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Blasiak J, Szczepanska J, Fila M, Pawlowska E, Kaarniranta K. Potential of Telomerase in Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Involvement of Senescence, DNA Damage Response and Autophagy and a Key Role of PGC-1α. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137194. [PMID: 34281248 PMCID: PMC8268995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the main cause of vision loss in the elderly, is associated with oxidation in the retina cells promoting telomere attrition. Activation of telomerase was reported to improve macular functions in AMD patients. The catalytic subunit of human telomerase (hTERT) may directly interact with proteins important for senescence, DNA damage response, and autophagy, which are impaired in AMD. hTERT interaction with mTORC1 (mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) complex 1) and PINK1 (PTEN-induced kinase 1) activates macroautophagy and mitophagy, respectively, and removes cellular debris accumulated over AMD progression. Ectopic expression of telomerase in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells lengthened telomeres, reduced senescence, and extended their lifespan. These effects provide evidence for the potential of telomerase in AMD therapy. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) may be involved in AMD pathogenesis through decreasing oxidative stress and senescence, regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and improving autophagy. PGC-1α and TERT form an inhibitory positive feedback loop. In conclusion, telomerase activation and its ectopic expression in RPE cells, as well as controlled clinical trials on the effects of telomerase activation in AMD patients, are justified and should be assisted by PGC-1α modulators to increase the therapeutic potential of telomerase in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Joanna Szczepanska
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Michal Fila
- Department of Developmental Neurology and Epileptology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Elzbieta Pawlowska
- Department of Orthodontics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-217 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (K.K.)
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Hautekiet P, Nawrot TS, Janssen BG, Martens DS, De Clercq EM, Dadvand P, Plusquin M, Bijnens EM, Saenen ND. Child buccal telomere length and mitochondrial DNA content as biomolecular markers of ageing in association with air pollution. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 147:106332. [PMID: 33388564 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pro-inflammatory conditions such as air pollution might induce biological ageing. However, the available evidence on such an impact in children is still very scarce. We studied in primary schoolchildren the association of ambient residential air pollution exposure with telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA content (mtDNAc), two important targets of the core axis of ageing. METHODS Between 2012 and 2014, buccal TL and mtDNAc were repeatedly assessed using qPCR in 197 Belgian primary schoolchildren (mean age 10.3 years) as part of the COGNAC study. At the child's residence, recent (week), sub-chronic (month) and chronic (year) exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) were estimated using a high resolution spatiotemporal model. A mixed-effects model with school and subject as random effect was used while adjusting for a priori chosen covariates. RESULTS An interquartile range (IQR) increment (1.9 µg/m3) in chronic PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 8.9% (95% CI: -15.4 to -1.9%) shorter TL. In contrast to PM2.5, chronic exposure to BC and NO2 was not associated with TL but recent exposure to BC and NO2 showed significant inverse associations with TL: an IQR increment in recent exposure to BC (0.9 µg/m3) and NO2 (10.2 µg/m3) was associated with a 6.2% (95% CI: -10.6 to -1.6%) and 6.4% (95% CI: -11.8 to -0.7%) shorter TL, respectively. Finally, an IQR increment in chronic PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 12.7% (95% CI: -21.7 to -2.6%) lower mtDNAc. However, no significant associations were seen for NO2 and BC or for other exposure windows. CONCLUSION Chronic exposure to PM2.5 below the EU threshold was associated with child's shorter buccal TL and lower mtDNAc, while traffic-related pollutants (BC and NO2) showed recent effects on telomere biology. Our data add to the literature on air pollution-induced effects of TL and mtDNAc, two measures part of the core axis of cellular ageing, from early life onwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Hautekiet
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium; Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), O&N I Herestraat 49 - bus 706, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Eva M De Clercq
