robustness of the results, we conducted several sensitivity analyses to explore potential heterogeneity; (3) Results: The uvMR analysis indicated that an increase in MUFA, MUFA/FA ratio, LDL-C, VLDL-C, total cholesterol, ApoB, and triglycerides (TG) was associated with an increase in TL. However, this relationship did not manifest in the mvMR analysis, suggesting that this association may be based on preliminary evidence; (4) Conclusions: MR analysis results suggest potential suggestive positive causal relationships between genetically predicted MUFA, MUFA/FA ratio, LDL-C, VLDL-C, total cholesterol, ApoB, and TG with TL.

Telomere Length Associations With Clinical Diagnosis, Age, and Polygenic Risk Scores for Anxiety Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder

Background

Accelerated biological aging might contribute to the lower life expectancy of individuals with mental disorders. The aim of this study was to characterize telomere length, a biological hallmark of aging, in individuals with mental disorders.

Methods

The UK Biobank is a multicenter community-based observational study that recruited >500,000 middle-aged and older adults. Average leukocyte telomere length (telomere repeat copy number/single-copy gene ratio) was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were calculated for individuals of European ancestry. We estimated differences in telomere length between individuals with anxiety disorder, depression, or bipolar disorder and people without mental disorders and examined associations with psychotropic medication use, age, and PRSs for these 3 disorders.

Results

The analyses included up to 308,725 participants. Individuals with depression had shorter telomeres than people without mental disorders (β = -0.011, 95% CI, -0.019 to -0.004, Bonferroni-corrected p = .027). Associations between bipolar disorder and telomere length differed by lithium use. There was limited evidence that individuals with an anxiety disorder had shorter telomeres. There was no evidence that associations between age and telomere length differed between individuals with and without these disorders. PRSs for depression, but not anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder, were associated with shorter telomeres (β = -0.006, 95% CI, -0.010 to -0.003, Bonferroni-corrected p = .001).

Conclusions

Differences in telomere length were observed primarily for individuals with depression or bipolar disorder and in individuals with a higher PRS for depression. There was no evidence that the association between age and telomere length differed between individuals with and without an anxiety disorder, depression, or bipolar disorder.

Developmental Correlates of Accelerated Molar Eruption in Early Childhood

Background

Adversity has been linked to accelerated maturation. Molar eruption is a simple and scalable way to identify early maturation, but its developmental correlates remain unexplored. Thus, we examined whether accelerated maturation as indexed by molar eruption is associated with children's mental health or cognitive skills.

Methods

Molar eruption was evaluated from T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in 117 children (63 female; ages 4-7 years). Parents reported on child mental health with the Child Behavior Checklist. Children completed standardized assessments of fluid reasoning, working memory, processing speed, crystallized knowledge, and math performance. Relationships between molar eruption and developmental outcomes were examined using linear models, with age, gender, and stress risk as covariates.

Results

Earlier molar eruption was positively associated with children's externalizing symptoms (false discovery rate-corrected p [pFDR] = .027) but not internalizing symptoms, and the relationship with externalizing symptoms did not hold when controlling for stress risk. Earlier molar eruption was negatively associated with fluid reasoning (pFDR < .001), working memory (pFDR = .033), and crystallized knowledge (pFDR = .001). The association between molar eruption and both reasoning and crystallized knowledge held when controlling for stress risk. Molar eruption also partially mediated associations between stress risk and both reasoning (proportion mediated = 0.273, p = .004) and crystallized knowledge (proportion mediated = 0.126, p = .016).

Conclusions

Accelerated maturation, as reflected in early molar eruption, may have consequences for cognitive development, perhaps because it constrains brain plasticity. Knowing the pace of a child's maturation may provide insight into the impact of a child's stress history on their cognitive development.

Childhood maltreatment and leukocyte telomere length in men and women with chronic illness: an evaluation of moderating and mediating influences

BACKGROUND

Childhood maltreatment can result in lifelong psychological and physical sequelae, including coronary artery disease (CAD). Mechanisms leading to increased risk of illness may involve emotional dysregulation and shortened leukocyte telomere length (LTL).

METHODS

To evaluate whether (1) childhood maltreatment is associated with shorter LTL among older adults with CAD or other chronic illnesses; (2) sex and/or CAD status influence these results; and (3) symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress moderate or mediate the association between childhood maltreatment and LTL, men and women (N = 1247; aged 65 ± 7.2 years) with and without CAD completed validated questionnaires on childhood maltreatment, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. LTL was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Analyses included bivariate correlations, hierarchical regressions, and moderation/mediation analyses, controlling for sociodemographic and lifestyle variables.

