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Robinson LG, Kalmbach K, Sumerfield O, Nomani W, Wang F, Liu L, Keefe DL. Telomere dynamics and reproduction. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:4-11. [PMID: 37993053 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.012] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The oocyte, a long-lived, postmitotic cell, is the locus of reproductive aging in women. Female germ cells replicate only during fetal life and age throughout reproductive life. Mechanisms of oocyte aging include the accumulation of oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruption of proteins, including cohesion. Nobel Laureate Bob Edwards also discovered a "production line" during oogonial replication in the mouse, wherein the last oocytes to ovulate in the adult-derived from the last oogonia to exit mitotic replication in the fetus. On the basis of this, we proposed a two-hit "telomere theory of reproductive aging" to integrate the myriad features of oocyte aging. The first hit was that oocytes remaining in older women traversed more cell cycles during fetal oogenesis. The second hit was that oocytes accumulated more environmental and endogenous oxidative damage throughout the life of the woman. Telomeres (Ts) could mediate both of these aspects of oocyte aging. Telomeres provide a "mitotic clock," with T attrition an inevitable consequence of cell division because of the end replication problem. Telomere's guanine-rich sequence renders them especially sensitive to oxidative damage, even in postmitotic cells. Telomerase, the reverse transcriptase that restores Ts, is better at maintaining than elongating T. Moreover, telomerase remains inactive during much of oogenesis and early development. Oocytes are left with short Ts, on the brink of viability. In support of this theory, mice with induced T attrition and women with naturally occurring telomeropathy suffer diminished ovarian reserve, abnormal embryo development, and infertility. In contrast, sperm are produced throughout the life of the male by a telomerase-active progenitor, spermatogonia, resulting in the longest Ts in the body. In mice, cleavage-stage embryos elongate Ts via "alternative lengthening of telomeres," a recombination-based mechanism rarely encountered outside of telomerase-deficient cancers. Many questions about Ts and reproduction are raised by these findings: does the "normal" T attrition observed in human oocytes contribute to their extraordinarily high rate of meiotic nondisjunction? Does recombination-based T elongation render embryos susceptible to mitotic nondisjunction (and mosaicism)? Can some features of Ts serve as markers of oocyte quality?
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Affiliation(s)
- LeRoy G Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York; Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
| | - Keri Kalmbach
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Olivia Sumerfield
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Wafa Nomani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Lin Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - David L Keefe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.
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Etzel L, Garrett-Petters P, Shalev I. Early origins of health and disease risk: The case for investigating adverse exposures and biological aging in utero, across childhood, and into adolescence. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES 2023; 17:149-156. [PMID: 38706692 PMCID: PMC11068077 DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we suggest that aging and development are two sides of the same coin, and that developing a comprehensive understanding of health and disease risk requires examining age-related processes occurring throughout the earliest years of life. Compared to other periods in life, during this early period of acute vulnerability, when children's biological and regulatory systems are developing, biological aging occurs most rapidly. We review theory and empirical research suggesting that processes of development and aging are intricately linked, and that early adversity may program biological parameters for accelerated aging and disease risk early in life, even though clinical signs of age-related disease onset may not be evident until many years later. Following from this, we make the case for widespread incorporation of biological aging constructs into child development research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Etzel
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Prasad A, Lin J, Jelliffe-Pawlowski L, Coleman-Phox K, Rand L, Wojcicki JM. Sub-optimal maternal gestational gain is associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length at birth in a predominantly Latinx cohort of newborns. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol 2023; 9:14. [PMID: 37919818 PMCID: PMC10623801 DOI: 10.1186/s40748-023-00167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess in utero exposures associated with leukocyte telomere length (LTL) at birth and maternal LTL in a primarily Latinx birth cohort. STUDY DESIGN Mothers and newborns were recruited postnatally before 24 h of life. Newborn LTL was collected via heelstick at birth and maternal LTL was collected postnatally. LTL was determined by quantitative PCR. Using a longitudinal design, we evaluated associations between neonatal and maternal LTL and appropriate maternal gestational gain as indicated by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). RESULT Mean infant LTL was 2.02 ± 0.30 T/S (n = 386) and maternal LTL was 1.54 ± 0.26 T/S (n = 58). Independent risk factors for shorter LTL at birth included longer gestational duration (Coeff:-0.03, 95%CI: -0.05-0.01;p < 0.01) and maternal gestational weight gain below ACOG recommendations (Coeff:-0.10, 95%CI: -0.18 - -0.02; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Gestational weight gain below ACOG recommendations may adversely impact neonatal health in Latinx infants as indicated by shorter LTL at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Prasad
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski
- Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Kimberley Coleman-Phox
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Larry Rand
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Janet M Wojcicki
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
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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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Kertes DA, Leri J, Duan K, Tarrence J, Browning C, Pickler R, Ford J. Demographic and health predictors of telomere length during adolescence. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22311. [PMID: 36282763 PMCID: PMC9749139 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22311] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is proposed to play a mechanistic role in how the exposome affects health outcomes. Little is known about TL during adolescence, a developmental period during which precursors of adult-onset health problems often emerge. We examined health and demographic sources of variation in TL in 899 youth aged 11-17. Demographic and health information included age, sex, race, household income, caregiver age and marital status, youth tobacco exposure, body mass index, pubertal status, health problems, medication use, and season of data collection. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva, and T/S ratios were computed following qPCR. Age, race, season of data collection, and household income were associated with the telomere to single copy (T/S) ratio. We found that T/S ratios were larger at younger ages, among Black youth, for saliva collected during autumn and winter, and among households with higher income. Analyses stratified by race revealed that the association between age and T/S ratio was present for Black youth, that season of collection was present across races, but that family demographic associations with T/S ratio varied by race. The results provide information for future telomere research and highlight adolescence as a potentially important developmental phase for racial disparities in telomere shortening and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darlene A. Kertes
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA,Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - John Leri
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ke Duan
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jake Tarrence
- Department of Sociology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Rita Pickler
- College of Nursing, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jodi Ford
- College of Nursing, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Martens DS, Sleurs H, Dockx Y, Rasking L, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS. Association of Newborn Telomere Length With Blood Pressure in Childhood. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2225521. [PMID: 35930283 PMCID: PMC9356312 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.25521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Adult telomere length (TL) is a biological marker of aging associated with vascular health. TL at birth is associated with later life TL and may contain early biological information of later life cardiovascular health and disease. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether newborn TL is associated with early life blood pressure differences in childhood. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study was part of the ENVIRONAGE (Environmental Influence on Aging in Early Life) study, a birth cohort of Belgian mother-child pairs with recruitment at birth and a median follow-up of 4.5 years conducted between October 2014 and July 2021. Participants included for analysis provided full data for evaluation at follow-up visit. Data analysis was conducted between August and September 2021. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cord blood and placental average relative TL were measured at birth using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were evaluated at follow-up. High childhood blood pressure (standardized for child age, sex, and height) was defined following the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Multivariable adjusted linear and logistic regression models were used to associate newborn TL and blood pressure indicators in childhood. RESULTS This study included 485 newborn children (52.8% girls) with a mean (SD) age of 4.6 (0.4) years at the follow-up visit. Newborn TL was associated with lower blood pressure in childhood. A 1-IQR increase in cord blood TL was associated with a -1.54 mm Hg (95% CI, -2.36 to -0.72 mm Hg) lower diastolic blood pressure and -1.18 mm Hg (95% CI, -1.89 to -0.46 mm Hg) lower MAP. No association was observed with systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, a 1-IQR increase in cord blood TL was associated with lower odds of having high blood pressure at the age of 4 to 6 years (adjusted OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.98). In placenta, a 1-IQR increase in TL was associated with a -0.96 mm Hg (95% CI, -1.72 to -0.21 mm Hg) lower diastolic, -0.88 mm Hg (95% CI, -1.54 to -0.22 mm Hg) lower MAP, and a lower adjusted OR of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.92) for having a high blood pressure in childhood. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this prospective birth cohort study, variation in early life blood pressure at school-age was associated with TL at birth. Cardiovascular health may to some extent be programmed at birth, and these results suggest that TL entails a biological mechanism in this programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries S. Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Hanne Sleurs
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Yinthe Dockx
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Leen Rasking
