1
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Aali R, Asli Gharehbagh H, Gholampour A, Sorooshian A, Panahi Y. Children exposed to salt-dust emission from Urmia Lake have short telomere length: a case-control pilot study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39192622 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2394136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to measure telomere length in healthy children living next to Urmia Lake, Iran, which is exposed to salt dust from a drying lakebed. In this case-control pilot study, we recruited 39 sex- and age-matched healthy children from two different geographic regions to study the relative telomere lengths using qPCR. We categorized the study samples into high-impact and low-impact areas based on wind direction, aerosol particle level, and distance from the lake. Our main results revealed that children living in high-impact areas have shorter telomeres than those living in low-impact areas. Furthermore, according to our statistical model, parental age significantly affected telomere length in children, but inversely. When the father's age impact was positive, the mother had a negative effect. Based on our results, to prevent Urmia Lake from dying out completely, national and international organizations should implement comprehensive visions and strategies for its restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Aali
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | | | - Akbar Gholampour
- Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Yasin Panahi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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2
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Teramoto N, Okada Y, Aburada N, Hayashi M, Ito J, Shirasuna K, Iwata H. Resveratrol intake by males increased the mitochondrial DNA copy number and telomere length of blastocysts derived from aged mice. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:247-253. [PMID: 38945863 PMCID: PMC11310382 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2024-043] [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: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study examined whether male resveratrol intake affected mitochondrial DNA copy number (mt-cn) and telomere length (TL) in blastocysts fathered by young and aged male mice. C57BL/6N male mice supplied with water or water containing 0.1 mM resveratrol were used for embryo production at 14-23 and 48-58 weeks of age. Two-cell-stage embryos were collected from the oviducts of superovulated female mice (8-15 weeks old) and cultured for 3 days until the blastocyst stage. Mt-cn and TL levels were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Resveratrol intake did not affect body weight or water consumption. Resveratrol intake increased the expression levels of SIRT1 in the liver, the antioxidative ability of serum, and extended TL in the heart, whereas there was no significant difference in mt-cn in the heart or TL in sperm. The rate of blastocyst development was significantly lower in aged male mice than in younger mice, and resveratrol intake increased the total number of blastocysts derived from both young and aged males. Resveratrol intake did not affect mt-cn or TL in blastomeres of blastocyst-stage embryos derived from young mice, but significantly increased both mt-cn and TL in blastomeres of blastocysts derived from aged fathers. In conclusion, resveratrol intake increased mt-cn and TL levels in blastocysts derived from aged male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noko Teramoto
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Yuri Okada
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Nao Aburada
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Masamune Hayashi
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Jun Ito
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Komei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
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3
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Eisenberg DTA, Ryan CP, Lee NR, Carba DB, MacIsaac JL, Dever K, Atashzay P, Kobor MS, Kuzawa C. DNA methylation-based estimators of telomere length show low correspondence with paternal age at conception and other measures of external validity of telomere length. GeroScience 2024; 46:3957-3969. [PMID: 38466455 PMCID: PMC11226585 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01114-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans, DNA methylation (DNAm) based estimators of telomere length (TL) have been shown to better predict TL-associated variables (e.g., age, sex, and mortality) than TL itself. The biological significance of DNAm-based estimators of TL (DNAmTL) is unclear. In vitro DNAmTL shortens with cell replications, even when telomerase is maintaining TL. Telomerase is typically suppressed in humans, except in testes. Accordingly, sperm TL increases with age, and offspring with greater paternal age at conception (PAC) have longer TL. Thus, we expect that PAC associations with DNAmTL can shed light on whether in vivo cell replications in the presence of high telomerase activity (production of sperm) shorten DNAmTL or if PAC-lengthened TL causes lengthened DNAmTL. In a pre-registered analysis, using data from 1733 blood samples from the Philippines, we examined the association between paternal age at conception (PAC) and offspring DNAmTL. We did not find an association between PAC and DNAmTL but found a positive association of paternal grandfather's age at father's conception predicting grandchild's DNAmTL. In post hoc analyses, we examined how DNAmTL versus qPCR-measured TL (qPCR-TL) correlated with measures typically associated with TL. Contrary to previous findings, on almost all measures of external validity (correlations with parental TLs, southern blot TL, and age), qPCR-TL outperformed DNAmTL. The "kilobase" units of DNAm-based estimators of TL showed considerable deviations from southern blot-derived kilobase measures. Our findings suggest that DNAmTL is not a reliable index of inherited aspects of TL and underscores uncertainty about the biological meaning of DNAmTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Calen P Ryan
- Columbia Aging Center GeroScience Computational Core, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Delia B Carba
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Julie L MacIsaac
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kristy Dever
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Parmida Atashzay
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christopher Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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4
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Feuz MB, Nelson DC, Miller LB, Zwerdling AE, Meyer RG, Meyer-Ficca ML. Reproductive Ageing: Current insights and a potential role of NAD in the reproductive health of aging fathers and their children. Reproduction 2024; 167:e230486. [PMID: 38471307 PMCID: PMC11075800 DOI: 10.1530/rep-23-0486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In brief In light of the increasing age of first-time fathers, this article summarizes the current scientific knowledge base on reproductive aging in the male, including sperm quality and health impacts for the offspring. The emerging role of NAD decline in reproductive aging is highlighted. Abstract Over the past decades, the age of first-time fathers has been steadily increasing due to socio-economic pressures. While general mechanisms of aging are subject to intensive research, male reproductive aging has remained an understudied area, and the effects of increased age on the male reproductive system are still only poorly understood, despite new insights into the potential dire consequences of advanced paternal age for the health of their progeny. There is also growing evidence that reproductive aging is linked to overall health in men, but this review mainly focuses on pathophysiological consequences of old age in men, such as low sperm count and diminished sperm genetic integrity, with an emphasis on mechanisms underlying reproductive aging. The steady decline of NAD levels observed in aging men represents one of the emerging concepts in that regard. Because it offers some mechanistic rationale explaining the effects of old age on the male reproductive system, some of the NAD-dependent functions in male reproduction are briefly outlined in this review. The overview also provides many questions that remain open about the basic science of male reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan B. Feuz
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - D. Colton Nelson
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Laura B. Miller
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Alexie E Zwerdling
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ralph G. Meyer
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Mirella L. Meyer-Ficca
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
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Kaltsas A, Zikopoulos A, Vrachnis D, Skentou C, Symeonidis EN, Dimitriadis F, Stavros S, Chrisofos M, Sofikitis N, Vrachnis N, Zachariou A. Advanced Paternal Age in Focus: Unraveling Its Influence on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2731. [PMID: 38792276 PMCID: PMC11122544 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102731] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As global demographics shift toward increasing paternal age, the realm of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), faces new challenges and opportunities. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the implications of advanced paternal age on ART outcomes. Background research highlights the social, cultural, and economic factors driving men toward later fatherhood, with a focus on the impact of delayed paternity on reproductive outcomes. Methods involve a thorough review of existing literature, centering on changes in testicular function, semen quality, and genetic and epigenetic shifts associated with advancing age. Study results point to intricate associations between the father's age and ART outcomes, with older age being linked to diminished semen quality, potential genetic risks, and varied impacts on embryo quality, implantation rates, and birth outcomes. The conclusions drawn from the current study suggest that while advanced paternal age presents certain risks and challenges, understanding and mitigating these through strategies such as sperm cryopreservation, lifestyle modifications, and preimplantation genetic testing can optimize ART outcomes. Future research directions are identified to further comprehend the epigenetic mechanisms and long-term effects of the older father on offspring health. This study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach in navigating the intricacies of delayed fatherhood within the context of ART, aiming for the best possible outcomes for couples and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3LJ, UK;
| | - Dionysios Vrachnis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Chara Skentou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (F.D.)
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.)
| | - Michael Chrisofos
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.)