RESULTS

Childhood maltreatment was associated with significantly shorter LTL (r = -0.059, p = 0.038, b = -0.016, p = 0.005). This relation was not moderated by depression, anxiety, nor perceived stress, though there was mitigated evidence for absence of a maltreatment-LTL relation in men with CAD. Stress perception (but not anxiety or depression) partially mediated the relation between childhood maltreatment and LTL [Indirect effect, b = -0.0041, s.e. = 0.002, 95% CI (-0.0085 to -0.0002)].

CONCLUSIONS

Childhood maltreatment was associated with accelerated biological aging independently of patient characteristics. Emotional dysregulation resulting in chronic stress may contribute to this process. Whether stress management or other interventions may help prevent or slow premature aging in those who have suffered maltreatment requires study.

Accelerated epigenetic aging and decreased natural killer cells based on DNA methylation in patients with untreated major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is known to cause significant disability. Genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles can be used to estimate biological aging and as epigenetic clocks. However, information on epigenetic clocks reported in MDD patients is inconsistent. Since antidepressants are likely confounders, we evaluated biological aging using various DNAm-based predictors in patients with MDD who had never received depression medication. A publicly available dataset consisting of whole blood samples from untreated MDD patients (n = 40) and controls (n = 40) was used. We analyzed five epigenetic clocks (HorvathAge, HannumAge, SkinBloodAge, PhenoAge, and GrimAge), DNAm-based telomere length (DNAmTL), and DNAm-based age-related plasma proteins (GrimAge components), as well as DNAm-based white blood cell composition. The results indicate that patients with untreated MDD were significantly associated with epigenetic aging acceleration in HannumAge and GrimAge. Furthermore, a decrease in natural killer cells, based on DNAm, was observed in patients with untreated MDD.

Associations of depression and anxiety and adolescent telomere length

BACKGROUND

Telomere length (TL), a biomarker of cellular aging, is influenced by adverse life experiences. Although depression and anxiety are associated with shorter TL in adults, the relationship in younger ages has received little attention. We examined relationships between depression and anxiety diagnoses and symptomatology and TL in adolescence, an important developmental window for early intervention. Sex differences in relationships were also examined.

METHODS

Wave 1 survey and TL data from the Adolescent Health and Development in Context study were analyzed (N = 995). Depression and anxiety diagnosis were parent-reported measures categorized as: current diagnosis, prior diagnosis, and never diagnosed (reference category). Depressive symptoms were measured via adolescent-report using nine items from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, short form. Anxiety symptoms were measured via adolescent-report using eight items from the pediatric anxiety scale obtained from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Genomic DNA was isolated from 500 μL saliva via ethanol precipitation. Genomic DNA TL was assessed using monoplexed quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Relative T/S quantities were calculated in accordance with established procedures. Covariates included sociodemographic factors (sex, age, race/ethnicity, caregiver marital status and education level, and household income), pubertal development, and season of collection. Descriptive and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted, including an examination of sex as a moderator in the relationships between depression, anxiety, and TL.

RESULTS

In multivariable analysis, adolescents with a current depression diagnosis (b = -0.26, p < .05), but not a prior diagnosis (b =0.05, p > .05) had shorter TL than those who were never diagnosed; higher depressive symptom scores were associated with shorter TL (b = -0.12, p < .05). No significant associations were found between anxiety diagnosis and TL; however, higher anxiety symptom scores were associated with shorter TL (b = -0.14, p < .01). Sex did not significantly moderate any of the relationships between depression, anxiety and TL.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression and anxiety were associated with shorter TL in this diverse community sample of adolescents and the findings highlight the potential for impaired mental health to contribute to cellular senescence as early as adolescence. Prospective research on the long-term effect of depression and anxiety occurring earlier in the life span on TL over time is needed, including examination of potential mechanisms that may accelerate or buffer the negative effects of impaired mental health on TL.

Strong associations of telomere length and mitochondrial copy number with suicidality and abuse history in adolescent depressed individuals

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent in adolescents and is a major risk factor for suicidality. Recent evidence shows that accelerated cellular senescence/aging is associated with psychiatric illness, including depression, in adults. The present study examined if the relationships of telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), two critical indicators of cellular senescence/aging, are altered in depressed adolescents and whether these alterations are associated with suicidality, early-life adversities, and other co-occuring factors. In genomic DNA isolated from 53 adolescents (ages 16-19, 19 MDD with suicide attempt/suicidal ideation [MDD + SI/SA], 14 MDD without SA/SI [MDD-SI/SA], and 20 healthy controls [HC]), TL and mtDNAcn were measured as the ratio between the number of telomere repeats and that of a single-copy nuclear-hemoglobin [HBG] gene or the amount of mtDNA (NADH dehydrogenase, subunit 1) relative to HBG. Our data show that TL was significantly lower, and mtDNAcn was significantly higher in the total MDD group than HC. TL was significantly lower and mtDNAcn was significantly higher in the MDD + SA/SI group than in the HC, whereas there were no differences in the MDD-SI/SA group. TL was positively correlated with mtDNAcn in both HC and MDD-SA/SI groups; however, TL was negatively correlated with mtDNAcn in MDD + SA/SI. Furthermore, TL was negatively correlated with the severity of both depression and anxiety, while mtDNAcn was positively correlated with the severity of prior emotional abuse. Our study indicates that cellular senescence is more advanced in depressed adolescents with suicidal ideation and that childhood emotional abuse may participate in such a process.