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Research Unit Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Rybicki BA, Sadasivan SM, Chen Y, Loveless I, Gupta NS, Chitale DA, Williamson SR, Rundle AG, Tang DL. Race Differences in Telomere Length in Benign Prostate Biopsies and Subsequent Risk of Prostate Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022; 31:991-998. [PMID: 35247880 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-21-1221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere shortening is linked to aging and may be associated with increased risk for cancer. Most cancer studies have used telomere length in leukocytes rather than in the target tissue of cancer origin. METHODS A case-control study of 524 case-control pairs with a benign prostate biopsy nested within a historical cohort of 10,478 men was conducted to determine whether premalignant prostate telomere length (assessed using a modified qRT-PCR) is associated with prostate cancer risk. RESULTS Telomere lengths in benign prostate biopsies of cases versus controls were similar (1.46 ± 0.38 vs. 1.45 ± 0.42; P = 0.49). African American (AA) men had significantly shorter telomeres compared with White men (1.51 ± 0.38 vs. 1.63 ± 0.39; P < 0.0001). In race-stratified analyses, increasing telomere length was more strongly associated with prostate cancer risk in White men, wherein those with telomere length in the highest quartile had 1.9-fold greater adjusted risk of prostate cancer compared with men with prostate telomere lengths in the lowest quartile [OR = 1.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-3.36]. Men in the highest telomere length quartile also had a greater risk of aggressive prostate cancer compared with men with telomere lengths in the lowest quartile (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.25-6.19). CONCLUSIONS White men have longer telomeres in benign prostate tissue compared with AA men, and those with the longest telomeres may be at increased risk for prostate cancer, particularly the more aggressive form of the disease. IMPACT Race-specific telomere length measures may be an early biomarker of aggressive prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Rybicki
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sudha M Sadasivan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Yalei Chen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ian Loveless
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nilesh S Gupta
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | | | - Andrew G Rundle
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Deliang L Tang
- Department of Environmental Heath Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Stout-Oswald SA, Glynn LM, Bisoffi M, Demers CH, Davis EP. Prenatal exposure to maternal psychological distress and telomere length in childhood. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22238. [PMID: 35050506 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is a biological marker of cellular aging, and shorter TL in adulthood is associated with increased morbidity and mortality risk. It is likely that these differences in TL are established long before adulthood, and there is growing evidence that TL can reflect prenatal experiences. Although maternal prenatal distress predicts newborn TL, it is unknown whether the relation between prenatal exposure to maternal distress and child TL persists through childhood. The purpose of the current longitudinal, prospective study is to examine the relation between prenatal exposure to maternal distress (perceived stress, depressive symptoms, pregnancy-related anxiety) and TL in childhood. Participants included 102 children (54 girls) and their mothers. Mothers' distress was assessed five times during pregnancy, at 12 weeks postpartum, and at the time of child telomere measurement between 6 and 16 years of age. Maternal distress during pregnancy predicted shorter offspring TL in childhood, even after accounting for postnatal exposure to maternal distress and other covariates. These findings indicate that maternal mental health predicts offspring TL biology later in childhood than previously observed. This study bolsters claims that telomere biology is subject to fetal programming and highlights the importance of supporting maternal mental health during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
| | - Marco Bisoffi
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
| | - Catherine H Demers
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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Influence of Maternal Infection and Pregnancy Complications on Cord Blood Telomere Length. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:3339456. [PMID: 34616503 PMCID: PMC8487834 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3339456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Exposure to suboptimal intrauterine environment might induce structural and functional changes that can affect neonatal health. Telomere length as an important indicator of cellular health has been associated with increased risk for disease development. Objectives This study was aimed to examine the independent and combined effects of maternal, obstetric, and foetal factors on cord blood telomere length (TL). Methods Pregnant women at the gestational age of 20th to 24th week who attended the antenatal clinic of a major local hospital in Hong Kong were recruited. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire on demographics, health-related quality of life, and history of risk behaviors. Medical history including pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes was obtained from electronic medical records of both mother and neonate. Umbilical cord blood was collected at delivery for TL determination. Results A total of 753 pregnant women (average age: 32.18 ± 4.51 years) were recruited. The prevalence of maternal infection, anaemia, and hypertension during pregnancy was 30.8%, 30.0%, and 6.0%, respectively. The adjusted regression model displayed that maternal infection was negatively associated with cord blood TL (β = -0.18, p = 0.026). This association became even stronger in the presence of antenatal anaemia, hypertension, delivery complications, or neonatal jaundice (β = -0.25 to -0.45). Conclusions This study consolidates evidence on the impact of adverse intrauterine environment at the cellular level. Maternal infection was significantly associated with shorter cord blood TL in a unique manner such that its presence may critically determine the susceptibility of telomere to other factors.
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Monnin A, Vizeneux A, Nagot N, Eymard-Duvernay S, Meda N, Singata-Madliki M, Ndeezi G, Tumwine JK, Kankasa C, Goga A, Tylleskär T, Van de Perre P, Molès JP. Longitudinal Follow-Up of Blood Telomere Length in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children Having Received One Year of Lopinavir/Ritonavir or Lamivudine as Prophylaxis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:796. [PMID: 34572228 PMCID: PMC8468502 DOI: 10.3390/children8090796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Telomere shortening can be enhanced upon human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and by antiretroviral (ARV) exposures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and long-term effect on telomere shortening of two ARV prophylaxes, lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) and lamivudine (3TC), administered to children who are HIV-exposed uninfected (CHEU) to prevent HIV acquisition through breastfeeding during the first year of life, and to investigate the relationship between telomere shortening and health outcomes at six years of age. We included 198 CHEU and measured telomere length at seven days of life, at week-50 and at six years (year-6) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. At week-50, telomere shortening was observed among 44.3% of CHEU, irrespective of the prophylactic treatment. Furthermore, this telomere shortening was neither associated with poor growth indicators nor neuropsychological outcomes at year-6, except for motor abilities (MABC test n = 127, β = -3.61, 95%CI: -7.08, -0.14; p = 0.04). Safety data on telomere shortening for infant HIV prophylaxis are scarce. Its association with reduced motor abilities deserves further attention among CHEU but also HIV-infected children receiving ARV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Monnin
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Université Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles, 34093 Montpellier, France; (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (S.E.-D.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - Amélie Vizeneux
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Université Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles, 34093 Montpellier, France; (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (S.E.-D.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Université Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles, 34093 Montpellier, France; (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (S.E.-D.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - Sabrina Eymard-Duvernay
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Université Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles, 34093 Montpellier, France; (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (S.E.-D.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - Nicolas Meda
- Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso 01 P.O. Box 390, Burkina Faso;
| | - Mandisa Singata-Madliki
- Effective Care Research Unit, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, University of Fort Hare, East London 5207, South Africa;
| | - Grace Ndeezi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 317, Uganda; (G.N.); (J.K.T.)
| | - James Kashugyera Tumwine
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 317, Uganda; (G.N.); (J.K.T.)
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale P.O. Box 317, Uganda
| | - Chipepo Kankasa
- Department of Paediatric and Child Health, University Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia;
| | - Ameena Goga
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Private Bag x385, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Thorkild Tylleskär
- Centre for International Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Université Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles, 34093 Montpellier, France; (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (S.E.-D.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Molès
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Université Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles, 34093 Montpellier, France; (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (S.E.-D.); (P.V.d.P.)
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11
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Needham BL, Straight B, Hilton CE, Olungah CO, Lin J. Family socioeconomic status and child telomere length among the Samburu of Kenya. Soc Sci Med 2021; 283:114182. [PMID: 34225037 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous research in high-income countries suggests that children from families with lower socioeconomic status (SES) tend to have shorter telomere length - a biomarker of stress and cell aging - than children from families with greater social and economic resources. However, little is known about predictors of child telomere length in low-income settings. Data for the current study are from a sample of 214 Samburu children aged 1-9 years. The Samburu are semi-nomadic pastoralists who live in the Rift Valley of north-central Kenya. Samburu livelihood is based primarily on livestock, and polygynous marriage is common. Drawing on prior ethnographic research, we measured 14 culturally relevant indicators of family SES, including mother's education, head of household's education, whether the child is currently attending school, household spending, mother's employment history, head of household's employment history, mother's perceived wealth, whether the child lives in a modern house, livestock holdings (total, cows, sheep/goats, and camels), mother's wife number, and whether the child lives in a polygynous household. Telomere length was measured in salivary DNA by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. Using latent class analysis, we identified four groups of children that are similar based on the 14 indicators of family SES: Lower SES; Middle SES, Traditional; Middle SES, Modern; and Higher SES. SES classes were not significantly associated with child telomere length. In models examining individual indicators of SES, we found that telomere length was 0.57 standard deviations greater for children who lived in families in the lowest quartile of total livestock holdings compared to those in the highest quartile (b = 0.57, p = 0.03). While additional research is needed to identify the mechanisms underlying this counterintuitive finding, the current study highlights the importance of cultural context in shaping the social gradient in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda L Needham
- Department of Epidemiology and Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan, USA.