- Vascular Biology, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
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6
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Hansson A, Wapstra E, While GM, Olsson M. Sex and early-life conditions shape telomere dynamics in an ectotherm. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246512. [PMID: 38230426 PMCID: PMC10912812 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Telomeres, the repetitive DNA regions that protect the ends of chromosomes, and their shortening have been linked to key life history trade-offs among growth, reproduction and lifespan. In contrast to most endotherms, many ectotherms can compensate for telomere shortening throughout life by upregulation of telomerase in somatic tissues. However, during development, marked by rapid growth and an increased sensitivity to extrinsic factors, the upregulation of telomerase may be overwhelmed, resulting in long-term impacts on telomere dynamics. In ectotherms, one extrinsic factor that may play a particularly important role in development is temperature. Here, we investigated the influence of developmental temperature and sex on early-life telomere dynamics in an oviparous ectotherm, Lacerta agilis. While there was no effect of developmental temperature on telomere length at hatching, there were subsequent effects on telomere maintenance capacity, with individuals incubated at warm temperatures exhibiting less telomere maintenance compared with cool-incubated individuals. Telomere dynamics were also sexually dimorphic, with females having longer telomeres and greater telomere maintenance compared with males. We suggest that selection drives this sexual dimorphism in telomere maintenance, in which females maximise their lifetime reproductive success by investing in traits promoting longevity such as maintenance, while males invest in short-term reproductive gains through a polygynous mating behaviour. These early-life effects, therefore, have the potential to mediate life-long changes to life histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hansson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Erik Wapstra
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Geoffrey M. While
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Mats Olsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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7
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Randell Z, Dehghanbanadaki H, Fendereski K, Jimbo M, Aston K, Hotaling J. Sperm telomere length in male-factor infertility and reproduction. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:12-25. [PMID: 37949346 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.001] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The underlying reasons for male-factor infertility are often unknown. 30% of all men have unexplained semen analysis abnormalities. Moreover, 15%-40% of infertile men have normal semen analyses. There have been increasing efforts to identify causes and associations that may explain idiopathic male-factor infertility. Telomeres have become an area of considerable interest in the field because of the essential roles they have in cellular division and genome integrity. Research to date most consistently supports that men with infertility have shorter sperm telomere length (STL); however, associations between shorter STL and meaningful reproductive health outcomes are less consistent. There is a major need for additional studies to better identify the role of STL in male reproductive health and use the information to improve the counseling and treatment of couples with idiopathic male-factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Randell
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Hojat Dehghanbanadaki
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kiarad Fendereski
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Masaya Jimbo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kenneth Aston
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - James Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Kurashova NA, Dashiev BG, Kolesnikov SI, Kolesnikova LI. Oxidative Stress, Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity in Spermatogenesis Disorders (Review of Scientific Activity). Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 176:115-122. [PMID: 38189870 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-024-05979-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The paper systematizes the available data on the study of oxidative stress, the relative length of telomeres, and telomerase activity in male infertility and disorders of spermatogenesis. The study of telomeres, the structures that protect chromosome ends and genome integrity, is of interest for researchers in various fields, from cell biology and epidemiology to ecology and evolutionary biology. The review includes our own data on the study of the relative length of telomeres, oxidative stress, and telomerase activity and reflects modern ideas about the importance of these structures both in the maintenance of genome stability during cell division and in gametogenesis and reproduction. Many studies indicate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including male infertility. In turn, studies of telomeres as a biomarker of male infertility are insufficient, and the results obtained are extremely controversial and require deeper knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Kurashova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia.
| | - B G Dashiev
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - S I Kolesnikov
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - L I Kolesnikova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
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9
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Gold NM, Okeke MN, He Y. Involvement of Inheritance in Determining Telomere Length beyond Environmental and Lifestyle Factors. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.1023. [PMID: 37962459 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
All linear chromosomal ends have specific DNA-protein complexes called telomeres. Telomeres serve as a "molecular clock" to estimate the potential length of cell replication. Shortening of telomere length (TL) is associated with cellular senescence, aging, and various age-related diseases in humans. Here we reviewed the structure, function, and regulation of telomeres and the age-related diseases associated with telomere attrition. Among the various determinants of TL, we highlight the connection between TL and heredity to provide a new overview of genetic determinants for TL. Studies across multiple species have shown that maternal and paternal TL influence the TL of their offspring, and this may affect life span and their susceptibility to age-related diseases. Hence, we reviewed the linkage between TL and parental influences and the proposed mechanisms involved. More in-depth studies on the genetic mechanism for TL attrition are needed due to the potential application of this knowledge in human medicine to prevent premature frailty at its earliest stage, as well as promote health and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naheemat Modupeola Gold
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic, Evolution and Animal Models, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Michael Ngozi Okeke
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Nanomedical Technology Research, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yonghan He
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic, Evolution and Animal Models, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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10
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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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11
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Gallagher MT, Krasauskaite I, Kirkman-Brown JC. Only the Best of the Bunch-Sperm Preparation Is Not Just about Numbers. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:273-278. [PMID: 38113923 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
In this Seminar, we present an overview of the current and emerging methods and technologies for optimizing the man and the sperm sample for fertility treatment. We argue that sperms are the secret to success, and that there are many avenues for improving both treatment and basic understanding of their role in outcomes. These outcomes encompass not just whether treatment is successful or not, but the wider intergenerational health of the offspring. We discuss outstanding challenges and opportunities of new technologies such as microfluidics and artificial intelligence, including potential pitfalls and advantages. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the importance of sperm in fertility treatment and suggests future directions for research and innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meurig T Gallagher
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham and Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrida Krasauskaite
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham and Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jackson C Kirkman-Brown
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham and Birmingham Women's Fertility Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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12
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Morbiato E, Cattelan S, Pilastro A, Grapputo A. Sperm production is negatively associated with muscle and sperm telomere length in a species subjected to strong sperm competition. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:5812-5822. [PMID: 37792396 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Life-history theory suggests that ageing is one of the costs of reproduction. Accordingly, a higher reproductive allocation is expected to increase the deterioration of both the somatic and the germinal lines through enhanced telomere attrition. In most species, males' reproductive allocation mainly regards traits that increase mating and fertilization success, that is sexually selected traits. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a higher investment in sexually selected traits is associated with a reduced relative telomere length (RTL) in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), an ectotherm species characterized by strong pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection. We first measured telomere length in both the soma and the sperm over guppies' lifespan to see whether there was any variation in telomere length associated with age. Second, we investigated whether a greater investment in pre- and postcopulatory sexually selected traits is linked to shorter telomere length in both the somatic and the sperm germinal lines, and in young and old males. We found that telomeres lengthened with age in the somatic tissue, but there was no age-dependent variation in telomere length in the sperm cells. Telomere length in guppies was significantly and negatively correlated with sperm production in both tissues and life stages considered in this study. Our findings indicate that telomere length in male guppies is strongly associated with their reproductive investment (sperm production), suggesting that a trade-off between reproduction and maintenance is occurring at each stage of males' life in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Morbiato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Cattelan
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Fritz Lipmann Institute - Leibniz Institute on Aging, Jena, Germany
| | - Andrea Pilastro
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Grapputo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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13
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Zhang N, Baker EC, Welsh TH, Riley DG. Telomere Dynamics in Livestock. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1389. [PMID: 37997988 PMCID: PMC10669808 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are repeated sequences of nucleotides at the end of chromosomes. They deteriorate across mitotic divisions of a cell. In Homo sapiens this process of lifetime reduction has been shown to correspond with aspects of organismal aging and exposure to stress or other insults. The early impetus to characterize telomere dynamics in livestock related to the concern that aged donor DNA would result in earlier cell senescence and overall aging in cloned animals. Telomere length investigations in dairy cows included breed effects, estimates of additive genetic control (heritability 0.12 to 0.46), and effects of external stressors on telomere degradation across animal life. Evaluation of telomeres with respect to aging has also been conducted in pigs and horses, and there are fewer reports of telomere biology in beef cattle, sheep, and goats. There were minimal associations of telomere length with animal productivity measures. Most, but not all, work in livestock has documented an inverse relationship between peripheral blood cell telomere length and age; that is, a longer telomere length was associated with younger age. Because livestock longevity affects productivity and profitability, the role of tissue-specific telomere attrition in aging may present alternative improvement strategies for genetic improvement while also providing translational biomedical knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
| | - Emilie C. Baker
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX 79016, USA;
| | - Thomas H. Welsh
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - David G. Riley
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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14
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Shi Q, Qi K. Developmental origins of health and disease: Impact of paternal nutrition and lifestyle. Pediatr Investig 2023; 7:111-131. [PMID: 37324600 PMCID: PMC10262906 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Most epidemiological and experimental studies have focused on maternal influences on offspring's health. The impact of maternal undernutrition, overnutrition, hypoxia, and stress is linked to adverse offspring outcomes across a range of systems including cardiometabolic, respiratory, endocrine, and reproduction among others. During the past decade, it has become evident that paternal environmental factors are also linked to the development of diseases in offspring. In this article, we aim to outline the current understanding of the impact of male health and environmental exposure on offspring development, health, and disease and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health. The available evidence suggests that poor paternal pre-conceptional nutrition and lifestyle, and advanced age can increase the risk of negative outcomes in offspring, via both direct (genetic/epigenetic) and indirect (maternal uterine environment) effects. Beginning at preconception, and during utero and the early life after birth, cells acquire an epigenetic memory of the early exposure which can be influential across the entire lifespan and program a child's health. Potentially not only mothers but also fathers should be advised that maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important to improve offspring health as well as the parental health status. However, the evidence is mostly based on animal studies, and well-designed human studies are urgently needed to verify findings from animal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyu Shi