Associations between blood IL-33 levels and IL-33 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the relationship between circulating interleukin-33 (IL-33) levels and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) along with polymorphisms in the IL-33 gene and SLE susceptibility.

METHOD

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases (to May 2023) were searched for relevant publications. Using a meta-analysis we investigated serum/plasma IL-33 levels in patients with SLE and controls, and the relationship between IL-33 rs1929992, rs1891385, rs7044343, rs1095498, and rs10975579 polymorphisms and the risk of developing SLE.

RESULTS

Nine studies focusing on 1,935 patients with SLE were included. IL-33 levels were significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (SMD = 2.140, 95% CI = 1.068-3.212, p < .001). Asian, European, and Arab groups have shown increased IL-33 levels in SLE populations, according to ethnic stratification. Regardless of the sample size, variable adjustment, data format, or publication year, the subgroup analysis showed significantly higher IL-33 levels in the SLE group. This meta-analysis supported the significance of the link between SLE and the IL-33 rs1891385 C allele (OR, 1.525; 95% CI, 11.310-1.777; p = .010). A similar association was found between the IL-33 rs1891385 C/A polymorphism and SLE, using homozygote comparisons and dominant and recessive models. However, this meta-analysis found no association between the IL-33 polymorphisms rs1929992, rs7044343, rs1095498, and rs10975579 and susceptibility to SLE.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis identified significantly higher levels of circulating IL-33 in patients with SLE as well as an association between IL-33 rs1891385 and SLE.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Accelerated Aging: Leukocyte Telomere Length in the Nurses' Health Study II

Background

Exposure to trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression have been independently associated with leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a cellular marker of aging associated with mortality and age-related diseases. However, the joint contributions of trauma and its psychological sequelae on LTL have not been examined.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of LTL in a subset of women from the Nurses' Health Study II (N = 1868). Lifetime exposure to traumatic events, PTSD, and depression was assessed with validated measures. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and telomere repeat copy number to single gene copy number was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction telomere assay. Linear regression models assessed the association of trauma, PTSD, and depression with LTL after adjustment for health behaviors and medical conditions.

Results

Trauma, PTSD, and depression were not independently associated with LTL in mutually adjusted models. However, individuals with severe psychological distress-characterized by comorbid PTSD and depression-had shorter LTL equivalent to being 7.62 years older (95% CI, 0.02 to 17.97) than participants who had never experienced a traumatic event and were not depressed. Further examination found only an association among individuals with the highest number of PTSD symptoms and comorbid depression equivalent to 9.71 additional years of aging (95% CI, 1.36 to 20.49). No effect was found among individuals meeting the minimum threshold for probable PTSD with comorbid depression.

Conclusions

Severe psychological distress, as indicated by the presence of comorbid PTSD and depression, may be associated with shorter LTL.

Role of telomere length in human carcinogenesis (Review)

Cancer is considered the most important clinical, social and economic issue regarding cause‑specific disability‑adjusted life years among all human pathologies. Exogenous, endogenous and individual factors, including genetic predisposition, participate in cancer triggering. Telomeres are specific DNA structures positioned at the end of chromosomes and consist of repetitive nucleotide sequences, which, together with shelterin proteins, facilitate the maintenance of chromosome stability, while protecting them from genomic erosion. Even though the connection between telomere status and carcinogenesis has been identified, the absence of a universal or even a cancer‑specific trend renders consent even more complex. It is indicative that both short and long telomere lengths have been associated with a high risk of cancer incidence. When evaluating risk associations between cancer and telomere length, a disparity appears to emerge. Even though shorter telomeres have been adopted as a marker of poorer health status and an older biological age, longer telomeres due to increased cell growth potential are associated with the acquirement of cancer‑initiating somatic mutations. Therefore, the present review aimed to comprehensively present the multifaceted pattern of telomere length and cancer incidence association.

A review and meta-analysis: Cross-tissue telomere length correlations in healthy humans

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.

Shorter telomere length predicts poor antidepressant response and poorer cardiometabolic indices in major depression

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.

Impact of Heartfulness meditation practice on anxiety, perceived stress, well-being, and telomere length

Objective

Exhaustion, stress, and burnout have all been found to be reduced using techniques like yoga and meditation. This study was carried out to check the effectiveness of Heartfulness practice (a form of meditation) on certain psychological and genetic variables.