| | - Bilinda Straight
- Department of Gender and Women's Studies, Western Michigan University, USA
| | - Charles E Hilton
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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12
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Baskind M, Hawkins J, Heyman MB, Wojcicki JM. Obesity at Age 6 Months Is Associated with Shorter Preschool Leukocyte Telomere Length Independent of Parental Telomere Length. J Pediatr 2021; 233:141-149. [PMID: 33242471 PMCID: PMC8141537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether early modifiable dietary factors and obesity measures are associated with leukocyte telomere length at 3-5 years of age after controlling for the heritability of leukocyte telomere length in a prospective cohort of low-income Latina mothers and their children in San Francisco. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed data from the Latinx, Eating and Diabetes cohort, a prospective study of 97 woman-infant dyads. We used linear regression models to evaluate associations between early dietary factors and obesity measures and child leukocyte telomere length at 3-5 years of age. Multivariable models included child age at the time of telomere collection, breastfeeding at 6 months (yes/no), obesity at 6 months, maternal education, child sex, and maternal and paternal leukocyte telomere length. RESULTS Data for 73 of the 97 children at 3-5 years of age were analyzed. Any breastfeeding at 6 months was positively associated (β = 0.14; P = .02) and obesity at 6 months was negatively associated (β = -0.21; P < .001) with leukocyte telomere length in bivariate analyses. In multivariable models including parental leukocyte telomere length, obesity at 6 months was associated with a shorter leukocyte telomere length at 3-5 years of age (β = -0.15; P = .02). Analyses of dietary factors showed high flavored milk consumption at 3 years of age was associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length after adjustment for possible confounders. CONCLUSIONS In a low-income Latinx population, obesity at 6 months of age is negatively associated with cellular health at 3-5 years of age after controlling for genetic factors (parental leukocyte telomere length) associated with leukocyte telomere length. Early life obesity may be more deleterious for cellular health than obesity later in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Baskind
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jessica Hawkins
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Melvin B. Heyman
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Janet M Wojcicki
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
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13
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Gorenjak V, Petrelis AM, Stathopoulou MG, Visvikis-Siest S. Telomere length determinants in childhood. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 58:162-177. [PMID: 31465289 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2019-0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is a dynamic marker that reflects genetic predispositions together with the environmental conditions of an individual. It is closely related to longevity and a number of pathological conditions. Even though the extent of telomere research in children is limited compared to that of adults, there have been a substantial number of studies providing first insights into child telomere biology and determinants. Recent discoveries revealed evidence that TL is, to a great extent, determined already in childhood and that environmental conditions in adulthood have less impact than first believed. Studies have demonstrated that large inter-individual differences in TL are present among newborns and are determined by diverse factors that influence intrauterine development. The first years of child growth are associated with high cellular turnover, which results in fast shortening of telomeres. The rate of telomere loss becomes stable in early adulthood. In this review article we summarise the existing knowledge on telomere dynamics during the first years of childhood, highlighting the conditions that affect newborn TL. We also warn about the knowledge gaps that should be filled to fully understand the regulation of telomeres, in order to implement them as biomarkers for use in diagnostics or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sophie Visvikis-Siest
- University of Lorraine, Inserm, IGE-PCV, Nancy, France.,Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, CHU Technopôle Nancy-Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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14
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Moore S, Patel R, Stewart J, McLain AC, Heiney S. Social inequalities in accelerated aging among southern U.S. women: an analysis of the biosocial and behavioral pathways linking social determinants to telomere length. BIODEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL BIOLOGY 2021; 66:118-131. [PMID: 34182850 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2020.1869918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the biosocial pathways linking socioeconomic status (SES) to accelerated aging in a population-based sample of southern US women. Even fewer have examined the importance of chronic compared to perceived stress in linking SES to women's salivary telomere length (STL). Using data from a probability-based sample of 156 US women and structural equation modeling, we examined three pathways - chronic stress exposure, stress appraisal, and coping behavior - linking SES to STL. SES was positively associated with STL (βTE = 0.16, p < .05). Everyday discrimination was negatively associated with STL (βDE = -0.21, p < .05), but perceived stress was positively associated with STL (βDE = 0.20, p < .05). Current smoking decreased STL (βDE = -0.19, p < .01). Perceived stress acted to suppress the negative relationship of chronic stress exposure on STL. Given the dearth of STL studies that include measures of both perceived and chronic stress, our study supports the importance of disentangling stress measures and a biosocial approach to the study of accelerated aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer Moore
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Rekha Patel
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jason Stewart
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Sue Heiney
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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15
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Martens DS, Van Der Stukken C, Derom C, Thiery E, Bijnens EM, Nawrot TS. Newborn telomere length predicts later life telomere length: Tracking telomere length from birth to child- and adulthood. EBioMedicine 2021; 63:103164. [PMID: 33422989 PMCID: PMC7808927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Telomere length (TL) is considered a biological marker of aging and may indicate age-related disease susceptibility. Adults and children show a fixed ranking and tracking of TL over time. However, the contribution of an individual's initial birth TL to their later life TL is unknown. We evaluated change and tracking of TL from birth to child- and adulthood. Methods Telomere length at birth was measured using qPCR in two independent prospective birth cohorts. After a median follow-up period of 4 years in ENVIRONAGE (n = 273) we assessed leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and after 23 years in EFPTS (n = 164) buccal TL was assessed. Correlations and multivariable regression models were applied to study telomere tracking and determinants of TL change from birth onwards. Findings In children, LTL at the age of 4 correlates with TL at the start of life both in cord blood (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001;) and placenta (r = 0.60, P < 0.0001) and was –11.2% and –33.1% shorter, respectively. In adulthood, buccal TL at the age of 23 correlates with placental TL (r = 0.46, P < 0.0001) and was –35.9% shorter. TL attrition was higher in individuals with longer birth TL. However, based on TL ranking, individuals do not tend to change dramatically from TL rank after 4 or 23 years of follow-up. Finally, longer maternal TL associates with lower telomere attrition in the next generation. Interpretation The high prediction of newborn TL for later life TL, and stable TL ranking from birth onwards underscores the importance of understanding the initial setting of newborn TL and its significance for later life. Funding European Research Council (ERC-StG310898) and Flemish Scientific Fund (12X9620N).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | - Catherine Derom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Centre of Human Genetics, Leuven University, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evert Thiery
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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16
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Bosquet Enlow M, Petty CR, Hacker MR, Burris HH. Maternal psychosocial functioning, obstetric health history, and newborn telomere length. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 123:105043. [PMID: 33176222 PMCID: PMC7732207 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is growing interest in elucidating the determinants of newborn telomere length, given its potential as a biomarker of lifetime disease risk affected by prenatal exposures. There is limited evidence that increased maternal stress during pregnancy predicts shorter newborn telomere length. However, the few studies published to date have been conducted primarily with small samples utilizing inconsistent definitions of maternal stress. Moreover, the potential influence of fetal sex as a moderator of maternal stress effects on newborn telomere length has been largely ignored despite compelling evidence of likely impact. In a prospective cohort study of pregnant women seeking routine prenatal care, we tested whether a range of maternal measures of stressor exposures, subjective feelings of stress, and mental health (depression, anxiety) were associated with newborn telomere length assessed from cord blood among 146 pregnant women and their newborn infants. We further examined whether the pattern of associations differed by infant sex. Sociodemographic and maternal and newborn health indicators were considered as potential covariates. When examined within the whole sample, none of the maternal psychosocial measures were associated with newborn telomere length. Among potential covariates, maternal history of smoking and preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy were negatively associated with newborn telomere length. In adjusted linear regression analyses that considered potential sex-specific effects, maternal depression, general anxiety, and pregnancy-specific anxiety symptoms were positively associated with newborn telomere length among males. Overall, the findings provide some evidence for an association between maternal psychosocial wellbeing in pregnancy and newborn telomere length in males, although in the opposite direction than previously reported. Maternal smoking and obstetric history prior to conception may be associated with shorter offspring telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Carter R. Petty
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michele R. Hacker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heather H. Burris
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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17
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Maternal stress or sleep during pregnancy are not reflected on telomere length of newborns. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13986. [PMID: 32814800 PMCID: PMC7438332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71000-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres play an important role in maintaining chromosomal integrity. With each cell division, telomeres are shortened and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has therefore been considered a marker for biological age. LTL is associated with various lifetime stressors and health-related outcomes. Transgenerational effects have been implicated in newborns, with maternal stress, depression, and anxiety predicting shorter telomere length at birth, possibly reflecting the intrauterine growth environment. Previous studies, with relatively small sample sizes, have reported an effect of maternal stress, BMI, and depression during pregnancy on the LTL of newborns. Here, we attempted to replicate previous findings on prenatal stress and newborn LTL in a sample of 1405 infants using a qPCR-based method. In addition, previous research has been expanded by studying the relationship between maternal sleep quality and LTL. Maternal prenatal stress, anxiety, depression, BMI, and self-reported sleep quality were evaluated with self-reported questionnaires. Despite sufficient power to detect similar or even considerably smaller effects than those previously reported in the literature, we were unable to replicate the previous correlation between maternal stress, anxiety, depression, or sleep with LTL. We discuss several possible reasons for the discrepancies between our findings and those previously described.