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal, Campus Mar, Dr Aiguader 88, ES-08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Doctor Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium; Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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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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Staessen JA, Thijs L, Yang WY, Yu CG, Wei FF, Roels HA, Nawrot TS, Zhang ZY. Interpretation of Population Health Metrics: Environmental Lead Exposure as Exemplary Case. Hypertension 2020; 75:603-614. [PMID: 32008462 PMCID: PMC8032208 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.14217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to gain insight in the calculation and interpretation of population health metrics that inform disease prevention. Using as model environmental exposure to lead (ELE), a global pollutant, we assessed population health metrics derived from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988 to 1994), the GBD (Global Burden of Disease Study 2010), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the hazard ratio relating mortality over 19.3 years of follow-up to a blood lead increase at baseline from 1.0 to 6.7 µg/dL (10th–90th percentile interval) was 1.37 (95% CI, 1.17–1.60). The population-attributable fraction of blood lead was 18.0% (10.9%–26.1%). The number of preventable ELE-related deaths in the United States would be 412 000 per year (250 000–598 000). In GBD 2010, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years globally lost due to ELE were 0.67 million (0.58–0.78 million) and 0.56% (0.47%–0.66%), respectively. According to the 2017 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development statistics, ELE-related welfare costs were $1 676 224 million worldwide. Extrapolations from the foregoing metrics assumed causality and reversibility of the association between mortality and blood lead, which at present-day ELE levels in developed nations is not established. Other issues limiting the interpretation of ELE-related population health metrics are the inflation of relative risk based on outdated blood lead levels, not differentiating relative from absolute risk, clustering of risk factors and exposures within individuals, residual confounding, and disregarding noncardiovascular disease and immigration in national ELE-associated welfare estimates. In conclusion, this review highlights the importance of critical thinking in translating population health metrics into cost-effective preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Staessen
- From the Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, KU Leuven Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium (J.A.S, L.T., W.-Y.Y., C.-G.Y., F.-F.W., Z.-Y.Z.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (J.A.S.).,NPA Alliance for the Promotion of Preventive Medicine, Mechelen, Belgium (J.A.S.)
| | - Lutgarde Thijs
- From the Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, KU Leuven Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium (J.A.S, L.T., W.-Y.Y., C.-G.Y., F.-F.W., Z.-Y.Z.)
| | - Wen-Yi Yang
- From the Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, KU Leuven Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium (J.A.S, L.T., W.-Y.Y., C.-G.Y., F.-F.W., Z.-Y.Z.).,Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China (W.-Y.Y.)
| | - Cai-Guo Yu
- From the Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, KU Leuven Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium (J.A.S, L.T., W.-Y.Y., C.-G.Y., F.-F.W., Z.-Y.Z.).,Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Lu He Hospital and Key Laboratory of Diabetes Prevention and Research, Capital Medical University, China (C.-G.Y.)
| | - Fang-Fei Wei
- From the Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, KU Leuven Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium (J.A.S, L.T., W.-Y.Y., C.-G.Y., F.-F.W., Z.-Y.Z.)
| | - Harry A Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium (H.A.R., T.S.N.)
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium (H.A.R., T.S.N.)
| | - Zhen-Yu Zhang
- From the Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, KU Leuven Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium (J.A.S, L.T., W.-Y.Y., C.-G.Y., F.-F.W., Z.-Y.Z.)
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Martens DS, Nawrot TS. Ageing at the level of telomeres in association to residential landscape and air pollution at home and work: a review of the current evidence. Toxicol Lett 2018; 298:42-52. [PMID: 29944903 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.06.1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Studies suggest that leukocyte telomere length is an index of systemic ageing. Here, we discuss telomere length as a marker of biological ageing in relation to residential landscape (greenness), residential air pollution and work-related exposures. Telomere lengths are memories of cumulative oxidative and inflammatory stress, and show to have inverse associations with the risk of non-communicable diseases. For this reason, telomeres are considered as markers of biological ageing. Studies at birth, in children, young adulthood, and elderly show that residential green space, lower traffic exposure and long-term lower exposure to particulate air pollution are associated with longer telomeres. Work-related exposures including exposure to toxic metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and particulate matter are associated with shorter telomeres for a given age. In contrast to chronic exposures, evidence is present of the observation that recent exposure is associated with longer telomeres. Our overview shows that the magnitude of residential and work-related environmental factors on telomere length are often as important as many classical lifestyle factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium.
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