Methods

A total of 100 healthy individuals (aged 18-24) were recruited and randomized into two groups-Heartfulness intervention and control group. The intervention was carried out for 03 months. Participants from both groups were analysed for their cortisol levels and telomere length before and after the intervention. Psychometric measures of anxiety, perceived stress, well-being and mindfulness were carried out using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), WHO-Well-being Index (WHO-WBI) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ).

Results

The cortisol levels in the meditators group significantly decreased (p < 0.001) after the intervention as compared to the non-meditators group, whereas, the telomere length increased in the mediators group. This increase was not significant (p > 0.05). Anxiety and perceived stress also decreased post intervention, and well-being as well as mindfulness increased, as assessed by the questionnaire tools, although the decrease in perceived stress was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between telomere length and cortisol (stress biomarker), whereas a positive correlation was found between telomere length and well-being.

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence that Heartfulness meditation practice can improve our mental health. Additionally, telomere length is shown to be affected by cortisol levels, and this meditation practice can also help to increase telomere length, and thereby slow down cellular aging. However, future studies with larger sample size are required to confirm our observations.

Linking Pregnancy and Long-Term Health: The Impact of Cardiovascular Risk on Telomere Shortening in Pregnant Women

Background and Objectives: Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the end of chromosomes that play a crucial role in maintaining chromosomal stability. Shortening of telomeres has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the length of telomeres in pregnant women with cardiovascular risk is shorter compared to those without cardiovascular risk. Materials and Methods: A total of 68 participants were enrolled, including 30 pregnant women with cardiovascular risk and 38 without cardiovascular risk, who were followed-up during their pregnancy between 2020 and 2022 at the Obstetrical and Gynecology Department of the "Pius Brînzeu" Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Timişoara, Romania. All included women underwent delivery via cesarean section at the same medical institution. The telomere length was measured in each participant using quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The results showed that the telomere length was negatively correlated with cardiovascular risk in pregnant women, with significantly shorter telomeres observed in the cardiovascular risk group (mean telomere length = 0.3537) compared to the group without cardiovascular risk (mean telomere length = 0.5728) (p = 0.0458). Conclusions: These findings suggest that cardiovascular risk during pregnancy may be associated with accelerated telomere shortening, which could have implications for the long-term health of both the mother and the child. Further research is needed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying this association and to identify interventions that may mitigate the negative effects of cardiovascular risk on the telomere length during pregnancy.

Depressive symptoms are associated with DNA methylation age acceleration in a cross-sectional analysis of adults over age 50 in the United States

Background

Major depressive disorder affects mental well-being and accelerates DNA methylation age, a marker of biological aging. Subclinical depressive symptoms and DNA methylation aging have not been explored.

Objective

To assess the cross-sectional association between depressive symptoms and accelerated DNA methylation aging among United States adults over age 50.

Methods

We included 3,793 participants from the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and operationalized as high versus low/no. Blood DNA methylation GrimAge was regressed on chronologic age to obtain acceleration. Multiple linear regression assessed the relationship between high depressive symptoms and GrimAge acceleration, controlling for demographic factors, health behaviors, and cell type proportions. We investigated sex and race/ethnicity stratified associations.

Results

Participants were 42% male, 14% had high depressive symptoms, 44% had accelerated GrimAge, and were mean age 70 years. In our fully adjusted model, those with high depressive symptoms had 0.40 (95%CI: 0.06, 0.73) years accelerated GrimAge, compared to those with low/no depressive symptoms. The association between depressive symptoms and GrimAge acceleration was larger in male participants ( P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Higher depressive symptoms were associated with accelerated DNA methylation age among older adults.

Accelerated biological aging and risk of depression and anxiety: evidence from 424,299 UK Biobank participants

Theory predicts that biological processes of aging may contribute to poor mental health in late life. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated prospective associations between biological age and incident depression and anxiety in 424,299 UK Biobank participants. We measured biological age from clinical traits using the KDM-BA and PhenoAge algorithms. At baseline, participants who were biologically older more often experienced depression/anxiety. During a median of 8.7 years of follow-up, participants with older biological age were at increased risk of incident depression/anxiety (5.9% increase per standard deviation [SD] of KDM-BA acceleration, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.3%-8.5%; 11.3% increase per SD of PhenoAge acceleration, 95% CI: 9.%-13.0%). Biological-aging-associated risk of depression/anxiety was independent of and additive to genetic risk measured by genome-wide-association-study-based polygenic scores. Advanced biological aging may represent a potential risk factor for incident depression/anxiety in midlife and older adults and a potential target for risk assessment and intervention.

The Relationship Between Telomeres, Cognition, Mood, and Physical Function: A Systematic Review

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.