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18
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Heidinger BJ, Young RC. Cross‐Generational Effects of Parental Age on Offspring Longevity: Are Telomeres an Important Underlying Mechanism? Bioessays 2020; 42:e1900227. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Britt J. Heidinger
- Biological Sciences Department North Dakota State University Fargo ND 58108 USA
| | - Rebecca C. Young
- Biological Sciences Department North Dakota State University Fargo ND 58108 USA
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19
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Riches NO, Johnson EP, Frost CJ, Goldenberg AJ, Rothwell E. The limited use of US residual newborn screening dried bloodspots for health disparity research. Genet Med 2020; 22:1723-1726. [PMID: 32533133 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-0858-6] [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: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE State-run newborn screening programs screen nearly all babies born in the United States at the time of delivery. After newborn screening has been completed, some states store the residual dried bloodspots. It is unknown how they have been used to address health disparities-related research. METHODS In 2017-2018, a scoping review was conducted to evaluate the extent, type, and nature of how residual dried bloodspots. The review included 654 eligible publications, worldwide, published before May 2017. A post hoc analysis of the US-based studies using residual dried bloodspots (n = 192) were analyzed. RESULTS There were 32 (16.7%) articles identified that studied a condition of a known health disparity or focused on a key population: 25 studies assessed a disease or condition, 6 expressly enrolled a key population, and 1 study included both (i.e., heart disease and African American/Black). CONCLUSION Excluding 12 studies that researched leukemia or a brain tumor, only 20 studies addressed a known health disparity, with 6 stating a specific aim to address a health disparity. This resource could be used to gain further knowledge about health disparities, but is currently underutilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi O Riches
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Erin P Johnson
- Department of Ob/Gyn, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Caren J Frost
- College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Aaron J Goldenberg
- Department of Bioethics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erin Rothwell
- Department of Ob/Gyn, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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20
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Lincoln KD, Lloyd DA, Nguyen AW. Social Relationships and Salivary Telomere Length Among Middle-Aged and Older African American and White Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 74:1053-1061. [PMID: 28486613 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A common mechanism underlying premature morbidity may be accelerated biological aging as reflected by salivary telomere length (STL). This study examined the extent to which social relationships, both positive and negative, can be protective or confer risk relative to biological aging. METHOD Data from the Health and Retirement Study and multiple regression were used to examine cross-sectional associations between STL, self-reported social support, and negative interaction (e.g., conflict, criticism) with family in a nationally representative sample of African American and non-Hispanic White middle-aged and older adults (N = 4,080). RESULTS Social support from family was associated with shorter STL. Negative interaction with family had no main effect on STL but interactions characterized by high social support and more frequent negative interactions were associated with longer STL. Negative interaction with family was negatively associated with STL for African Americans and Whites but the magnitude of the effect was greater for African Americans. DISCUSSION Study findings highlight the role of social relationships in physiological deterioration among middle-aged and older adults and identify a potential mechanism whereby race is linked to accelerated biological aging. Findings highlight the importance of considering positive and negative aspects of social relationships to understand the consequences of social connections for cellular aging in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen D Lincoln
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles
| | - Donald A Lloyd
- University of Southern California, Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles
| | - Ann W Nguyen
- Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Cleveland, Ohio
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21
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Forrester SN, Taylor JL, Whitfield KE, Thorpe RJ. Advances in Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Health Disparities in Aging Minorities. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2020; 7:59-67. [PMID: 33868898 PMCID: PMC8045783 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-020-00234-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose was to discuss appropriate methods for advancing our understanding of health disparities or minority aging including life-course perspectives, biological measures, pain measurement, and generational approaches. RECENT FINDINGS Life course perspectives provide an orientation for studying older minorities that concomitantly captures exposures and stressors that may lead to earlier onset of disease and premature mortality. The use of biological markers to study health disparities in older minorities is necessary in order to identify pathways between psychosocial factors and health outcomes. Work focusing on pain disparities should include explorations of relationships between psychosocial factors, and subjective and objective measures of pain. Studying families can provide insight into genetic associations and coping styles in older minorities. SUMMARY Methodological approaches that take life course, biology, and social factors into account may help identify causal pathways between social determinants of health and health outcomes among older minorities. Once these causal pathways have been identified, more strategies and interventions that strive toward health equity across older adults of all race/ethnic groups can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Forrester
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | | | - Roland J Thorpe
- Program for Research on Men's Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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22
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Martens DS, Janssen BG, Bijnens EM, Clemente DBP, Vineis P, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS. Association of Parental Socioeconomic Status and Newborn Telomere Length. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e204057. [PMID: 32364595 PMCID: PMC7199116 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Low socioeconomic status is associated with higher all-cause mortality and risks for aging-related diseases. Biological aging is a potential process underlying health conditions related to social disadvantages, which may be present from birth onward. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of parental socioeconomic status with telomere length (TL) at birth, a marker of biological aging. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective birth cohort study was conducted among 1504 mother-newborn pairs in Belgium recruited between February 1, 2010, and July 1, 2017. EXPOSURES Parental socioeconomic measures, including maternal educational level, occupation, paternal educational level, and neighborhood income based on median annual household income. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Mean relative TL was measured in cord blood and placental tissue. By constructing a principal component, an integrative socioeconomic measure was derived that integrates parental socioeconomic status and neighborhood income. Multivariable adjusted regression analyses were performed to associate the integrative socioeconomic measure and TL at birth. RESULTS In 1026 newborns (517 boys; mean [SD] gestational age, 39.2 [1.4] weeks), a higher socioeconomic status was associated with longer cord blood TL and placental TL. Each unit increment in the integrative socioeconomic status measure was associated with 2.1% (95% CI, 0.9%-3.4%; P < .001) longer cord blood TL in boys, while no association was observed for girls (0.5% longer cord blood TL; 95% CI, -0.9% to 1.8%; P = .50). The sex-specific socioeconomic status interaction revealed a stronger association in boys compared with newborn girls (1.6%; 95% CI, 0.02%-3.3%; P = .047 for interaction). In placental tissue, higher socioeconomic status was associated with 1.8% (95% CI, 0.3%-3.3%; P = .02) longer TL in newborn boys but not in girls (0.4% longer TL; 95% CI, -1.2% to 2.0%; P = .63). For placental tissue, no sex and socioeconomic status interaction on TL was observed (1.4%; 95% CI, -0.5% to 3.4%; P = .16 for interaction). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study suggests that parental socioeconomic status is associated with newborn TL, especially in boys. The results indicate that familial social economic factors are associated with the potential cellular longevity of the next generation, with a potential higher transgenerational vulnerability for newborn boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries S. Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bram G. Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Esmée M. Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Paolo Vineis
- Medical Research Council–Health Policy Agency, Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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Patterns of change in telomere length over the first three years of life in healthy children. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 115:104602. [PMID: 32120019 PMCID: PMC7183438 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the use of telomere length as a biomarker of health and a predictor of later morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about developmentally expected telomere erosion over the first years of life. This gap hinders our ability to interpret the meaning of relative telomere length and rate of attrition in relation to risk factors and health outcomes. The overall goal of this study was to examine the rate of relative telomere length attrition in a large, normative sample of healthy children (N = 630) followed from infancy to three years of age. A secondary goal was to explore associations between sociodemographic characteristics and telomere erosion over this time period. Relative telomere length was assessed from DNA in saliva samples collected in infancy (M = 8.6 months), age 2 years (M = 25.2 months), and age 3 years (M = 38.3 months). In the sample as a whole, relative telomere length decreased from infancy to 2 years but remained stable from 2 years to 3 years. Notably, increases in relative telomere length were observed in 29 % of children between infancy and 2 years of age and in 46 % of children between 2 and 3 years of age; 62 % of children showed both increases and decreases in relative telomere length across the study period. Females showed longer relative telomere length than males, regardless of timepoint. There was some evidence that parental age and family finances were associated with changes in child relative telomere length across time. Overall, the findings suggest that telomere length attrition is not uniform across the early years of life, with the most rapid attrition occurring during the first two years, and that increases as well as decreases in telomere length during this period are commonly observed.
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Association of sleep quality with telomere length, a marker of cellular aging: A retrospective cohort study of older adults in the United States. Sleep Health 2020; 6:513-521. [PMID: 32229187 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep quality is a risk factor for age-related diseases, and although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, the effects of poor sleep quality on telomere length (TL) may play a role. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the independent association between sleep quality and salivary TL in a large sample of older adults. DESIGN We adopted a retrospective cohort design, and participants comprised 5,268 adults drawn from the Health and Retirement Study. We used the 2006 (baseline) and 2008 (follow-up) waves. Baseline sleep quality was assessed using 4 Likert scale questions (trouble falling asleep, waking up during the night, waking up too early and not being able to fall sleep again, and feeling well rested in the morning). The TL was assessed using the T/S ratio, a continuous variable. The associations between sleep quality and T/S were assessed using multivariable ordinary least squares regressions. All analyses were adjusted for demographics, lifestyle characteristics, psychosocial, and other factors. RESULTS Overall, 16% reported never feeling well rested in the morning; 25.7% of respondents always had trouble waking during the night; and 12.8% always had trouble waking up too early in the morning. Respondents who never felt rested in the morning had significantly shorter TL than those who always felt rested in the morning (adjusted beta = -0.08, standard error = 0.03, P < .01). The composite sleep measure was not significantly associated with shorter TL. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of older adults, not feeling well rested in the morning was significantly and inversely associated with TL; however, the composite measure of sleep quality was not significantly associated with TL. These findings suggest a potential connection between one of the measures of impaired sleep and reduction in TL, a marker of cellular aging that has been linked to multiple chronic conditions.