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
| | - Kemin Qi
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Development, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's HospitalCapital Medical University, National Center for Children's HealthBeijingChina
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15
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Gouhier C, Pons-Rejraji H, Dollet S, Chaput L, Bourgne C, Berger M, Pereira B, Tchirkov A, Brugnon F. Freezing Does Not Alter Sperm Telomere Length despite Increasing DNA Oxidation and Fragmentation. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051039. [PMID: 37239399 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Correlations were reported between sperm telomere length (STL) and male fertility, sperm DNA fragmentation, and oxidation. Sperm freezing is widely used for assisted reproductive techniques, fertility preservation, and sperm donation. However, its impact on STL remains unknown. For this study, semen surplus from patients who underwent routine semen analysis were used. The impact of slow freezing on STL was analyzed by performing qPCR before and after freezing. Sperm populations with different STL were evaluated using Q-FISH. The relationship between sperm DNA oxidation, DNA fragmentation, and STL was assessed in fresh and frozen sperm samples. No significant impact of slow freezing on STL was observed, neither measured by qPCR nor Q-FISH. However, Q-FISH allowed for the distinguishing of sperm populations with different STLs within individual sperm samples. Slow freezing induced different STL distributions for some of the analyzed sperm samples, but no correlation was found between STL and sperm DNA fragmentation or oxidation. Slow freezing does not alter STL despite increasing sperm DNA oxidation and fragmentation. As STL alterations could be transmitted to offspring, the lack of impact of the slow freezing method on STL ensures the safety of this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Gouhier
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sandra Dollet
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laure Chaput
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Bourgne
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire d'Hématologie Biologique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marc Berger
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire d'Hématologie Biologique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, DRCI-Délégation Recherche Clinique et Innovation, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Andrei Tchirkov
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Cytogénétique Médicale, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UMR 1240 INSERM, IMoST, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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16
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Liang J, Shao Y, Huang D, Yang C, Liu T, Zeng X, Li C, Tang Z, Juan JTH, Song Y, Liu S, Qiu X. Effects of prenatal exposure to bisphenols on newborn leucocyte telomere length: a prospective birth cohort study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:25013-25023. [PMID: 34031828 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14496-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) at birth is related to diseases that may arise in the future and long-term health. Bisphenols exhibit toxic effects and can cross the placenta barrier. However, the effects of prenatal exposure to bisphenols on newborn TL remain unknown. We aimed to explore the effects of prenatal exposure to bisphenols (i.e., bisphenol A [BPA], bisphenol B [BPB], bisphenol F [BPF], bisphenol S [BPS] and tetrabromobisphenol A [TBBPA]) on relative TL in newborns. A total of 801 mother-infant pairs were extracted from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort. The relationship between bisphenol levels in maternal serum and relative TL in cord blood was examined by generalized linear models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models. After adjusting for confounders, we observed a 3.19% (95% CI: -6.08%, -0.21%; P = 0.037) reduction in relative cord blood TL among mothers ≥ 28 years old, with each onefold increase in BPS. However, in each onefold increase of TBBPA, we observed a 3.31% (95% CI: 0.67%, 6.01%; P = 0.014) increase in relative cord blood TL among mothers < 28 years old. The adjusted RCS models revealed similar results (P overall < 0.05, P non-linear > 0.05). This study was the first to establish a positive association between serum TBBPA levels and relative TL in newborns born to young mothers. However, BPS levels were inversely correlated with TL in fetus born to old mothers. The results suggested that the fetus of old pregnant women may be more sensitive to BPS exposure. Moreover, BPS exposure early in life may accelerate aging or increase the risk of developing BPS-related diseases in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yantao Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunxiu Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Huaihua Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunling Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health & Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhenghua Tang
- Department of mental health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jennifer Tan Hui Juan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Yanye Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health & Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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17
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Sepp T, Meitern R, Heidinger B, Noreikiene K, Rattiste K, Hõrak P, Saks L, Kittilson J, Urvik J, Giraudeau M. Parental age does not influence offspring telomeres during early life in common gulls (Larus canus). Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6197-6207. [PMID: 33772917 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Parental age can affect offspring telomere length through heritable and epigenetic-like effects, but at what stage during development these effects are established is not well known. To address this, we conducted a cross-fostering experiment in common gulls (Larus canus) that enabled us distinguish between pre- and post-natal parental age effects on offspring telomere length. Whole clutches were exchanged after clutch completion within and between parental age classes (young and old) and blood samples were collected from chicks at hatching and during the fastest growth phase (11 days later) to measure telomeres. Neither the ages of the natal nor the foster parents predicted the telomere length or the change in telomere lengths of their chicks. Telomere length (TL) was repeatable within chicks, but increased across development (repeatability = 0.55, intraclass correlation coefficient within sampling events 0.934). Telomere length and the change in telomere length were not predicted by post-natal growth rate. Taken together, these findings suggest that in common gulls, telomere length during early life is not influenced by parental age or growth rate, which may indicate that protective mechanisms buffer telomeres from external conditions during development in this relatively long-lived species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuul Sepp
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Richard Meitern
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Britt Heidinger
- Biological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Kristina Noreikiene
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kalev Rattiste
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Peeter Hõrak
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lauri Saks
- Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jeffrey Kittilson
- Biological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Janek Urvik
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mathieu Giraudeau
- CREEC, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.,MIVEGEC, UMR IRD/CNRS/UM 5290, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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18
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Tobler M, Gómez-Blanco D, Hegemann A, Lapa M, Neto JM, Tarka M, Xiong Y, Hasselquist D. Telomeres in ecology and evolution: A review and classification of hypotheses. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5946-5965. [PMID: 34865259 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Research on telomeres in the fields of ecology and evolution has been rapidly expanding over the last two decades. This has resulted in the formulation of a multitude of, often name-given, hypotheses related to the associations between telomeres and life-history traits or fitness-facilitating processes (and the mechanisms underlying them). However, the differences (or similarities) between the various hypotheses, which can originate from different research fields, are often not obvious. Our aim here is therefore to give an overview of the hypotheses that are of interest in ecology and evolution and to provide two frameworks that help discriminate among them. We group the hypotheses (i) based on their association with different research questions, and (ii) using a hierarchical approach that builds on the assumptions they make, such as about causality of telomere length/shortening and/or the proposed functional consequences of telomere shortening on organism performance. Both our frameworks show that there exist parallel lines of thoughts in different research fields. Moreover, they also clearly illustrate that there are in many cases competing hypotheses within clusters, and that some of these even have contradictory assumptions and/or predictions. We also touch upon two topics in telomere research that would benefit from further conceptualization. This review should help researchers, both those familiar with and those new to the subject, to identify future avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arne Hegemann
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mariana Lapa
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Júlio M Neto
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maja Tarka
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ye Xiong
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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19
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Pepke ML, Eisenberg DTA. On the comparative biology of mammalian telomeres: Telomere length co-evolves with body mass, lifespan and cancer risk. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6286-6296. [PMID: 33662151 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres, the short repetitive DNA sequences that cap the ends of linear chromosomes, shorten during cell division and are implicated in senescence in most species. Telomerase can rebuild telomeres but is repressed in many mammals that exhibit replicative senescence, presumably as a tumour suppression mechanism. It is therefore important to understand the co-evolution of telomere biology and life-history traits that has shaped the diversity of senescence patterns across species. Gomes et al. previously produced a large data set on telomere length (TL), telomerase activity, body mass and lifespan among 57 mammal species. We re-analysed their data using the same phylogenetic multiple regressions and with several additional analyses to test the robustness of the findings. We found substantial inconsistencies in our results compared to Gomes et al.'s. Consistent with Gomes et al. we found an inverse association between TL and lifespan. Contrary to the analyses in Gomes et al., we found a generally robust inverse association between TL and mass, and only weak nonrobust evidence for an association between telomerase activity and mass. These results suggest that shorter TL may have been selected for in larger and longer lived species, probably as a mechanism to suppress cancer. We support this hypothesis by showing that longer telomeres predict higher cancer risk across 22 species. Furthermore, we find that domesticated species have longer telomeres. Our results call into question past interpretations of the co-evolution of telomere biology and life-history traits and stress the need for careful attention to model construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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20
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Pepke ML, Kvalnes T, Lundregan S, Boner W, Monaghan P, Saether BE, Jensen H, Ringsby TH. Genetic architecture and heritability of early-life telomere length in a wild passerine. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6360-6381. [PMID: 34825754 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Early-life telomere length (TL) is associated with fitness in a range of organisms. Little is known about the genetic basis of variation in TL in wild animal populations, but to understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of TL it is important to quantify the relative importance of genetic and environmental variation in TL. In this study, we measured TL in 2746 house sparrow nestlings sampled across 20 years and used an animal model to show that there is a small heritable component of early-life TL (h2 = 0.04). Variation in TL among individuals was mainly driven by environmental (annual) variance, but also brood and parental effects. Parent-offspring regressions showed a large maternal inheritance component in TL ( h maternal 2 = 0.44), but no paternal inheritance. We did not find evidence for a negative genetic correlation underlying the observed negative phenotypic correlation between TL and structural body size. Thus, TL may evolve independently of body size and the negative phenotypic correlation is likely to be caused by nongenetic environmental effects. We further used genome-wide association analysis to identify genomic regions associated with TL variation. We identified several putative genes underlying TL variation; these have been inferred to be involved in oxidative stress, cellular growth, skeletal development, cell differentiation and tumorigenesis in other species. Together, our results show that TL has a low heritability and is a polygenic trait strongly affected by environmental conditions in a free-living bird.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Kvalnes
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sarah Lundregan
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bernt-Erik Saether
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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21