Only Small Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Biomarker Levels of Inflammation and Stress: A Preregistered Systematic Review and Two Three-Level Meta-Analyses

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have a positive effect on biomarkers of inflammation and stress in patients with psychiatric disorders and physical illnesses. Regarding subclinical populations, results are less clear. The present meta-analysis addressed the effects of MBIs on biomarkers in psychiatric populations and among healthy, stressed, and at-risk populations. All available biomarker data were investigated with a comprehensive approach, using two three-level meta-analyses. Pre-post changes in biomarker levels within treatment groups (k = 40 studies, total N = 1441) and treatment effects compared to control group effects, using only RCT data (k = 32, total N = 2880), were of similar magnitude, Hedges g = -0.15 (95% CI = [-0.23, -0.06], p < 0.001) and g = -0.11 (95% CI = [-0.23, 0.001], p = 0.053). Effects increased in magnitude when including available follow-up data but did not differ between type of sample, MBI, biomarker, and control group or duration of the MBI. This suggests that MBIs may ameliorate biomarker levels in both psychiatric and subclinical populations to a small extent. However, low study quality and evidence of publication bias may have impacted on the results. More large and preregistered studies are still needed in this field of research.

Molecular pathways of major depressive disorder converge on the synapse

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric disease of still poorly understood molecular etiology. Extensive studies at different molecular levels point to a high complexity of numerous interrelated pathways as the underpinnings of depression. Major systems under consideration include monoamines, stress, neurotrophins and neurogenesis, excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, mitochondrial dysfunction, (epi)genetics, inflammation, the opioid system, myelination, and the gut-brain axis, among others. This review aims at illustrating how these multiple signaling pathways and systems may interact to provide a more comprehensive view of MDD's neurobiology. In particular, considering the pattern of synaptic activity as the closest physical representation of mood, emotion, and conscience we can conceptualize, each pathway or molecular system will be scrutinized for links to synaptic neurotransmission. Models of the neurobiology of MDD will be discussed as well as future actions to improve the understanding of the disease and treatment options.

A genetic correlation and bivariate genome-wide association study of grip strength and depression

Grip strength is an important biomarker reflecting muscle strength, and depression is a psychiatric disorder all over the world. Several studies found a significant inverse association between grip strength and depression, and there is also evidence for common physiological mechanisms between them. We used twin data from Qingdao, China to calculate genetic correlations, and we performed a bivariate GWAS to explore potential SNPs, genes, and pathways in common between grip strength and depression. 139 pairs of Dizygotic twins were used for bivariate GWAS. VEAGSE2 and PASCAL software were used for gene-based analysis and pathway enrichment analysis, respectively. And the resulting SNPs were subjected to eQTL analysis and pleiotropy analysis. The genetic correlation coefficient between grip strength and depression was -0.41 (-0.96, -0.15). In SNP-based analysis, 7 SNPs exceeded the genome-wide significance level (P<5×10-8) and a total of 336 SNPs reached the level of suggestive significance (P<1×10-5). Gene-based analysis and pathway-based analysis identified genes and pathways related to muscle strength and the nervous system. The results of eQTL analysis were mainly enriched in tissues such as the brain, thyroid, and skeletal muscle. Pleiotropy analysis shows that 9 of the 15 top SNPs were associated with both grip strength and depression. In conclusion, this bivariate GWAS identified potentially common pleiotropic SNPs, genes, and pathways in grip strength and depression.

Depression, aging, and immunity: implications for COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity

The aging process can have detrimental effects on the immune system rendering the elderly more susceptible to infectious disease and less responsive to vaccination. Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been hypothesized to show characteristics of accelerated biological aging. This raises the possibility that depressed individuals will show some overlap with elderly populations with respect to their immune response to infection and vaccination. Here we provide an umbrella review of this literature in the context of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. On balance, the available data do indeed suggest that depression is a risk factor for both adverse outcomes following COVID-19 infection and for reduced COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity. We conclude that MDD (and other major psychiatric disorders) should be recognized as vulnerable populations that receive priority for vaccination along with other at-risk groups.

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Telomeres-Are They the Elixir of Youth?

Telomeres are complexes consisting of tandem repeat DNA combined with associated proteins that play a key role in protecting the ends of chromosomes and maintaining genome stability. They are considered a biological clock, as they shorten in parallel with aging. Furthermore, short telomeres are associated with several age-related diseases. However, the variability in telomere shortening independent of chronological age suggests that it is a modifiable factor. In fact, it is regulated inter alia by genetic damage, cell division, aging, oxidative stress, and inflammation. A key question remains: how can we prevent accelerated telomere attrition and subsequent premature replicative senescence? A number of studies have explored the possible impact of omega-3 fatty acids on telomere shortening. This review summarizes published cross-sectional studies, randomized controlled trials, and rodent studies investigating the role of omega-3 fatty acids in telomere biology. It also covers a broad overview of the mechanism, currently favored in the field, that explains the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on telomeres—the food compound’s ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation. Although the results of the studies performed to date are not consistent, the vast majority indicate a beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids on telomere length.