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Griffin I, Ibrahimou B, Navejar N, Aggarwal A, Myers K, Mauck D, Yusuf KK, Wudil UJ, Aliyu MH, Salihu HM. Maternal Caffeine Consumption and Racial Disparities in Fetal Telomere Length. Int J MCH AIDS 2020; 9:14-21. [PMID: 32123624 PMCID: PMC7031881 DOI: 10.21106/ijma.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The identification of risk factors for shorter telomere length, especially during fetal development, would be important towards caffeine consumption recommendations for pregnant women on a global scale. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between caffeine intake and fetal telomere length as well as racial/ethnic differences in telomere length regardless of maternal caffeine consumption status. METHODS Caffeine intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Three generalized linear models (GLM) were compared based on binary categorical variables of caffeine levels using data mean value of 117.3 mg as cut-off; the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations of 300 mg; and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendations of 200 mg. The association between caffeine consumption and telomere length (telomere to single-copy [T/S] ratio) was then assessed. RESULTS Among 57 maternal-fetal dyads, 77.2% reported less than 200 mg of caffeine (ACOG) and 89.5% less than 300 mg (WHO). Both WHO and ACOG models found that caffeine intake was significantly and positively associated with longer telomere length (p<0.05); and sodium (p<0.05). Other" race (p<0.001) and "white" race (p<0.001) were also significantly and positively associated with longer telomere length in the same models. Increasing maternal age shortened telomere length significantly in all models (p<0.001). CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Caffeine intake, maternal age, and race may be associated with alterations in fetal telomere length. This indicates that caffeine consumption during pregnancy may have long-term implications for fetal development. The racial/ethnic differences in telomere length found in this study warrant larger studies to further confirm these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Griffin
- Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Epidemiology, 11200 SW 8 Street #500, Miami, Florida 33174, USA
| | - Boubakari Ibrahimou
- Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Epidemiology, 11200 SW 8 Street #500, Miami, Florida 33174, USA
| | - Natasha Navejar
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS:411 Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anjali Aggarwal
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 3701 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas, 77098, USA
| | - Kristopher Myers
- Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Epidemiology, 11200 SW 8 Street #500, Miami, Florida 33174, USA
| | - Daniel Mauck
- Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Epidemiology, 11200 SW 8 Street #500, Miami, Florida 33174, USA
| | - Korede K Yusuf
- Adelphi University, College of Nursing and Public Health, One South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530, USA
| | - Usman J Wudil
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Hamisu M Salihu
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS:411 Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Needham BL, Salerno S, Roberts E, Boss J, Allgood KL, Mukherjee B. Do black/white differences in telomere length depend on socioeconomic status? BIODEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL BIOLOGY 2019; 65:287-312. [PMID: 33243026 PMCID: PMC7703670 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2020.1765734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Social and economic disadvantage are hypothesized to increase the risk of disease and death via accelerated biological aging. Given that US blacks are socially and economically disadvantaged relative to whites, health disparities scholars expected that blacks would have shorter telomere length-a biomarker of cell aging-than whites. Yet the majority of studies have found that blacks have longer telomere length than whites. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 3,761; 28.3% non-Hispanic black, 71.7% non-Hispanic white), we found that leukocyte telomere length was 4.00% (95% CI: 1.12%, 6.87%) longer among blacks compared to whites in the full sample, but differences were greatest among those with lower SES (5.66%; 95% CI: 0.10%, 10.32%), intermediate among those with middle SES (4.14%; 95% CI: 0.05%, 8.24%), and smallest among those with higher SES (2.33%; 95% CI: -3.02%, 7.67%). These results challenge purely genetic explanations for race differences in telomere length and point to a potential social-environmental cause of longer telomere length in US blacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda L. Needham
- Department of Epidemiology and Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan
| | | | | | | | - Kristi L. Allgood
- Department of Epidemiology and Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan
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Ridout KK, Parade SH, Kao HT, Magnan S, Seifer R, Porton B, Price LH, Tyrka AR. Childhood maltreatment, behavioral adjustment, and molecular markers of cellular aging in preschool-aged children: A cohort study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 107:261-269. [PMID: 31174164 PMCID: PMC7839663 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood maltreatment is a major risk factor for the development of behavioral problems and poor physical and mental health. Accelerated cellular aging, through reduced telomere length and mitochondrial dysfunction, may be a mechanism underlying these associations. METHODS Families with (n = 133) and without (n = 123) child welfare documentation of moderate-severe maltreatment in the past six months participated in this study. Children ranged in age from 3 to 5 years, were racially and ethnically diverse, and 91% qualified for public assistance. Structured record review and interviews were used to assess a history of maltreatment and other adversities. Telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) were measured from saliva DNA using real-time PCR. Measures were repeated at a six-month follow-up assessment. Repeated measures general linear models were used to examine the effects of maltreatment and other adversities on telomere length and mtDNAcn over time. RESULTS Maltreatment and other adverse experiences were significant positive predictors of both telomere length and mtDNAcn over time. Internalizing and externalizing behavior problems were also both significantly associated with telomere length, but only internalizing symptoms were associated with mtDNAcn. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show that mtDNAcn is altered in children with stress and trauma, and the findings are consistent with recent studies of adults. Surprisingly, children who experienced moderate-severe levels of maltreatment in the prior six months had longer telomeres, possibly reflecting compensatory changes in response to recent trauma. Telomere length and mtDNAcn were also associated with behavioral problems, suggesting that these measures of cellular aging may be causally implicated in the pathophysiology of stress-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn K. Ridout
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stephanie H. Parade
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA
| | - Hung-Teh Kao
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stevie Magnan
- Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ronald Seifer
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA
| | - Barbara Porton
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lawrence H. Price
- Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Audrey R. Tyrka
- Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,Address Correspondence to: Audrey R. Tyrka, M.D., Ph.D., Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906. TEL: (401) 455-6520. FAX: (401) 455-6534.
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Enlow MB, Sideridis G, Bollati V, Hoxha M, Hacker MR, Wright RJ. Maternal cortisol output in pregnancy and newborn telomere length: Evidence for sex-specific effects. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 102:225-235. [PMID: 30590340 PMCID: PMC6420355 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.12.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Newborn telomere length is a potential biomarker of the effects of maternal-fetal processes on offspring long-term health. A number of maternal psychosocial and environmental factors in pregnancy (e.g., stress, health, socioeconomic status) have been associated with shortened telomere length at birth. The physiological mechanisms responsible for potential effects of maternal factors on newborn telomere length have yet to be identified. Indirect evidence suggests that disruptions in maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in pregnancy may be involved. Studies are needed that test whether maternal HPA axis functioning in pregnancy is associated with newborn telomere length. This study examined whether maternal HPA axis functioning across pregnancy, reflected in hair cortisol collected within one week after delivery, predicted newborn telomere length assessed from leukocyte cord blood collected at birth among 93 sociodemographically diverse mother-infant dyads. We further tested whether associations between maternal hair cortisol and newborn telomere length differed by infant sex, given documented sex differences in prenatal environmental exposure effects on offspring health, patterns of cortisol exposure during gestation, and telomere biology across the lifespan. In a multi-group structural equation modeling analysis that accounted for cortisol exposures across trimesters, maternal cortisol levels in pregnancy were not associated with newborn telomere length in the sample as a whole. However, significant sex differences emerged, with a significant positive association among females and a lack of a significant association among males. In addition, analyses revealed that cortisol levels were higher across trimesters among mothers of male infants than mothers of female infants. The results suggest that functioning of the maternal HPA axis in pregnancy may differ by fetal sex and have sex-specific effects on newborn telomere biology. These findings have implications for understanding the mechanisms by which maternal psychosocial and environmental exposures influence newborn telomere length and for elucidating mechanisms contributing to sex disparities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, AT-120.3, Mailstop BCH 3199, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Georgios Sideridis
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, AT-210.3, Mailstop BCH 3200, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirjam Hoxha
- EPIGET Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele R. Hacker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, KS3, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1198, New York City, NY 10029, USA,Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
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29
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Pollack AZ, Rivers K, Ahrens KA. Parity associated with telomere length among US reproductive age women. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:736-744. [PMID: 29452389 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is telomere length related to parity among a nationally representative sample of US reproductive age women? SUMMARY ANSWER History of live birth was associated with shorter telomere length. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Shorter telomeres have been linked with a range of chronic health conditions and mortality and parity has been associated with health indicators. However, there is a lack of research on how parity relates to telomere length. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This nationally representative, cross-sectional study included 1954 women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2002, the only survey period which includes measurement of telomere length. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women aged 20-44 were included. Parity, defined as number of previous live births, was ascertained by questionnaire. Leukocyte telomere length was measured by polymerase chain reaction and reported as a ratio in relation to standard reference DNA (T/S ratio). The relationship between leukocyte T/S ratio and parity was examined using survey weighted linear regression. Models were adjusted for race/ethnicity, age, BMI, income-to-poverty ratio, education, early age at menarche and smoking status. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Among reproductive age women in the US, the adjusted mean leukocyte T/S ratio was 4.2% (95% CI: 0.9, 7.3) shorter in parous compared with nulliparous women. Parity was associated with 116 fewer base pairs (95% CI: 26, 204) on average, using estimated coefficients from the adjusted linear regression models and mean covariate values. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was cross-sectional and therefore was unable to establish temporality. The dataset lacked information on social factors, stress and fertility status, which may help explain these findings. Only two previous studies have examined this question and our findings should be interpreted with caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings in a nationally representative sample of US reproductive age women suggest that history of live birth may be associated with accelerated cellular aging. The magnitude of the observed association was greater than that of the impact of smoking or obesity on telomere length, suggesting that parity may have an independent influence on cellular aging and warrant further study. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was funded in part by the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program at George Mason University. The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Z Pollack
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive MS5B7, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - K Rivers
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive MS5B7, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - K A Ahrens
- Office of Population Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 700, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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30
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Willis M, Reid SN, Calvo E, Staudinger UM, Factor-Litvak P. A scoping systematic review of social stressors and various measures of telomere length across the life course. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 47:89-104. [PMID: 30048807 PMCID: PMC6195444 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies examine the relationship between social stressors and telomere length (TL). Beyond considering methods and major findings, this scoping systematic review takes a novel approach as it groups studies according to the types of social stressor considered and by age groups. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus. We included all English-language human subject research articles that modeled any measure of TL as a dependent variable and exposure to a social stressor as an independent variable. For the sample of 105 articles, we summarized methods and findings by type of social stressor (socioeconomic stressors, stressful life events, work-related stressors, and neighborhood stressors) and by age of the study population (infants/children, middle-aged adults, older adults, and mixed samples of middle-aged and older adults). We found more variation in TL measurement methodology in studies of infants/children and older adults than in studies focusing on middle-aged adults. The most consistent finding was a relationship between early-life stressors and shorter TL. Work and neighborhood stressors, and older populations, are currently understudied. Across all stressors, limited evidence suggests that the stress-TL relationship may be moderated by characteristics such as age, sex, and race/ethnicity. We conclude with specific suggestions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States.
| | - Shaina N Reid
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States
| | - Esteban Calvo
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States; Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, United States; Society and Health Research Center, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad Mayor, Chile; Laboratory on Aging and Social Epidemiology, Universidad Mayor, Chile
| | - Ursula M Staudinger
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, United States; Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States
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Esteves KC, Jones CW, Drury SS. Reponse to Send et al. telomere length in newborns is related to maternal stress during pregnancy. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:2163. [PMID: 29748631 PMCID: PMC6135804 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0077-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle C. Esteves
- 0000 0001 2217 8588grid.265219.bDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Christopher W. Jones
- 0000 0001 2217 8588grid.265219.bDepartment of Neuroscience, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Stacy S. Drury
- 0000 0001 2217 8588grid.265219.bDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA ,0000 0001 2217 8588grid.265219.bDepartment of Neuroscience, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA USA
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Genetic Determinants of Telomere Length in African American Youth. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13265. [PMID: 30185882 PMCID: PMC6125592 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31238-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is associated with numerous disease states and is affected by genetic and environmental factors. However, TL has been mostly studied in adult populations of European or Asian ancestry. These studies have identified 34 TL-associated genetic variants recently used as genetic proxies for TL. The generalizability of these associations to pediatric populations and racially diverse populations, specifically of African ancestry, remains unclear. Furthermore, six novel variants associated with TL in a population of European children have been identified but not validated. We measured TL from whole blood samples of 492 healthy African American youth (children and adolescents between 8 and 20 years old) and performed the first genome-wide association study of TL in this population. We were unable to replicate neither the 34 reported genetic associations found in adults nor the six genetic associations found in European children. However, we discovered a novel genome-wide significant association between TL and rs1483898 on chromosome 14. Our results underscore the importance of examining genetic associations with TL in diverse pediatric populations such as African Americans.