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Farrukh S, Baig S, Hussain R, Imad R, Khalid M. Parental Genetics Communicate with Intrauterine Environment to Reprogram Newborn Telomeres and Immunity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233777. [PMID: 36497039 PMCID: PMC9735452 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, markers for cellular senescence, have been found substantially influenced by parental inheritance. It is well known that genomic stability is preserved by the DNA repair mechanism through telomerase. This study aimed to determine the association between parents−newborn telomere length (TL) and telomerase gene (TERT), highlighting DNA repair combined with TL/TERT polymorphism and immunosenescence of the triad. The mother−father−newborn triad blood samples (n = 312) were collected from Ziauddin Hospitals, Pakistan, between September 2021 and June 2022. The telomere length (T/S ratio) was quantified by qPCR, polymorphism was identified by Sanger sequencing, and immunosenescence by flow cytometry. The linear regression was applied to TL and gene association. The newborns had longest TL (2.51 ± 2.87) and strong positive association (R = 0.25, p ≤ 0.0001) (transgenerational health effects) with mothers’ TL (1.6 ± 2.00). Maternal demographics—socioeconomic status, education, and occupation—showed significant effects on TL of newborns (p < 0.015, 0.034, 0.04, respectively). The TERT risk genotype CC (rs2736100) was predominant in the triad (0.6, 0.5, 0.65, respectively) with a strong positive association with newborn TL (β = 2.91, <0.0011). Further analysis highlighted the expression of KLRG 1+ in T-cells with shorter TL but less frequent among newborns. The study concludes that TERT, parental TL, antenatal maternal health, and immunity have a significantly positive effect on the repair of newborn TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Farrukh
- Department Biochemistry, Ziauddin University, Karachi 74600, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (S.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Saeeda Baig
- Department Biochemistry, Ziauddin University, Karachi 74600, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (S.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Rubina Hussain
- Department Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ziauddin University, Karachi 74600, Pakistan
| | - Rehan Imad
- Department Molecular Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi 74600, Pakistan
| | - Maria Khalid
- Department Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ziauddin University, Karachi 74600, Pakistan
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22
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Gau CC, Lee HJ, Lu HY, Wu CY, Huang HY, Tsai HJ, Yao TC. Association of advanced paternal age with lung function at school age. Respir Res 2022; 23:259. [PMID: 36127724 PMCID: PMC9487029 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02178-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies suggest that advanced paternal age impact offspring health, but its impact on respiratory health is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of paternal age with lung function and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in children. METHODS We analyzed data from 1330 single-born children (576 girls, 43.3%; mean age, 6.4 years), who participated in the Longitudinal Investigation of Global Health in Taiwanese Schoolchildren (LIGHTS) cohort and received measurements of lung function and FeNO at 6-year follow-up visits. Covariate-adjusted regression analyses were applied. RESULTS Every 5-year increase in paternal age at birth was associated with 0.51% decrease in FEV1/FVC ratio (95% CI - 0.86 to - 0.15; p = 0.005) and 19.86 mL/s decrease in FEF75 (95% CI: - 34.07 to - 5.65; p = 0.006). Stratified analyses revealed that increasing paternal age at birth was associated with decreasing FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF75 only among children with prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or not being breastfed. Sensitivity analyses using paternal age as a categorical variable found decreasing FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF75 in the groups of paternal age 35-39 and ≥ 40 years. There was no association of paternal age at birth with FeNO. CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel evidence linking advanced paternal age at birth with decreasing lung function in children at school age. Children with prenatal exposure to ETS or not being breastfed are more vulnerable to the adverse effect of advanced paternal age on childhood lung function. Further studies are warranted to confirm this novel adverse effect of advanced paternal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chun Gau
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Hsin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Pediatric General Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ju Lee
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Hsin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yi Lu
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Hsin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yi Wu
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Hsin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Huang
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Hsin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ju Tsai
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan.
| | - Tsung-Chieh Yao
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fu-Hsin Street, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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23
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Fico G, Oliva V, De Prisco M, Giménez-Palomo A, Sagué-Vilavella M, Gomes-da-Costa S, Garriga M, Solé E, Valentí M, Fanelli G, Serretti A, Fornaro M, Carvalho AF, Vieta E, Murru A. The U-shaped relationship between parental age and the risk of bipolar disorder in the offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 60:55-75. [PMID: 35635997 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Parenthood age may affect the risk for the development of different psychiatric disorders in the offspring, including bipolar disorder (BD). The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to appraise the relationship between paternal age and risk for BD and to explore the eventual relationship between paternal age and age at onset of BD. We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO online databases for original studies from inception, up to December 2021. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Sixteen studies participated in the qualitative synthesis, of which k = 14 fetched quantitative data encompassing a total of 13,424,760 participants and 217,089 individuals with BD. Both fathers [adjusted for the age of other parent and socioeconomic status odd ratio - OR = 1.29(95%C.I. = 1.13-1.48)] and mothers aged ≤ 20 years [(OR = 1.23(95%C.I. = 1.14-1.33)] had consistently increased odds of BD diagnosis in their offspring compared to parents aged 25-29 years. Fathers aged ≥ 45 years [adjusted OR = 1.29 (95%C.I. = 1.15-1.46)] and mothers aged 35-39 years [OR = 1.10(95%C.I. = 1.01-1.19)] and 40 years or older [OR = 1.2(95% C.I. = 1.02-1.40)] likewise had inflated odds of BD diagnosis in their offspring compared to parents aged 25-29 years. Early and delayed parenthood are associated with an increased risk of BD in the offspring. Mechanisms underlying this association are largely unknown and may involve a complex interplay between psychosocial, genetic and biological factors, and with different impacts according to sex and age range. Evidence on the association between parental age and illness onset is still tentative but it points towards a possible specific effect of advanced paternal age on early BD-onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Fico
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Oliva
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele De Prisco
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain; Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Giménez-Palomo
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
| | - Maria Sagué-Vilavella
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
| | - Susana Gomes-da-Costa
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
| | - Marina Garriga
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
| | - Eva Solé
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
| | - Marc Valentí
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Vic., Australia 6 Perinatal Health Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, Deakin University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain.
| | - Andrea Murru
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, Barcelona, Catalonia 08036, Spain
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24
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Iannuzzi A, Albarella S, Parma P, Galdiero G, D'Anza E, Pistucci R, Peretti V, Ciotola F. Characterization of telomere length in Agerolese cattle breed, correlating blood and milk samples. Anim Genet 2022; 53:676-679. [PMID: 35775462 PMCID: PMC9544343 DOI: 10.1111/age.13227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Studies into telomere length in cattle are relatively recent and have focused mainly on the Holstein Friesian cattle breed, making it arduous to evaluate the correlation with ageing due to the early age of culling in this breed. Telomere length provides information about the productive lifespan and the quality of farm management, complying with the ‘One Health’ approach. This study evaluated telomere length in Agerolese cattle, an autochthonous dairy breed characterized by a long productive lifespan (13 years). Multiplex quantitative PCR estimated telomere length in DNA extracted from blood and milk matrices. Interestingly, the results showed longer telomeres in Agerolese (compared to the Holstein Friesian cattle control group), with a negative correlation between telomere length and increasing age and a synchronous trend between blood and milk samples, with a positive correlation between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Iannuzzi
- Institute for Animal Production System in Mediterranean Environment, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Albarella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Parma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Galdiero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Unity of Andrology and Medicine of Reproduction and Male and Female Sexuality (FERTISEXCARES), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele D'Anza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ramona Pistucci
- Institute for Animal Production System in Mediterranean Environment, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Peretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciotola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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25
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Cigan SS, Meredith JJ, Kelley AC, Yang T, Langer EK, Hooten AJ, Lane JA, Cole BR, Krailo M, Frazier AL, Pankratz N, Poynter JN. Predicted leukocyte telomere length and risk of germ cell tumours. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:301-312. [PMID: 35368045 PMCID: PMC9296514 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01798-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetically predicted leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has been evaluated in several studies of childhood and adult cancer. We test whether genetically predicted longer LTL is associated with germ cell tumours (GCT) in children and adults. METHODS Paediatric GCT samples were obtained from a Children's Oncology Group study and state biobank programs in California and Michigan (N = 1413 cases, 1220 biological parents and 1022 unrelated controls). Replication analysis included 396 adult testicular GCTs (TGCT) and 1589 matched controls from the UK Biobank. Mendelian randomisation was used to look at the association between genetically predicted LTL and GCTs and TERT variants were evaluated within GCT subgroups. RESULTS We identified significant associations between TERT variants reported in previous adult TGCT GWAS in paediatric GCT: TERT/rs2736100-C (OR = 0.82; P = 0.0003), TERT/rs2853677-G (OR = 0.80; P = 0.001), and TERT/rs7705526-A (OR = 0.81; P = 0.003). We also extended these findings to females and tumours outside the testes. In contrast, we did not observe strong evidence for an association between genetically predicted LTL by other variants and GCT risk in children or adults. CONCLUSION While TERT is a known susceptibility locus for GCT, our results suggest that LTL predicted by other variants is not strongly associated with risk in either children or adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon S Cigan
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - John J Meredith
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ava C Kelley
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Tianzhong Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Erica K Langer
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Anthony J Hooten
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - John A Lane
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Benjamin R Cole
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mark Krailo
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Nathan Pankratz
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Jenny N Poynter
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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26
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Dujon AM, Boutry J, Tissot S, Lemaître JF, Boddy AM, Gérard AL, Alvergne A, Arnal A, Vincze O, Nicolas D, Giraudeau M, Telonis-Scott M, Schultz A, Pujol P, Biro PA, Beckmann C, Hamede R, Roche B, Ujvari B, Thomas F. Cancer Susceptibility as a Cost of Reproduction and Contributor to Life History Evolution. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.861103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is one of the most energetically demanding life-history stages. As a result, breeding individuals often experience trade-offs, where energy is diverted away from maintenance (cell repair, immune function) toward reproduction. While it is increasingly acknowledged that oncogenic processes are omnipresent, evolving and opportunistic entities in the bodies of metazoans, the associations among reproductive activities, energy expenditure, and the dynamics of malignant cells have rarely been studied. Here, we review the diverse ways in which age-specific reproductive performance (e.g., reproductive aging patterns) and cancer risks throughout the life course may be linked via trade-offs or other mechanisms, as well as discuss situations where trade-offs may not exist. We argue that the interactions between host–oncogenic processes should play a significant role in life-history theory, and suggest some avenues for future research.