Telomere is shortened in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Telomere shortening is an accepted indicator of aging. Many studies have investigated an association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and psychiatric disorders. Mental or psychological factors could be an important cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, there are currently few research evaluating correlations between LTL and IBS.

METHODS

We examined associations between LTL and IBS using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in independent cohorts, including 205 patients with IBS and 189 healthy controls. Furthermore, we examined whether mental or psychological factors, types of IBS, duration of IBS and antidepressants had an association with LTL in patients with IBS.

RESULTS

Among total samples, patients with IBS presented shorter LTL when compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Moreover, in subgroup analyses of patients with IBS, not only the LTL in patients with IBS caused by mental or psychological factors was shorter (P < 0.0001), but also in patients with IBS that were caused by other factors (P = 0.0082). Furthermore, LTL in patients with IBS who had taken antidepressants for more than 1 month was longer than that in patients with IBS who did not take antidepressants or took for less than 1 month (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to describe the relationship between LTL and IBS. This study showed significantly shorter telomeres in patients with IBS. Our findings suggest that LTL may hold the potential to serve as a predictor of IBS diagnosis.

Telomere length in individuals with and without major depression and adverse childhood experiences

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with poor physical and mental health in adulthood. One underlying mechanism might be accelerated cellular aging. For example, both conditions, MDD and ACE, have been related to a biological marker of cellular aging, accelerated shortening of telomere length (TL). Since MDD and ACE are confounded in many studies, we aimed with the current study to further disentangle the effects of MDD and ACE on TL using a full-factorial design including four carefully diagnosed groups of healthy participants and MDD patients with and without ACE (total N = 90, all without use of antidepressants). As dependent variable, TL was assessed in leukocytes. We found no group differences based on MDD and ACE exposure in TL. While TL was negatively associated with age and male sex, TL was not associated with any measure of severity of MDD, ACE or current stress. One possible explanation for our null result may be the comparatively good physical health status of our sample. Future research is needed to elucidate the relation of TL, MDD and ACE, taking potential effect modification by medication intake and physical health status into account.

Metabolic syndrome components and leukocyte telomere length in patients with major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVES

The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) attrition in major depressive disorder (MDD) remains unclear.

METHODS

We recruited 70 MDD patients (mean age: 44.6 years, 60.0% female) and 51 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age: 41.2 years, 68.6% female) to examine the associations of MetS components and LTL. Five MetS components-waist circumference, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, serum levels of fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides-were assessed. LTL was measured through quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

MDD had higher prevalence of MetS (34.3 vs. 17.6%, p=.042), low HDL-C (25.7 vs. 7.8%, p=.009) and shorter LTL (-0.038 ± 0.169 vs. 0.033 ± 0.213, p=.042). Regression analysis revealed that MDD (p=.046) and age (p=.003) associated with LTL, while a significant interaction effect of group (MDD vs. controls) × HDL-C (p=.037) was observed. Post-hoc analysis showed MDD with low HDL-C had greater LTL attrition than controls without low HDL-C (p=.020). In MDD, HDL-C dysregulation negatively correlated with LTL (p=.010); but no significance after Bonferroni correction.

CONCLUSIONS

HDL-C may be involved in accelerated ageing process regarding metabolic disturbance in MDD only. The relationship merits prospective investigations with larger sample size for clarification.

Accelerated mononuclear cell telomere attrition in breast cancer survivors with depression history: A 2-year longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatments are thought to accelerate biological aging, although this trajectory is highly variable. Depression is more prevalent in breast cancer survivors and is thought to be a vulnerability factor for biological aging. A lifetime history of depression and cumulative lifetime number of depression episodes could hypothetically be associated with an accelerated rate of biological aging as indexed by attrition of telomere length in a prospective cohort of breast cancer survivors who were not currently depressed.

METHODS

Breast cancer survivors (n = 206) without current depression were recruited from a large community-based health plan and were assessed for depression history by a structured diagnostic interview. Blood specimens were provided at baseline and every 8 months over 24 months to measure peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) telomere length. Mixed linear models examined associations of depression history and number of depression episodes with change in telomere length, adjusting for demographic, comorbidity, and cancer-specific factors.

RESULTS

In the fully adjusted model, depression history predicted attrition of PBMC telomere length over 24 months (Beta [SE] = -.006 [.002], p = .001). Greater number of depressive episodes over the lifetime was also associated with accelerated attrition of PBMC telomere length over 24 months (Beta [SE] = -.004 [.001], p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In breast cancer survivors without current depression, telomere attrition over 24 months was greatest in those with a lifetime depression history, particularly those with the greatest number of episodes of major depressive disorder over their lifetime. Depression history and its cumulative burden may contribute to accelerated biological aging, with implications for risk of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer survivors.