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Enlow MB, Bollati V, Sideridis G, Flom JD, Hoxha M, Hacker M, Wright RJ. Sex differences in effects of maternal risk and protective factors in childhood and pregnancy on newborn telomere length. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 95:74-85. [PMID: 29803183 PMCID: PMC6109592 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Little research has examined determinants of newborn telomere length, a potential biomarker of lifetime disease risk impacted by prenatal exposures. No study has examined whether maternal exposures in childhood influence newborn telomere length or whether there are sex differences in the maternal factors that influence newborn telomere length. We tested whether a range of maternal risk and protective factors in childhood and pregnancy were associated with newborn telomere length among 151 sociodemographically diverse mother-infant dyads. We further examined whether the pattern of associations differed by infant sex. Newborn telomere length was assessed from cord blood collected at birth. Risk/protective factors included maternal health (smoking, body mass index), socioeconomic status (education, income), stress exposures, and mental health (depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms) in pregnancy as well as maternal experiences of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) and familial emotional support in childhood. When examined within the whole sample, only maternal smoking in pregnancy and familial emotional support in childhood emerged as significant predictors of newborn telomere length. Male and female newborns differed in their pattern of associations between the predictors and telomere length. Among males, maternal smoking, higher body mass index, and elevated depressive symptoms in pregnancy and maternal sexual abuse in childhood were associated with shorter newborn telomere length; higher maternal educational attainment and household income in pregnancy and greater maternal familial emotional support in childhood were associated with longer newborn telomere length. Together, these factors accounted for 34% of the variance in male newborn telomere length. None of the risk/protective factors were associated with female newborn telomere length. The results suggest that male fetuses are particularly susceptible to maternal exposure effects on newborn telomere length. These findings have implications for elucidating mechanisms contributing to sex disparities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, AT-120.3, Mailstop BCH 3199, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valentina Bollati
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Georgios Sideridis
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, AT-210.3, Mailstop BCH 3200, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Julie D. Flom
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children’s Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1198, New York City, NY 10029, USA
| | - Mirjam Hoxha
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Hacker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, KS3, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children’s Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1198, New York City, NY 10029, USA,Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
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Guyatt AL, Rodriguez S, Gaunt TR, Fraser A, Anderson EL. Early life adiposity and telomere length across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 2:118. [PMID: 30542661 PMCID: PMC6259597 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13083.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The relationship between adiposity at birth and in childhood, and telomere length is yet to be determined. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse the results of studies assessing associations between neonatal and later childhood adiposity, and telomere length. Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE and PubMed for studies reporting associations between adiposity measured in the neonatal period or later childhood/adolescence, and leucocyte telomere length, measured at any age via quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or terminal restriction fragment analysis, either cross-sectionally, or longitudinally. Papers published before April 2017 were included. Results: Out of 230 abstracts assessed, 23 papers (32 estimates) were retained, from which 19 estimates were meta-analysed (15 cross-sectional, four longitudinal). Of the 15 cross-sectional estimates, seven reported on neonates: four used binary exposures of small-for-gestational-age vs. appropriate-for-gestational age (or appropriate- and large-for-gestational age), and three studied birth weight continuously. Eight estimates reported on later childhood or adolescent measures; five estimates were from studies of binary exposures (overweight/obese vs. non-obese children), and three studies used continuous measures of body mass index. All four longitudinal estimates were of neonatal adiposity, with two estimates for small-for-gestational-age vs. appropriate-for-gestational age neonates, and two estimates of birth weight studied continuously, in relation to adult telomere (49-61 years). There was no strong evidence of an association between neonatal or later childhood/adolescent adiposity, and telomere length. However, between study heterogeneity was high, and there were few combinable studies. Conclusions: Our systematic review and meta-analysis found no strong evidence of an association between neonatal or later childhood or adolescent adiposity and telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Guyatt
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Santiago Rodriguez
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tom R. Gaunt
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Abigail Fraser
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma L. Anderson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Henckel E, Svenson U, Nordlund B, Berggren Broström E, Hedlin G, Degerman S, Bohlin K. Telomere length was similar in school-age children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and allergic asthma. Acta Paediatr 2018; 107:1395-1401. [PMID: 29476624 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Inflammation is a major factor in the pathophysiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and it contributes to accelerated telomere shortening and cellular ageing. This study aimed to determine its effect on telomere length and lung function in school-aged children born preterm with BPD. METHODS We examined 29 children with BPD, born preterm in Stockholm county 1998-99, along with 28 children with allergic asthma born at term matched for age and gender. At 10 years of age, we measured relative telomere length (RTL) in blood by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, lung function by spirometry and inflammation by fractional exhaled nitric oxide and blood cytokines. RESULTS RTL was not different in preterm born with BPD compared to term born children with asthma. The gender effect was strong in both groups; girls had significantly longer median RTL than boys (1.8 versus 1.5, p < 0.01). Short RTL was associated with low forced expiratory flow, also after adjusting for gender, but was not affected by severity of BPD or ongoing inflammation. CONCLUSION Telomere length was similar in 10-year-old children born preterm with a history of BPD and term born children with allergic asthma. However, impaired lung function and male gender were associated with short telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Henckel
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Neonatology; Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
| | - U Svenson
- Department of Medical Biosciences; Umeå University; Umeå Sweden
| | - B Nordlund
- Department of Women and Children′s Health; Karolinska Institutet and Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital; Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
| | - E Berggren Broström
- Department of Paediatrics; Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science and Education; Södersjukhuset; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
| | - G Hedlin
- Department of Women and Children′s Health; Karolinska Institutet and Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital; Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
| | - S Degerman
- Department of Medical Biosciences; Umeå University; Umeå Sweden
| | - K Bohlin
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Neonatology; Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
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Weber KA, Heaphy CM, Joshu CE, Lu J, Rohrmann S, Bienstock JL, Agurs-Collins T, Meeker AK, Platz EA. Racial differences in maternal and umbilical cord blood leukocyte telomere length and their correlations. Cancer Causes Control 2018; 29:759-767. [PMID: 29980985 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-018-1054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Telomere length at birth sets the baseline for telomere shortening and may influence adult disease risk like cancer. Telomere length is heritable, but may also be a marker of exposures in utero, including those influencing racial differences in risk. We examined racial differences in telomere length in maternal and umbilical cord blood from male neonates, and maternal-neonate correlations to generate hypotheses. METHODS Black and white pregnant women were recruited in 2006-2007 and followed to postpartum. Data came from questionnaires and medical records. Relative telomere length was measured by qPCR in leukocyte DNA. We estimated mean telomere length in mothers and neonates (n = 55 pairs) using linear regression and maternal-cord blood Spearman correlations, overall and by race. RESULTS Black mothers had shorter age- and plate-adjusted telomere length (2.49, 95% CI 2.11-2.86) than whites (2.92, 95% CI 2.63-3.22; p = 0.1) and black neonates had shorter telomere length (2.58, 95% CI 2.16-3.01) than whites (3.13, 95% CI 2.79-3.47; p = 0.1), though not statistically significant. Differences were attenuated after further adjustment for maternal factors. Maternal-cord blood correlations were moderate (r = 0.53, p < 0.0001), and did not differ by race. CONCLUSION Telomere length may differ by race at birth due to both inherited and racial differences in maternal factors. This study was for hypothesis generation and results should be followed up in larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Weber
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 401 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Corinne E Joshu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 401 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jiayun Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sabine Rohrmann
- Division of Chronic Disease Epidemiology; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica L Bienstock
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Tanya Agurs-Collins
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alan K Meeker
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Urology and the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 401 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Platz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Urology and the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 401 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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Assari S, Lapeyrouse LM, Neighbors HW. Income and Self-Rated Mental Health: Diminished Returns for High Income Black Americans. Behav Sci (Basel) 2018; 8:E50. [PMID: 29772799 PMCID: PMC5981244 DOI: 10.3390/bs8050050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The minorities' diminished return theory suggests that socioeconomic position (SEP) generates smaller health gains for racial/ethnic minorities compared to Whites. The current study was a Black⁻White comparison of the association between household income and self-rated mental health (SRMH). Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2017 State of the State Survey (SOSS). With representative sampling, the SOSS generates results that are generalizable to the state of Michigan. This study included 881 adults, (n = 92) Black and (n = 782) White. The independent variable was household income. The dependent variable was SRMH, measured using a single item. Age, gender, and participation in the labor force were covariates. Race/ethnicity was the focal moderator. Logistic regression models were used for data analysis. Results: Overall, higher household income was associated with better SRMH, net of covariates. An interaction was found between race/ethnicity and household income on SRMH, suggesting a smaller, or nonexistent, protective effect for Blacks compared to Whites. In race/ethnicity-stratified models, higher household income was associated with better SRMH for Whites but not Blacks. Conclusion: Supporting the minorities' diminished return theory, our study documents differential effects for income on SRHM for Blacks and Whites, where Whites but not Blacks appear to benefit from their income. Given this, researchers and policy makers are cautioned against making assumptions that racial groups benefit equally from similar economic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture, and Health (CRECH), School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Rd.; Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2700, USA.
| | - Lisa M Lapeyrouse
- Department of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Flint, MI 48502, USA.
| | - Harold W Neighbors
- Division of Public Health, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Flint, MI 48502, USA.