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27
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Pham C, Vryer R, O’Hely M, Mansell T, Burgner D, Collier F, Symeonides C, Tang MLK, Vuillermin P, Gray L, Saffery R, Ponsonby AL. Shortened Infant Telomere Length Is Associated with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children at Age Two Years: A Birth Cohort Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094601. [PMID: 35562991 PMCID: PMC9104809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors can accelerate telomere length (TL) attrition. Shortened TL is linked to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in school-aged children. The onset of ADHD occurs as early as preschool-age, but the TL-ADHD association in younger children is unknown. We investigated associations between infant TL and ADHD symptoms in children and assessed environmental factors as potential confounders and/or mediators of this association. Relative TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in cord and 12-month blood in the birth cohort study, the Barwon Infant Study. Early life environmental factors collected antenatally to two years were used to measure confounding. ADHD symptoms at age two years were evaluated by the Child Behavior Checklist Attention Problems (AP) and the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems (ADHP). Associations between early life environmental factors on TL or ADHD symptoms were assessed using multivariable regression models adjusted for relevant factors. Telomere length at 12 months (TL12), but not at birth, was inversely associated with AP (β = −0.56; 95% CI (−1.13, 0.006); p = 0.05) and ADHP (β = −0.66; 95% CI (−1.11, −0.21); p = 0.004). Infant secondhand smoke exposure at one month was independently associated with shorter TL12 and also higher ADHD symptoms. Further work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms that influence TL attrition and early neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Pham
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Regan Vryer
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Martin O’Hely
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Toby Mansell
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - David Burgner
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Fiona Collier
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Christos Symeonides
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mimi L. K. Tang
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Peter Vuillermin
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Lawrence Gray
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence:
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28
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Like Father, Like Child? Paternal Age at Birth and Offspring’s Facial Asymmetry and Distinctiveness. Symmetry (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sym14020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Paternal age at birth, a potential proxy of mutation load transmitted to the offspring, has previously been related to the offspring’s health, biological condition and reproductive potential. As higher facial asymmetry and distinctiveness serve as putative markers of the lower genetic quality of an individual, we hypothesize that more advanced paternal age at birth will be related to children’s higher levels of facial asymmetry and distinctiveness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the link between paternal age at birth and facial asymmetry in offspring. Based on archived photographs of 159 children born within 47 Polish families, we have conducted facial geometric morphometric measurements and calculated the levels of facial asymmetry and distinctiveness. The relationship between paternal age at birth and the offspring’s facial features was explored with the use of Bayesian Linear Mixed-effects Models, controlling for sex, age and birth order of the offspring, and maternal age at child’s birth. No associations between paternal age at birth and facial asymmetry or distinctiveness in children were found. The lack of such a relationship might be a result of the potentially insufficient influence of newly accumulated paternal mutations affecting the offspring’s phenotype or higher importance of maternal (prenatal) and postnatal environments in shaping facial features.
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29
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Farzan SF, Shahriar M, Kibriya MG, Jasmine F, Sarwar G, Slavkovic V, Graziano JH, Ahsan H, Argos M. Urinary arsenic and relative telomere length in 5-7 year old children in Bangladesh. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106765. [PMID: 34273872 PMCID: PMC8380695 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere length has been associated with the occurrence and progression of common chronic and age-related diseases, and in younger populations, may represent a biomarker of disease susceptibility. Early childhood is a critical period for telomere biology as this period is characterized by a rapid decline in telomere length due to a large turnover of highly proliferative cells and may represent a period of unique sensitivity to environmental insults. Arsenic (As) exposure has been associated with both telomere lengthening and shortening in adults and children and some evidence suggests the effects may differ by level and timing of exposure. OBJECTIVES Given the lack of clarity across studies, we investigated the association between urinary As and leukocyte telomere length among 476 five- to seven-year-old children enrolled in the Bangladesh Environmental Research in Children's Health (BiRCH) cohort. METHODS In a series of multivariable models, adjusted for key covariates, we examined associations between urinary As and relative telomere length (RTL) of whole blood DNA. RESULTS We observed small but consistent, negative associations between urinary As and RTL, such that a doubling of urinary As was associated with a -0.017 (95% CI: -0.030, -0.005; p = 0.0056) decrease in RTL, in fully adjusted models. We also observed a somewhat stronger inverse relationship between urinary As concentration and RTL among children born to fathers ≥ 30 years of age at the time of birth, than those < 30 years; however, we did not observe a statistically significant interaction. DISCUSSION Our study suggests that As influences RTL, with detectable associations in early to mid-childhood. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and investigate the potential long-term impacts of telomere shortening in childhood on later life health outcomes. Additional studies exploring how dose and timing of exposure may relate to RTL are critical to understanding As's relationship to telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohreh F Farzan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States.
| | - Mohammad Shahriar
- UChicago Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Muhammad G Kibriya
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Farzana Jasmine
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | | | - Vesna Slavkovic
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Joseph H Graziano
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Habibul Ahsan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Maria Argos
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
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30
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Eick SM, Goin DE, Cushing L, DeMicco E, Park JS, Wang Y, Smith S, Padula AM, Woodruff TJ, Morello-Frosch R. Mixture effects of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and polybrominated diphenyl ethers on maternal and newborn telomere length. Environ Health 2021; 20:76. [PMID: 34193151 PMCID: PMC8247076 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00765-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are endocrine disrupting chemicals with widespread exposures across the U.S. given their abundance in consumer products. PFAS and PBDEs are associated with reproductive toxicity and adverse health outcomes, including certain cancers. PFAS and PBDEs may affect health through alternations in telomere length. In this study, we examined joint associations between prenatal exposure to PFAS, PBDEs, and maternal and newborn telomere length using mixture analyses, to characterize effects of cumulative environmental chemical exposures. METHODS Study participants were enrolled in the Chemicals in Our Bodies (CIOB) study, a demographically diverse cohort of pregnant people and children in San Francisco, CA. Seven PFAS (ng/mL) and four PBDEs (ng/g lipid) were measured in second trimester maternal serum samples. Telomere length (T/S ratio) was measured in delivery cord blood of 292 newborns and 110 second trimester maternal whole blood samples. Quantile g-computation was used to assess the joint associations between groups of PFAS and PBDEs and newborn and maternal telomere length. Groups considered were: (1) all PFAS and PBDEs combined, (2) PFAS, and (3) PBDEs. Maternal and newborn telomere length were modeled as separate outcomes. RESULTS T/S ratios in newborn cord and maternal whole blood were moderately correlated (Spearman ρ = 0.31). In mixtures analyses, a simultaneous one quartile increase in all PFAS and PBDEs was associated with a small increase in newborn (mean change per quartile increase = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.03, 0.08) and maternal telomere length (mean change per quartile increase = 0.03 (95% CI = -0.03, 0.09). When restricted to maternal-fetal paired samples (N = 76), increasing all PFAS and PBDEs combined was associated with a strong, positive increase in newborn telomere length (mean change per quartile increase = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.28). These associations were primarily driven by PFAS (mean change per quartile increase = 0.11 [95% CI = 0.01, 0.22]). No associations were observed with maternal telomere length among paired samples. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that PFAS and PBDEs may be positively associated with newborn telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Eick
- Program On Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Dana E. Goin
- Program On Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Lara Cushing
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Erin DeMicco
- Program On Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - June-Soo Park
- Program On Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, USA
| | - Yunzhu Wang
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, USA
| | - Sabrina Smith
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, USA
| | - Amy M. Padula
- Program On Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Tracey J. Woodruff
- Program On Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Program On Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management and School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
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Fitzpatrick LJ, Olsson M, Pauliny A, While GM, Wapstra E. Individual telomere dynamics and their links to life history in a viviparous lizard. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210271. [PMID: 34034513 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging patterns suggest telomere dynamics and life history are fundamentally linked in endotherms through life-history traits that mediate the processes underlying telomere attrition. Unlike endotherms, ectotherms maintain the ability to lengthen somatic telomeres throughout life and the link between life-history strategies and ectotherm telomere dynamics is unknown. In a well-characterized model system (Niveoscincus ocellatus), we used long-term longitudinal data to study telomere dynamics across climatically divergent populations. We found longer telomeres in individuals from the cool highlands than those from the warm lowlands at birth and as adults. The key determinant of adult telomere length across populations was telomere length at birth, with population-specific effects of age and growth on adult telomere length. The reproductive effort had no proximate effect on telomere length in either population. Maternal factors influenced telomere length at birth in the warm lowlands but not the cool highlands. Our results demonstrate that life-history traits can have pervasive and context-dependent effects on telomere dynamics in ectotherms both within and between populations. We argue that these telomere dynamics may reflect the populations' different life histories, with the slow-growing cool highland population investing more into telomere lengthening compared to the earlier-maturing warm lowland population.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Fitzpatrick
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - M Olsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A Pauliny
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - G M While
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - E Wapstra
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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32
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Lee MB, Bitto A, Kaeberlein M. Proceedings from the annual University of Washington Geroscience Symposium, October 23, 2020. GeroScience 2021; 43:1585-1589. [PMID: 33791939 PMCID: PMC8012076 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00346-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The University of Washington Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Biology of Aging in conjunction with the Healthy Aging and Longevity Research Institute held its annual geroscience symposium virtually on October 23, 2020. The symposium was divided into three sessions: (I) organ aging and growth signaling, (II) neurodegeneration and metabolism, and (III) innovative approaches in geroscience and aging research. Nine speakers affiliated with the University of Washington and three invited guest speakers, predominantly trainee, and junior faculty presented their research. Here, we summarize research presented during the symposium. A geroscience special issue, of which this is a part, collects submissions from symposium presenters as well as trainees supported by the Biological Mechanisms of Healthy Aging training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell B Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA
| | - Alessandro Bitto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA
| | - Matt Kaeberlein
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Box 357470, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA.