Association of Molecular Senescence Markers in Late-Life Depression With Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcome

IMPORTANCE

Many older adults with depression do not experience remission with antidepressant treatment, and markers of cellular senescence in late-life depression (LLD) are associated with greater severity of depression, greater executive dysfunction, and higher medical illness burden. Since these clinical characteristics are associated with remission in LLD, molecular and cellular senescence abnormalities could be a possible biological mechanism underlying poor treatment response in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) index was associated with the likelihood of remission from a depressive episode in older adults.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A nonrandomized, open-label clinical trial was conducted between August 2009 and August 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; St Louis, Missouri; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with older adults in a current major depressive episode according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision) diagnostic criteria. Data from biomarker analyses were reported according to the clinical trial archived plasma samples run in March 2021. Data were analyzed from June to November 2021.

EXPOSURE

Venlafaxine extended release (dose ranging from 37.5 mg to 300 mg daily) for up to 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The association between a composite biomarker-based index (SASP index) and treatment remission in older adults with major depression was measured using clinical data and blood samples.

RESULTS

There were 416 participants with a mean (SD) age of 60.02 (7.13) years; 64% (265 participants) were self-reported female, and the mean (SD) Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score was 26.6 (5.7). Higher SASP index scores were independently associated with higher rates of nonremission, with an increase of 1 unit in the SASP index score increasing the odds of nonremission by 19% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05-1.35; P = .006). In contrast, no individual SASP factors were associated with remission in LLD.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Using clinical data and blood samples from a nonrandomized clinical trial, the results of this study suggest that molecular and cellular senescence, as measured with the SASP index, is associated with worse treatment outcomes in LLD. Combining this index score reflecting interrelated biological processes with other molecular, clinical, and neuroimaging markers may be useful in evaluating antidepressant treatment outcomes. These findings inform a path forward for geroscience-guided interventions targeting senescence to improve remission rates in LLD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00892047.

Depression, religiosity, and telomere length in the Study on Stress, Spirituality, and Health (SSSH)

Prospective studies on the association between depression and telomere length have produced mixed results and have been largely limited to European ancestry populations. We examined the associations between depression and telomere length, and the modifying influence of religion and spirituality, in four cohorts, each representing a different race/ethnic population. Relative leukocyte telomere length (RTL) was measured by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our result showed that depression was not associated with RTL (percent difference: 3.0 95% CI: -3.9, 10.5; p = 0.41; p-heterogeneity across studies = 0.67) overall or in cohort-specific analyses. However, in cohort-specific analyses, there was some evidence of effect modification by the extent of religiosity or spirituality, religious congregation membership, and group prayer. Further research is needed to investigate prospective associations between depression and telomere length, and the resources of resilience including dimensions of religion and spirituality that may impact such dynamics in diverse racial/ethnic populations.

[The dual role of the menopausal hormonal therapy as the enhancer of pleiotropic telomere rejuvenation and the silencer of cellular aging (literature review)]

Present worldwide healthcare researches prove that female patients are more sensitive to the population aging. Menopause or climacteria (climax) - is not as ageing itself, but a physiological unstoppable process. The main task for a physician is to improve life quality for female despite of ageing problems. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) due to the estrogen component has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effect and promotes the expression of telomerase, which together changes the homeostasis and integrity of telomeres. The use of MHT for five years or more can not only significantly change the quality of life, but also increase its duration. Literature search was carried out in national (eLibrary, CyberLeninka.ru) and international (PubMed, Cochrane Library) databases in Russian and English. The priority was free access to the full text of articles. The choice of sources was prioritized for the period from 2019 to 2021. However, taking into account the insufficient knowledge of the chosen topic, the choice of sources dates back to 1989.

Addressing the biological embedding of early life adversities (ELA) among adults through mindfulness: Proposed mechanisms and review of converging evidence

Early life adversities (ELA) are prevalent and have a profound and adverse impact across the lifespan, including on age-related health outcomes, yet interventions to remediate its adverse impact are scarce. This paper presents evidence for mindfulness training to reduce the elevated mental and physical health risks linked to ELA among adults by targeting biological mechanisms of ELA leading to these adverse health outcomes. We first provide a brief overview of ELA, its adverse health impacts, and mechanisms that might be responsible. Next, we review converging evidence that demonstrates that mindfulness training influences key biological pathways involved in ELA-linked negative health consequences, including (a) brain networks involved in self-regulation, (b) immunity and inflammation, (c) telomere biology, and (d) epigenetic modifications. Further, we review preliminary evidence from mindfulness-based trials that focused on populations impacted by ELA. We discuss limitations of this review and provide recommendations for future research. If effective, a mindfulness-based approach could be an important public health strategy for remediating the adverse mental and physical health consequences of ELA.