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Abstract
Many risk factors have been firmly established for pancreatic cancer (PC), but the molecular processes by which known risk factors influence susceptibility to PC are not clear. There has been a recent upsurge of interest in the role of telomere length (TL), the protective DNA sequence repeats at chromosome ends, in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Given this heightened interest, we performed an in-depth, focused, and up-to-date review of the epidemiological evidence linking leukocyte TL (LTL) with PC risk. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases for all published studies on LTL and PC risk, up to May 2017. Five studies were identified for review: 4 nested case-control studies and 1 retrospective case-control study. Two studies found opposite associations between LTL and PC risk: 1 found a dose-response positive association and the other found a dose-response inverse association. Two studies also found a "U-shaped" association, whereas another reported a weak nonlinear relationship. We offer potential reasons for the conflicting findings including variation in study design, biospecimen characteristics, and differences in interlaboratory measurements of TL. Future studies should carefully control for risk factors of PC that are associated also with telomere attrition and investigate the role of genetic variation in TL maintenance.
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Ajaykumar A, Soudeyns H, Kakkar F, Brophy J, Bitnun A, Alimenti A, Albert AYK, Money DM, Côté HCF. Leukocyte Telomere Length at Birth and During the Early Life of Children Exposed to but Uninfected With HIV After In Utero Exposure to Antiretrovirals. J Infect Dis 2018; 217:710-720. [PMID: 29228317 PMCID: PMC5853286 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) during pregnancy could impact the health of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed, HIV-uninfected (HEU) children, because some antiretrovirals cross the placenta and can inhibit telomerase. Our objective was to compare leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in HEU children and HIV-unexposed, HIV-uninfected (HUU) children at birth and in early life and to investigate any relationship with cART exposure. Methods HEU and HUU children's blood LTL was compared cross-sectionally at birth, and during the first three years of life. Longitudinal HEU LTL dynamics was evaluated over that same period. Results At birth, the LTL in HEU children (n = 114) was not shorter than that in HUU children (n = 86), but female infants had longer LTL than male infants. Maternal cART (duration or type) showed no association with shorter infant LTL. Among 214 HEU children age- and sex-matched at a 1:1 ratio to HUU children, LTL declined similarly in both groups. In a longitudinal analysis, LTL attrition in HEU children was rapid from birth to 1 year of age and gradual thereafter. Zidovudine prophylaxis did not significantly alter LTL. Conclusions Our results indicate that from birth to 3 years of age, the LTL in HEU children is not negatively affected by exposure to maternal HIV infection and cART, at least not to the regimens used within this Canadian cohort, a reassuring finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Ajaykumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Hugo Soudeyns
- Unité d’immunopathologie virale, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fatima Kakkar
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jason Brophy
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ari Bitnun
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ariane Alimenti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Arianne Y K Albert
- BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Deborah M Money
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Hélène C F Côté
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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Guyatt AL, Rodriguez S, Gaunt TR, Fraser A, Anderson EL. Early life adiposity and telomere length across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Wellcome Open Res 2017; 2:118. [PMID: 30542661 PMCID: PMC6259597 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13083.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The relationship between adiposity at birth and in childhood, and telomere length is yet to be determined. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse the results of studies assessing associations between neonatal and childhood adiposity, and telomere length. Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE and PubMed for studies reporting associations between adiposity measured in the neonatal period or childhood, and leucocyte telomere length, measured at any age via quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or terminal restriction fragment analysis, either cross-sectionally, or longitudinally. Papers published before April 2017 were included. Results: Out of 230 abstracts assessed, 23 papers (32 estimates) were retained, from which 19 estimates were meta-analysed (15 cross-sectional, four longitudinal). Of the 15 cross-sectional estimates, seven reported on neonates: four used binary exposures of small-for-gestational-age vs. appropriate-for-gestational age (or appropriate- and large-for-gestational age), and three studied birth weight continuously. Eight estimates reported on childhood measures; five estimates were from studies of binary exposures (overweight/obese vs. non-obese children), and three studies used continuous measures of body mass index. All four longitudinal estimates were of neonatal adiposity, with two estimates for small-for-gestational-age vs. appropriate-for-gestational age neonates, and two estimates of birth weight studied continuously, in relation to adult telomere (49-61 years). There was no strong evidence of an association between neonatal or childhood adiposity, and telomere length. However, between study heterogeneity was high, and there were few combinable studies. Conclusions: Our systematic review and meta-analysis found no strong evidence of an association between neonatal or childhood adiposity and telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Guyatt
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Santiago Rodriguez
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tom R. Gaunt
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Abigail Fraser
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma L. Anderson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Stout SA, Lin J, Hernandez N, Davis EP, Blackburn E, Carroll JE, Glynn LM. Validation of Minimally-Invasive Sample Collection Methods for Measurement of Telomere Length. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:397. [PMID: 29270121 PMCID: PMC5723637 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The discovery of telomere length (TL) as a biomarker of cellular aging and correlate of age-related disease has generated a new field of research in the biology of healthy aging. Although the most common method of sample collection for TL is venous blood draw, less-invasive DNA collection methods are becoming more widely used. However, how TL relates across tissues derived from these sample collection methods is poorly understood. The current study is the first to characterize the associations in TL across three sample collection methods: venous whole blood, finger prick dried blood spot and saliva. Methods: TL was measured in 24 healthy young adults using three modes of sample collection for each participant: venous whole blood, finger prick dried blood spot and saliva. Relative TL was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: TL in finger prick dried blood spots (DBS) washighly correlated with TL in whole blood (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Salivary TL was also correlated with whole blood TL (r = 0.56, p = 0.005), but this association was not as strong as that of dried blood spot TL (Steiger’s Z = 2.12, p = 0.034). TL was longer in saliva than in whole blood or DBS (p’s < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings have important implications for future study design by supporting the validity of less-invasive methods that can be implemented with vulnerable populations or in the field. Further, these findings aid in interpreting the burgeoning area of biological aging research and may shed light on our understanding of inconsistencies in the empirical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Stout
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Natalie Hernandez
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Elysia P Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Blackburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Judith E Carroll
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
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Drury SS, Howell BR, Jones C, Esteves K, Morin E, Schlesinger R, Meyer JS, Baker K, Sanchez MM. Shaping long-term primate development: Telomere length trajectory as an indicator of early maternal maltreatment and predictor of future physiologic regulation. Dev Psychopathol 2017; 29:1539-1551. [PMID: 29162166 PMCID: PMC5864972 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417001225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The molecular, neurobiological, and physical health impacts of child maltreatment are well established, yet mechanistic pathways remain inadequately defined. Telomere length (TL) decline is an emerging molecular indicator of stress exposure with definitive links to negative health outcomes in maltreated individuals. The multiple confounders endemic to human maltreatment research impede the identification of causal pathways. This study leverages a unique randomized, cross-foster, study design in a naturalistic translational nonhuman primate model of infant maltreatment. At birth, newborn macaques were randomly assigned to either a maltreating or a competent control mother, balancing for sex, biological mother parenting history, and social rank. Offspring TL was measured longitudinally across the first 6 months of life (infancy) from peripheral blood. Hair cortisol accumulation was also determined at 6, 12, and 18 months of age. TL decline was greater in animals randomized to maltreatment, but also interacted with biological mother group. Shorter TL at 6 months was associated with higher mean cortisol levels through 18 months (juvenile period) when controlling for relevant covariates. These results suggest that even under the equivalent social, nutritional, and environmental conditions feasible in naturalistic translational nonhuman primate models, early adverse caregiving results in lasting molecular scars that foreshadow elevated health risk and physiologic dysregulation.