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Fabian DK, Dönertaş HM, Fuentealba M, Partridge L, Thornton JM. Transposable Element Landscape in Drosophila Populations Selected for Longevity. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6141024. [PMID: 33595657 PMCID: PMC8355499 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) inflict numerous negative effects on health and fitness as they replicate by integrating into new regions of the host genome. Even though organisms employ powerful mechanisms to demobilize TEs, transposons gradually lose repression during aging. The rising TE activity causes genomic instability and was implicated in age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and the determination of lifespan. It is therefore conceivable that long-lived individuals have improved TE silencing mechanisms resulting in reduced TE expression relative to their shorter-lived counterparts and fewer genomic insertions. Here, we test this hypothesis by performing the first genome-wide analysis of TE insertions and expression in populations of Drosophila melanogaster selected for longevity through late-life reproduction for 50–170 generations from four independent studies. Contrary to our expectation, TE families were generally more abundant in long-lived populations compared with nonselected controls. Although simulations showed that this was not expected under neutrality, we found little evidence for selection driving TE abundance differences. Additional RNA-seq analysis revealed a tendency for reducing TE expression in selected populations, which might be more important for lifespan than regulating genomic insertions. We further find limited evidence of parallel selection on genes related to TE regulation and transposition. However, telomeric TEs were genomically and transcriptionally more abundant in long-lived flies, suggesting improved telomere maintenance as a promising TE-mediated mechanism for prolonging lifespan. Our results provide a novel viewpoint indicating that reproduction at old age increases the opportunity of TEs to be passed on to the next generation with little impact on longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Fabian
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
| | - Handan Melike Dönertaş
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Matías Fuentealba
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Partridge
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, United Kingdom
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Janet M Thornton
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
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34
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Verner G, Epel E, Lahti-Pulkkinen M, Kajantie E, Buss C, Lin J, Blackburn E, Räikkönen K, Wadhwa PD, Entringer S. Maternal Psychological Resilience During Pregnancy and Newborn Telomere Length: A Prospective Study. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:183-192. [PMID: 32911996 PMCID: PMC7855094 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the context of the importance of elucidating the determinants of the initial, newborn setting of telomere length (TL), it is increasingly evident that maternal stress and stress-related processes during pregnancy play a major role. Although psychological resilience may function as a buffer, research in this area has not yet examined its potential role vis-à-vis that of stress. The authors examined the relationship between maternal psychological resilience during pregnancy and newborn TL. METHODS In a sample of 656 mother-child dyads from the Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction cohort, multiple serial assessments were conducted over the course of pregnancy to quantify maternal stress, negative and positive emotional responses to pregnancy events, positive affect, and perceived social support. Principal component analysis identified two latent factors: stress and positivity. A measure of resilience was computed by regressing the positivity factor on the stress factor, in order to quantify positivity after accounting for stress. TL was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in leukocytes extracted from cord blood shortly after birth. Linear regression was used to predict newborn TL from maternal resilience during pregnancy, adjusting for other potential determinants. RESULTS Maternal stress significantly predicted shorter newborn TL (β=-0.079), and positivity significantly predicted longer TL (β=0.135). Maternal resilience (positivity accounting for stress) was significantly and positively associated with newborn TL (β=0.114, 95% CI=0.035, 0.189), with each standard deviation increase in resilience predicting 12% longer newborn TL. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that maternal psychological resilience may exert a salubrious effect on offspring telomere biology and highlight the importance of enhancing maternal mental health and well-being during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Verner
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elissa Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, San Francisco School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Eero Kajantie
- Department of Public Health Solutions, THL National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki and Oulu, Finland,PEDEGO Research Unit, MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway,Children’s Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Claudia Buss
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California,UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Blackburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katri Räikkönen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pathik D. Wadhwa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California,UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, USA,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, USA,Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California,UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
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35
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Vaiserman A, Krasnienkov D. Telomere Length as a Marker of Biological Age: State-of-the-Art, Open Issues, and Future Perspectives. Front Genet 2021; 11:630186. [PMID: 33552142 PMCID: PMC7859450 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.630186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening is a well-known hallmark of both cellular senescence and organismal aging. An accelerated rate of telomere attrition is also a common feature of age-related diseases. Therefore, telomere length (TL) has been recognized for a long time as one of the best biomarkers of aging. Recent research findings, however, indicate that TL per se can only allow a rough estimate of aging rate and can hardly be regarded as a clinically important risk marker for age-related pathologies and mortality. Evidence is obtained that other indicators such as certain immune parameters, indices of epigenetic age, etc., could be stronger predictors of the health status and the risk of chronic disease. However, despite these issues and limitations, TL remains to be very informative marker in accessing the biological age when used along with other markers such as indices of homeostatic dysregulation, frailty index, epigenetic clock, etc. This review article is aimed at describing the current state of the art in the field and at discussing recent research findings and divergent viewpoints regarding the usefulness of leukocyte TL for estimating the human biological age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Vaiserman
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Krasnienkov
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, Kyiv, Ukraine
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36
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Rutkowska J, Lagisz M, Bonduriansky R, Nakagawa S. Mapping the past, present and future research landscape of paternal effects. BMC Biol 2020; 18:183. [PMID: 33246472 PMCID: PMC7694421 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00892-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although in all sexually reproducing organisms an individual has a mother and a father, non-genetic inheritance has been predominantly studied in mothers. Paternal effects have been far less frequently studied, until recently. In the last 5 years, research on environmentally induced paternal effects has grown rapidly in the number of publications and diversity of topics. Here, we provide an overview of this field using synthesis of evidence (systematic map) and influence (bibliometric analyses). RESULTS We find that motivations for studies into paternal effects are diverse. For example, from the ecological and evolutionary perspective, paternal effects are of interest as facilitators of response to environmental change and mediators of extended heredity. Medical researchers track how paternal pre-fertilization exposures to factors, such as diet or trauma, influence offspring health. Toxicologists look at the effects of toxins. We compare how these three research guilds design experiments in relation to objects of their studies: fathers, mothers and offspring. We highlight examples of research gaps, which, in turn, lead to future avenues of research. CONCLUSIONS The literature on paternal effects is large and disparate. Our study helps in fostering connections between areas of knowledge that develop in parallel, but which could benefit from the lateral transfer of concepts and methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Rutkowska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, BEES, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, BEES, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Russell Bonduriansky
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, BEES, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, BEES, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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37
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Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, Nixon B. The Sins of Our Forefathers: Paternal Impacts on De Novo Mutation Rate and Development. Annu Rev Genet 2020; 54:1-24. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-112618-043617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are generally characterized by excellent DNA surveillance and repair, resulting in one of the lowest spontaneous mutation rates in the body. However, the barriers to mutagenesis can be overwhelmed under two sets of circumstances. First, replication errors may generate age-dependent mutations that provide the mutant cells with a selective advantage, leading to the clonal expansions responsible for dominant genetic diseases such as Apert syndrome and achondroplasia. The second mechanism centers on the vulnerability of the male germline to oxidative stress and the induction of oxidative DNA damage in spermatozoa. Defective repair of such oxidative damage in the fertilized oocyte results in the creation of mutations in the zygote that can influence the health and well-being of the offspring. A particular hot spot for such oxidative attack on chromosome 15 has been found to align with several mutations responsible for paternally mediated disease, including cancer, psychiatric disorders, and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia
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38
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van Lieshout SHJ, Sparks AM, Bretman A, Newman C, Buesching CD, Burke T, Macdonald DW, Dugdale HL. Estimation of environmental, genetic and parental age at conception effects on telomere length in a wild mammal. J Evol Biol 2020; 34:296-308. [PMID: 33113164 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13728] [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: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Understanding individual variation in fitness-related traits requires separating the environmental and genetic determinants. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that are thought to be a biomarker of senescence as their length predicts mortality risk and reflect the physiological consequences of environmental conditions. The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to individual variation in telomere length is, however, unclear, yet important for understanding its evolutionary dynamics. In particular, the evidence for transgenerational effects, in terms of parental age at conception, on telomere length is mixed. Here, we investigate the heritability of telomere length, using the 'animal model', and parental age at conception effects on offspring telomere length in a wild population of European badgers (Meles meles). Although we found no heritability of telomere length and low evolvability (<0.001), our power to detect heritability was low and a repeatability of 2% across individual lifetimes provides a low upper limit to ordinary narrow-sense heritability. However, year (32%) and cohort (3%) explained greater proportions of the phenotypic variance in telomere length, excluding qPCR plate and row variances. There was no support for cross-sectional or within-individual parental age at conception effects on offspring telomere length. Our results indicate a lack of transgenerational effects through parental age at conception and a low potential for evolutionary change in telomere length in this population. Instead, we provide evidence that individual variation in telomere length is largely driven by environmental variation in this wild mammal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sil H J van Lieshout