Telomere length and telomerase activity of leukocytes as biomarkers of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor responses in patients with major depressive disorder

We analyze the leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and telomerase activity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) before and after treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Before treatment, there was a reduction in the LTLs and expression levels of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in the patients with MDD compared with controls. However, after 24 weeks of treatment with SSRIs, there was a significant increase in the LTLs and the expression levels of hTERT, with values approaching those observed in the controls. We conclude that SSRI antidepressant therapy can directly influence the increased expression levels of hTERT in patients.

Telomeres are shorter and associated with number of suicide attempts in affective disorders

BACKGROUND

Shorter telomere length is a putative biomarker of accelerated aging and has been associated with affective disorders and mortality. Psychological factors and behaviors associated with telomere shortening are yet to be clarified. Here, we investigate the association between history of suicide attempts and telomere length in patients with affective disorders.

METHODS

Leucocyte telomere length was determined by quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) in patients with affective disorders (n = 248) including bipolar disorders type I (n = 159), type II (n = 67), major depressive disorder (n = 22), and healthy controls (n = 401). Diagnosis, duration of illness, and age at onset were assessed using the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Number of lifetime suicide attempts were based on self-reports. Effect size was calculated using Cohen's d.

RESULTS

Telomere length was reduced in patients with affective disorders relative to healthy controls (d = 0.18, F = 5.26, p = 0.02). Among patients, a higher number of suicide attempts was associated with shorter telomere length (β = -0.24, t = -3.83, CI = -0.44 to -0.14, p < 0.001), also when controlling for duration of illness and age at onset (β = -.23, CI = -.42 to -.12, p = 0.001). Multiple suicide attempts were associated with telomere length reduction comparable to eight years lifespan, adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

While longitudinal data are needed to clarify the temporal course, previous suicide attempts and related distress may accelerate telomere shortening and aging in patients with affective disorders.

Molecular Consequences of Depression Treatment: A Potential In Vitro Mechanism for Antidepressants-Induced Reprotoxic Side Effects

The incidence of depression among humans is growing worldwide, and so is the use of antidepressants. However, our fundamental understanding regarding the mechanisms by which these drugs function and their off-target effects against human sexuality remains poorly defined. The present study aimed to determine their differential toxicity on mouse spermatogenic cells and provide mechanistic data of cell-specific response to antidepressant and neuroleptic drug treatment. To directly test reprotoxicity, the spermatogenic cells (GC-1 spg and GC-2 spd cells) were incubated for 48 and 96 h with amitriptyline (hydrochloride) (AMI), escitalopram (ESC), fluoxetine (hydrochloride) (FLU), imipramine (hydrochloride) (IMI), mirtazapine (MIR), olanzapine (OLZ), reboxetine (mesylate) (REB), and venlafaxine (hydrochloride) (VEN), and several cellular and biochemical features were assessed. Obtained results reveal that all investigated substances showed considerable reprotoxic potency leading to micronuclei formation, which, in turn, resulted in upregulation of telomeric binding factor (TRF1/TRF2) protein expression. The TRF-based response was strictly dependent on p53/p21 signaling and was followed by irreversible G2/M cell cycle arrest and finally initiation of apoptotic cell death. In conclusion, our findings suggest that antidepressants promote a telomere-focused DNA damage response in germ cell lines, which broadens the established view of antidepressants' and neuroleptic drugs' toxicity and points to the need for further research in this topic with the use of in vivo models and human samples.

Linking the Triad of Telomere Length, Inflammation, and Gut Dysbiosis in the Manifestation of Depression

Telomere length is an indispensable marker for cellular and biological aging, and it also represents an individual's physical and mental health status. Telomere shortening has been observed in chronic inflammatory conditions, which in turn accelerates aging and risk for psychiatric disorders, including depression. Considering the influence of inflammation and telomere shortening on the gut-brain axis, herein we describe a plausible interplay between telomere attrition, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis in the neurobiology of depression. Telomere shortening and hyperinflammation are well reported in depression. A negative impact of augmented inflammation has been noted on the intestinal permeability and microbial consortia and their byproducts in depressive patients. Moreover, gut dysbiosis provokes host-immune responses. As the gut microbiome is gaining importance in the manifestation and management of depression, herein we discuss whether telomere attrition is connected with the perturbation of commensal microflora. We also describe a pathological connection of cortisol with hyperinflammation, telomere shortening, and gut dysbiosis occurring in depression. This review summarizes how the triad of telomere attrition, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis is interconnected and modulates the risk for depression by regulating the systemic cortisol levels.