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Olsson M, Wapstra E, Friesen CR. Evolutionary ecology of telomeres: a review. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1422:5-28. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mats Olsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Wollongong Wollongong New South Wales Australia
| | - Erik Wapstra
- School of Biological Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Christopher R. Friesen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Lee SP, Hande P, Yeo GS, Tan EC. Correlation of cord blood telomere length with birth weight. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:469. [PMID: 28886728 PMCID: PMC5591543 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intrauterine growth restriction affects 3% of newborns; and the lightest 10% of whom are classified as small for gestational age (SGA). These low-birth weight newborns are at increased risk of neonatal morbidity such as hypoxia and hypoglycaemia. In later life, they are at higher risk of several age-related diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders and dementia. As having short telomeres is also associated with these diseases, we tested if these newborns might already start with shorter telomeres at birth. Findings Relative telomere lengths were determined using quantitative real-time PCR in cord blood samples from 195 newborns of Chinese ancestry. Based on the telomere length normalised to a single copy gene and a reference DNA sample as internal control, we found statistically significant correlations between relative telomere length and both unadjusted and gestational age-adjusted birth weight, with the lighter newborns having shorter telomeres. The SGA birth weight group comprising the bottom 10% of the samples also had the shortest telomeres compared to the medium and heaviest birth weight groups. Conclusions Our results indicate that there is reduction of cord blood telomere length for newborns with lower birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Peng Lee
- Research Laboratory, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prakash Hande
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - George Sh Yeo
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ene-Choo Tan
- Research Laboratory, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, Singapore. .,Paediatrics Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
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Vasu V, Turner KJ, George S, Greenall J, Slijepcevic P, Griffin DK. Preterm infants have significantly longer telomeres than their term born counterparts. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180082. [PMID: 28658264 PMCID: PMC5489189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are well-established morbidities associated with preterm birth including respiratory, neurocognitive and developmental disorders. However several others have recently emerged that characterise an 'aged' phenotype in the preterm infant by term-equivalent age. These include hypertension, insulin resistance and altered body fat distribution. Evidence shows that these morbidities persist into adult life, posing a significant public health concern. In this study, we measured relative telomere length in leukocytes as an indicator of biological ageing in 25 preterm infants at term equivalent age. Comparing our measurements with those from 22 preterm infants sampled at birth and from 31 term-born infants, we tested the hypothesis that by term equivalent age, preterm infants have significantly shorter telomeres (thus suggesting that they are prematurely aged). Our results demonstrate that relative telomere length is highly variable in newborn infants and is significantly negatively correlated with gestational age and birth weight in preterm infants. Further, longitudinal assessment in preterm infants who had telomere length measurements available at both birth and term age (n = 5) suggests that telomere attrition rate is negatively correlated with increasing gestational age. Contrary to our initial hypothesis however, relative telomere length was significantly shortest in the term born control group compared to both preterm groups and longest in the preterm at birth group. In addition, telomere lengths were not significantly different between preterm infants sampled at birth and those sampled at term equivalent age. These results indicate that other, as yet undetermined, factors may influence telomere length in the preterm born infant and raise the intriguing hypothesis that as preterm gestation declines, telomere attrition rate increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Vasu
- Department of Child Health, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation NHS Trust, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom
- University of Kent, School of Biosciences, Giles Lane, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Kara J. Turner
- University of Kent, School of Biosciences, Giles Lane, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Shermi George
- Department of Child Health, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation NHS Trust, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - John Greenall
- Department of Child Health, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation NHS Trust, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Predrag Slijepcevic
- Brunel University London, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom
| | - Darren K. Griffin
- University of Kent, School of Biosciences, Giles Lane, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
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Merrill LC, Jones CW, Drury SS, Theall KP. The differential impact of oxytocin receptor gene in violence-exposed boys and girls. Int J Dev Neurosci 2017; 59:60-67. [PMID: 28341538 PMCID: PMC5507059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood violence exposure is a prevalent public health problem. Understanding the lasting impact of violence requires an enhanced appreciation for the complex effects of violence across behavioral, physiologic, and molecular outcomes. This subject matched, cross-sectional study of 80 children explored the impact of violence exposure across behavioral, physiologic, and cellular outcomes. Externalizing behavior, diurnal cortisol rhythm, and telomere length (TL) were examined in a community recruited cohort of Black youth. Given evidence that genetic variation contributes to individual differences in response to the environment, we further tested whether a polymorphism in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR rs53576) moderated associations between violence and youth outcomes. Exposure to violence was directly associated with increased externalizing behavior, but no direct association of violence was found with cortisol or TL. Oxytocin genotype, however, moderated the association between violence and both cortisol and TL, suggesting that pathways linked to oxytocin may contribute to individual differences in the physiologic and molecular consequences of violence exposure. Sex differences with OXTR in cortisol and TL outcomes were also detected. Taken together, these findings suggest that there are complex pathways through which violence exposure impacts children, and that these pathways differ by both genetic variation and the sex of the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia C Merrill
- Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
| | - Christopher W Jones
- Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
| | - Stacy S Drury
- Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
| | - Katherine P Theall
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
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Ferraro KF, Kemp BR, Williams MM. Diverse Aging and Health Inequality by Race and Ethnicity. Innov Aging 2017; 1:igx002. [PMID: 29795805 PMCID: PMC5954610 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although gerontologists have long embraced the concept of heterogeneity in theories and models of aging, recent research reveals the importance of racial and ethnic diversity on life course processes leading to health inequality. This article examines research on health inequality by race and ethnicity and identifies theoretical and methodological innovations that are transforming the study of health disparities. Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, we propose greater use of life course analysis, more attention to variability within racial and ethnic groups, and better integration of environmental context into the study of accumulation processes leading to health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth F Ferraro
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.,Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Blakelee R Kemp
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.,Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Monica M Williams
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.,Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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48
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Márquez-Ruiz AB, González-Herrera L, Valenzuela A. Usefulness of telomere length in DNA from human teeth for age estimation. Int J Legal Med 2017; 132:353-359. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1595-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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49
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Jones CW, Gambala C, Esteves KC, Wallace M, Schlesinger R, O'Quinn M, Kidd L, Theall KP, Drury SS. Differences in placental telomere length suggest a link between racial disparities in birth outcomes and cellular aging. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 216:294.e1-294.e8. [PMID: 27865975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.11.1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health disparities begin early in life and persist across the life course. Despite current efforts, black women exhibit greater risk for pregnancy complications and negative perinatal outcomes compared with white women. The placenta, which is a complex multi-tissue organ, serves as the primary transducer of bidirectional information between the mother and fetus. Altered placental function is linked to multiple racially disparate pregnancy complications; however, little is known about racial differences in molecular factors within the placenta. Several pregnancy complications, which include preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, exhibit racial disparities and are associated with shorter placental telomere length, which is an indicator of cellular stress and aging. Cellular senescence and telomere dynamics are linked to the molecular mechanisms that are associated with the onset of labor and parturition. Further, racial differences in telomere length are found in a range of different peripheral tissues. Together these factors suggest that exploration of racial differences in telomere length of the placenta may provide novel mechanistic insight into racial disparities in birth outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study examined whether telomere length measured in 4 distinct fetally derived tissues were significantly different between black and white women. The study had 2 hypotheses: (1) that telomere length that is measured in different placental tissue types would be correlated and (2) that across all sampled tissues telomere length would differ by race. STUDY DESIGN In a prospective study, placental tissue samples were collected from the amnion, chorion, villus, and umbilical cord from black and white singleton pregnancies (N=46). Telomere length was determined with the use of monochrome multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in each placental tissue. Demographic and pregnancy-related data were also collected. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample overall and among black and white women separately. The overall impact of race was assessed by multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models that included empirically relevant covariates. RESULTS Telomere length was correlated significantly across all placental tissues. Pairwise analyses of placental tissue telomere length revealed significantly longer telomere length in the amnion compared with the chorion (t=-2.06; P=.043). Overall telomere length measured in placenta samples from black mothers were significantly shorter than those from white mothers (β=-0.09; P=.04). Controlling for relevant maternal and infant characteristics strengthened the significance of the observed racial differences (β=-0.12; P=.02). Within tissue analyses revealed that the greatest difference by race was found in chorionic telomere length (t=-2.81; P=.007). CONCLUSION These findings provide the first evidence of racial differences in placental telomere length. Telomere length was significantly shorter in placental samples from black mothers compared with white mothers. Given previous studies that have reported that telomere length, cellular senescence, and telomere dynamics are molecular factors that contribute to the rupture of the amniotic sac, onset of labor, and parturition, our findings of shorter telomere length in placentas from black mothers suggest that accelerated cellular aging across placental tissues may be relevant to the increased risk of preterm delivery in black pregnancies. Our results suggest that racial differences in cellular aging in the placenta contribute to the earliest roots of health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecilia Gambala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Kyle C Esteves
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Maeve Wallace
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | | | | | - Laura Kidd
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Katherine P Theall
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Stacy S Drury
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
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50
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Needham BL, Hicken MT, Govia IO, Mitchell C, Abdou CM. Maternal Social Disadvantage and Newborn Telomere Length in Archived Dried Blood Spots from the Michigan Neonatal Biobank. BIODEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL BIOLOGY 2017; 63:221-235. [PMID: 29035107 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2017.1300520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Short telomere length is associated with morbidity and mortality among adults and may mark the biological impact of social experiences. Using archived dried blood spots from the Michigan Neonatal Biobank, this study examined markers of maternal social disadvantage (educational attainment, receipt of public assistance, marital status, and race/ethnicity) from linked birth certificates as predictors of telomere length at birth in a sample of 192 singleton neonates born to non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, and Latina mothers aged 20-35 years. Consistent with two recent studies in newborns, but counter to the idea that maternal social disadvantage is associated with shorter offspring telomere length, we found that infants born to black mothers had longer telomeres than those born to white mothers (b = 0.12, SE = 0.06, p = .05). However, black/white differences in newborn telomere length varied by receipt of public assistance. Among newborns whose mothers received WIC and/or Medicaid, there were no significant black/white differences in telomere length (b = 0.09, SE = 0.08, p = .25). In contrast, among those whose mothers did not receive public assistance-just 6 out of 69 infants born to black mothers versus 41 out of 69 infants born to white mothers-we found that babies born to black mothers had longer telomere length than babies born to white mothers (b = 0.37, SE = 0.16, p = .03). The interaction between black race/ethnicity and receipt of public assistance did not reach the conventional threshold for statistical significance (b = -0.22, SE = 0.15, p = .13), suggesting that this finding may be due to chance. No other markers of maternal social disadvantage were related to infant telomere length. Although replication of these results in a larger sample with more infants born to black mothers with relatively high socioeconomic status is needed, this study offers preliminary support for the hypothesis that race/ethnic differences in newborn telomere length depend on social context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda L Needham
- a Department of Epidemiology , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Margaret T Hicken
- b Institute for Social Research , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Ishtar O Govia
- c Epidemiology Research Unit, Tropical Medicine Research Institute , The University of the West Indies , Mona Campus , Kingston , Jamaica
| | - Colter Mitchell
- b Institute for Social Research , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Cleopatra M Abdou
- d Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and Department of Psychology , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California , USA
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