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alexandra M Sparks
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Amanda Bretman
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Chris Newman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Abingdon, UK
| | - Christina D Buesching
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Abingdon, UK
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Abingdon, UK
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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39
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Laurentino S, Cremers J, Horsthemke B, Tüttelmann F, Czeloth K, Zitzmann M, Pohl E, Rahmann S, Schröder C, Berres S, Redmann K, Krallmann C, Schlatt S, Kliesch S, Gromoll J. A germ cell-specific ageing pattern in otherwise healthy men. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13242. [PMID: 32951333 PMCID: PMC7576283 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Life‐long sperm production leads to the assumption that male fecundity remains unchanged throughout life. However, recently it was shown that paternal age has profound consequences for male fertility and offspring health. Paternal age effects are caused by an accumulation of germ cell mutations over time, causing severe congenital diseases. Apart from these well‐described cases, molecular patterns of ageing in germ cells and their impact on DNA integrity have not been studied in detail. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of ‘pure’ ageing on male reproductive health and germ cell quality. We assembled a cohort of 198 healthy men (18–84 years) for which end points such as semen and hormone profiles, sexual health and well‐being, and sperm DNA parameters were evaluated. Sperm production and hormonal profiles were maintained at physiological levels over a period of six decades. In contrast, we identified a germ cell‐specific ageing pattern characterized by a steady increase of telomere length in sperm and a sharp increase in sperm DNA instability, particularly after the sixth decade. Importantly, we found sperm DNA methylation changes in 236 regions, mostly nearby genes associated with neuronal development. By in silico analysis, we found that 10 of these regions are located in loci which can potentially escape the first wave of genome‐wide demethylation after fertilization. In conclusion, human male germ cells present a unique germline‐specific ageing process, which likely results in diminished fecundity in elderly men and poorer health prognosis for their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Laurentino
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | | | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institute of Human Genetics University of Duisburg‐EssenUniversity Hospital Essen Essen Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Karen Czeloth
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Michael Zitzmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Eva Pohl
- Institute of Human Genetics University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Sven Rahmann
- Genome Informatics University of Duisburg‐EssenUniversity Hospital Essen Essen Germany
| | - Christopher Schröder
- Genome Informatics University of Duisburg‐EssenUniversity Hospital Essen Essen Germany
| | - Sven Berres
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Klaus Redmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Claudia Krallmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology University of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology University of Münster Münster Germany
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40
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Golding J, Gregory S, Matthews S, Smith D, Suarez-Perez A, Bowring C, Iles Caven Y, Birmingham K, Pembrey M, Suderman M, Northstone K. Ancestral childhood environmental exposures occurring to the grandparents and great-grandparents of the ALSPAC study children. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:207. [PMID: 33043146 PMCID: PMC7527864 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16257.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cohort studies tend to be designed to look forward from the time of enrolment of the participants, but there is considerable evidence that the previous generations have a particular relevance not only in the genes that they have passed on, their cultural beliefs and attitudes, but also in the ways in which previous environmental exposures may have had non-genetic impacts, particularly for exposures during fetal life or in childhood. Methods: To investigate such non-genetic inheritance, we have collected information on the childhoods of the ancestors of the cohort of births comprising the original Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The data collected on the study child's grandparents and great grandparents comprise: (a) countries of birth; (b) years of birth; (c) age at onset of smoking; (d) whether the ancestral mothers smoked during pregnancy; (e) social class of the household; (f) information on 19 potentially traumatic situations in their childhoods such as death of a parent, being taken into care, not having enough to eat, or being in a war situation; (g) causes of death for those ancestors who had died. The ages at which the individual experienced the traumatic situations distinguished between ages <6; 6-11, and 12-16 years. The numbers of ancestors on which data were obtained varied from 1128 paternal great-grandfathers to 4122 maternal great grandmothers. These ancestral data will be available for analysis to bona fide researchers on application to the ALSPAC Executive Committee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Golding
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Steven Gregory
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Sarah Matthews
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Daniel Smith
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | | | - Claire Bowring
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Yasmin Iles Caven
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Karen Birmingham
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Marcus Pembrey
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Matthew Suderman
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Kate Northstone
- Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
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41
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Sánchez-Montes G, Martínez-Solano Í, Díaz-Paniagua C, Vilches A, Ariño AH, Gomez-Mestre I. Telomere attrition with age in a wild amphibian population. Biol Lett 2020; 16:20200168. [PMID: 32673551 PMCID: PMC7423040 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening with age has been documented in many organisms, but few studies have reported telomere length measurements in amphibians, and no information is available for growth after metamorphosis, nor in wild populations. We provide both cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence of net telomere attrition with age in a wild amphibian population of natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita). Based on age-estimation by skeletochronology and qPCR telomere length measurements in the framework of an individual-based monitoring programme, we confirmed telomere attrition in recaptured males. Our results support that toads experience telomere attrition throughout their ontogeny, and that most attrition occurs during the first 1-2 years. We did not find associations between telomere length and inbreeding or body condition. Our results on telomere length dynamics under natural conditions confirm telomere shortening with age in amphibians and provide quantification of wide telomere length variation within and among age-classes in a wild breeding population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Sánchez-Montes
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, c/ José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Íñigo Martínez-Solano
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, c/ José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Díaz-Paniagua
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, c/ Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Vilches
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Navarra, c/ Irunlarrea, 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arturo H. Ariño
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Navarra, c/ Irunlarrea, 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ivan Gomez-Mestre
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, c/ Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
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42
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Friesen CR, Rollings N, Wilson M, Whittington CM, Shine R, Olsson M. Covariation in superoxide, sperm telomere length and sperm velocity in a polymorphic reptile. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02855-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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43
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Kuzawa CW, Adair L, Bechayda SA, Borja JRB, Carba DB, Duazo PL, Eisenberg DTA, Georgiev AV, Gettler LT, Lee NR, Quinn EA, Rosenbaum S, Rutherford JN, Ryan CP, McDade TW. Evolutionary life history theory as an organising framework for cohort studies: insights from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. Ann Hum Biol 2020; 47:94-105. [PMID: 32429766 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2020.1742787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
By tracking a group of individuals through time, cohort studies provide fundamental insights into the developmental time course and causes of health and disease. Evolutionary life history theory seeks to explain patterns of growth, development, reproduction and senescence, and inspires a range of hypotheses that are testable using the longitudinal data from cohort studies. Here we review two decades of life history theory-motivated work conducted in collaboration with the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS), a birth cohort study that enrolled more than 3000 pregnant women in the Philippines in 1983 and has since followed these women, their offspring and grandoffspring. This work has provided evidence that reproduction carries "costs" to cellular maintenance functions, potentially speeding senescence, and revealed an unusual form of genetic plasticity in which the length of telomeres inherited across generations is influenced by reproductive timing in paternal ancestors. Men in Cebu experience hormonal and behavioural changes in conjunction with changes in relationship and fatherhood status that are consistent with predictions based upon other species that practice bi-parental care. The theoretical expectation that early life cues of mortality or environmental unpredictability will motivate a "fast" life history strategy are confirmed for behavioural components of reproductive decision making, but not for maturational tempo, while our work points to a broader capacity for early life developmental calibration of systems like immunity, reproductive biology and metabolism. Our CLHNS findings illustrate the power of life history theory as an integrative, lifecourse framework to guide longitudinal studies of human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Linda Adair
- Department of Nutrition and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sonny A Bechayda
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | | | - Delia B Carba
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Paulita L Duazo
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology and Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Elizabeth A Quinn
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University, in St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stacy Rosenbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julienne N Rutherford
- Department of Women, Children, and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Calen P Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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44
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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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45
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Ryan CP, Kuzawa CW. Germline epigenetic inheritance: Challenges and opportunities for linking human paternal experience with offspring biology and health. Evol Anthropol 2020; 29:180-200. [DOI: 10.1002/evan.21828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Calen P. Ryan
- Department of AnthropologyNorthwestern University Evanston Illinois USA
| | - Christopher W. Kuzawa
- Department of AnthropologyNorthwestern University Evanston Illinois USA
- Institute for Policy Research Northwestern University Evanston Illinois USA
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46
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Monaghan P, Metcalfe NB. The deteriorating soma and the indispensable germline: gamete senescence and offspring fitness. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20192187. [PMID: 31847776 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The idea that there is an impenetrable barrier that separates the germline and soma has shaped much thinking in evolutionary biology and in many other disciplines. However, recent research has revealed that the so-called 'Weismann Barrier' is leaky, and that information is transferred from soma to germline. Moreover, the germline itself is now known to age, and to be influenced by an age-related deterioration of the soma that houses and protects it. This could reduce the likelihood of successful reproduction by old individuals, but also lead to long-term deleterious consequences for any offspring that they do produce (including a shortened lifespan). Here, we review the evidence from a diverse and multidisciplinary literature for senescence in the germline and its consequences; we also examine the underlying mechanisms responsible, emphasizing changes in mutation rate, telomere loss, and impaired mitochondrial function in gametes. We consider the effect on life-history evolution, particularly reproductive scheduling and mate choice. Throughout, we draw attention to unresolved issues, new questions to consider, and areas where more research is needed. We also highlight the need for a more comparative approach that would reveal the diversity of processes that organisms have evolved to slow or halt age-related germline deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Neil B Metcalfe
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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47
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Eisenberg DTA, Rej PH, Duazo P, Carba D, Hayes MG, Kuzawa CW. Testing for paternal influences on offspring telomere length in a human cohort in the Philippines. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 171:520-528. [PMID: 31845317 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Telomeres, emerging biomarkers of aging, are comprised of DNA repeats located at chromosomal ends that shorten with cellular replication and age in most human tissues. In contrast, spermatocyte telomeres lengthen with age. These changes in telomere length (TL) appear to be heritable, as older paternal ages of conception (PAC) predict longer offspring TL. Mouse-model studies raise questions about the potential for effects of paternal experiences on human offspring TL, as they suggest that smoking, inflammation, DNA damage, and stressors all shorten sperm TL. Here, we examined whether factors from the paternal environment predict offspring TL as well as interact with PAC to predict offspring TL. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using data from the Philippines, we tested if smoking, psychosocial stressors, or shorter knee height (a measure of early life adversity) predict shorter offspring TL. We also tested if these interacted with PAC in predicting offspring TL. RESULTS While we did not find the predicted associations, we observed a trend toward fathers with shorter knee height having offspring with longer TL. In addition, we found that knee height interacted with PAC to predict offspring TL. Specifically, fathers with shorter knee heights showed a stronger positive effect of PAC on offspring TL. DISCUSSION While the reasons for these associations remain uncertain, shorter knee height is characteristic of earlier puberty. Since spermatocyte TL increases with the production of sperm, we speculate that individuals with earlier puberty, and its concomitant commencement of production of sperm, had more time to accumulate longer sperm telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Peter H Rej
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paulita Duazo
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Delia Carba
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc., University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - M Geoffrey Hayes
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.,Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.,Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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48
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Nersisyan L, Nikoghosyan M, Arakelyan A. WGS-based telomere length analysis in Dutch family trios implicates stronger maternal inheritance and a role for RRM1 gene. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18758. [PMID: 31822713 PMCID: PMC6904582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55109-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) regulation is an important factor in ageing, reproduction and cancer development. Genetic, hereditary and environmental factors regulating TL are currently widely investigated, however, their relative contribution to TL variability is still understudied. We have used whole genome sequencing data of 250 family trios from the Genome of the Netherlands project to perform computational measurement of TL and a series of regression and genome-wide association analyses to reveal TL inheritance patterns and associated genetic factors. Our results confirm that TL is a largely heritable trait, primarily with mother's, and, to a lesser extent, with father's TL having the strongest influence on the offspring. In this cohort, mother's, but not father's age at conception was positively linked to offspring TL. Age-related TL attrition of 40 bp/year had relatively small influence on TL variability. Finally, we have identified TL-associated variations in ribonuclease reductase catalytic subunit M1 (RRM1 gene), which is known to regulate telomere maintenance in yeast. We also highlight the importance of multivariate approach and the limitations of existing tools for the analysis of TL as a polygenic heritable quantitative trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilit Nersisyan
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, 7 Hasratyan str., 0014, Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Maria Nikoghosyan
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, 7 Hasratyan str., 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Russian-Armenian University, 123 Hovsep Emin St, 0051, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Arsen Arakelyan
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, 7 Hasratyan str., 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Russian-Armenian University, 123 Hovsep Emin St, 0051, Yerevan, Armenia
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49
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Masterson EE, Hayes MG, Kuzawa CW, Lee NR, Eisenberg DT. Early life growth and adult telomere length in a Filipino cohort study. Am J Hum Biol 2019; 31:e23299. [PMID: 31380592 PMCID: PMC6872908 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the relationship between early life growth patterns and blood telomere length (TL) in adulthood using conditional measures of lean and fat mass growth to evaluate potentially sensitive periods of early life growth. METHODS This study included data from 1562 individuals (53% male; age 20-22 years) participating in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, located in metropolitan Cebu, Philippines. Primary exposures included length-for-age z-score (HAZ) and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) at birth and conditional measures of linear growth and weight gain during four postnatal periods: 0-6, 6-12, and 12-24 months, and 24 months to 8.5 years. TL was measured at ~21 years of age. We estimated associations using linear regression. RESULTS The study sample had an average gestational age (38.5 ± 2 weeks) and birth size (HAZ = -0.2 ± 1.1, WAZ = -0.7 ± 1.0), but by age 8.5 years had stunted linear growth (HAZ = -2.1 ± 0.9) and borderline low weight (WAZ = -1.9 ± 1.0) relative to World Health Organization references. Heavier birth weight was associated with longer TL in early adulthood (P = .03), but this association was attenuated when maternal age at birth was included in the model (P = .07). Accelerated linear growth between 6 and 12 months was associated with longer TL in adulthood (P = .006), whereas weight gain between 12 and 24 months was associated with shorter TL in adulthood (P = .047). CONCLUSIONS In Cebu, individuals who were born heavier have longer TL in early adulthood, but that birthweight itself may not explain the association. Findings suggest that childhood growth is associated with the cellular senescence process in adulthood, implying early life well-being may be linked to adult health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Masterson
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington
| | - M. Geoffrey Hayes
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University
| | - Christopher W. Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University
| | - Nanette R. Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, Inc, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
- Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and History, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Dan T.A. Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington
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50
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Denham J. Telomere regulation: lessons learnt from mice and men, potential opportunities in horses. Anim Genet 2019; 51:3-13. [PMID: 31637754 DOI: 10.1111/age.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are genetically conserved nucleoprotein complexes located at the ends of chromosomes that preserve genomic stability. In large mammals, somatic cell telomeres shorten with age, owing to the end replication problem and lack of telomere-lengthening events (e.g. telomerase and ALT activity). Therefore, telomere length reflects cellular replicative reserve and mitotic potential. Environmental insults can accelerate telomere attrition in response to cell division and DNA damage. As such, telomere shortening is considered one of the major hallmarks of ageing. Much effort has been dedicated to understanding the environmental perturbations that accelerate telomere attrition and therapeutic strategies to preserve or extend telomeres. As telomere dynamics seem to reflect cumulative cellular stress, telomere length could serve as a biomarker of animal welfare. The assessment of telomere dynamics (i.e. rate of shortening) in conjunction with telomere-regulating genes and telomerase activity in racehorses could monitor long-term animal health, yet it could also provide some unique opportunities to address particular limitations with the use of other animal models in telomere research. Considering the ongoing efforts to optimise the health and welfare of equine athletes, the purpose of this review is to discuss the potential utility of assessing telomere length in Thoroughbred racehorses. A brief review of telomere biology in large and small mammals will be provided, followed by discussion on the biological implications of telomere length and environmental (e.g. lifestyle) factors that accelerate or attenuate telomere attrition. Finally, the utility of quantifying telomere dynamics in horses will be offered with directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Denham
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Bundoora West Campus, RMIT University, Room 53, Level 4, Building 202, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
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