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Glei DA, Weinstein M. Economic distress, obesity, and the rise in pain. Soc Sci Med 2023; 339:116399. [PMID: 37984183 PMCID: PMC10841727 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116399] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Growing obesity may have contributed to widening socioeconomic disparities in pain in the US, but some researchers have suggested that deteriorating social and economic conditions among less advantaged Americans could be the root cause. We evaluated whether widening socioeconomic disparities in pain are associated with growing economic distress, particularly among those with low socioeconomic status (SES). We also assessed whether the link between economic distress and pain is mediated by obesity. Using data from nationally-representative samples targeting Americans aged 25-74 in 1995-96 (N = 3034) and 2011-14 (N = 2598), we fit a structural equation model to estimate the contributions of economic distress and obesity to period changes in the SES disparity in different types of pain. Socioeconomic disparities in backaches and joint pain widened substantially over recent decades, although there was no significant widening for headaches. Economic distress accounted for 34% of SES widening for backaches and 41% for joint pain, but the effect was largely independent of obesity. There was little evidence that economic distress led to obesity, which in turn fueled a rise in pain. Obesity alone explained another 8% of the widening SES disparity in backaches and 17% for joint pain. Economic distress played a larger role than obesity because economic distress increased over time for those with low SES whereas it decreased slightly for those with high SES. In contrast, obesity grew at all levels of SES, albeit more for those with low SES. Unfortunately, we cannot establish the direction of causation. Our model assumes that economic distress and obesity affect pain, but it is also possible that pain exacerbates obesity and/or economic distress. If SES disparities in pain continue to widen, it bodes poorly for the overall well-being of the US population, labor productivity, and the prospects for these cohorts as they reach older ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A Glei
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Maxine Weinstein
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, 37th & O Streets, NW, 312 Healy Hall, Washington, DC, 20057-1197, USA.
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2
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Glei DA, Weinstein M. Is the Pain killing you? Could Pain interference be a warning signal for midlife mortality? SSM Popul Health 2023; 24:101513. [PMID: 37771419 PMCID: PMC10523021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although prior studies have documented an association between various measures of pain and mortality, none of those studies has evaluated whether the association between pain and mortality varies significantly by age. We suspect that pain-particularly pain that interferes with the ability to lead a normal life-could be an early warning sign that may portend increased risk of physical impairment and mortality later in life. In this paper, we investigated whether pain was associated with increased mortality risk, particularly in midlife. Data came from the Midlife in the US study, which sampled non-institutionalized, English-speaking adults aged 25-74 in the contiguous United States in 1995-96. Our analysis included 4041 respondents who completed a follow-up self-administered questionnaire in 2004-05, 2703 of whom completed another self-administered questionnaire in 2013-14. We modeled mortality through December 31, 2021. In demographic-adjusted models, pain interference was more strongly associated with mortality than other pain measures, and the association was stronger at younger ages. The hazard ratio for pain interference declined from 1.39 per SD (95% CI 1.26-1.54) at age 60 to 1.14 (95% CI 1.04-1.24) at age 90. Although potential confounders accounted for more than 60% of the association with premature mortality, pain interference remained significantly associated with increased mortality rates (HR = 1.13 at age 60, 95% CI 1.02-1.26). We found no evidence that the association between pain and mortality was driven by cancer. If anything, pain interference was more strongly associated with cardiovascular than cancer mortality. At the oldest ages, physical function is likely to be a better predictor of mortality than pain. Yet, pain interference may be a useful warning sign at younger ages, when there are fewer physical limitations and mortality rates are low. It may be particularly helpful in identifying risk of premature mortality in midlife, before the emergence of severe physical limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A. Glei
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, Mailing address: 5985 San Aleso Ct., Santa Rosa, CA, 95409-3912, USA
| | - Maxine Weinstein
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, 37th & O Streets, NW, 312 Healy Hall, Washington, DC, 20057-1197, USA
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Glei D, Mendes de Leon C, Lee C, Weinstein M. Cognition and Mortality Risk Among Midlife and Older Americans. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:1204-1211. [PMID: 36934331 PMCID: PMC10329224 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is associated with increased mortality rates in late life, but it is unclear whether worse cognition predicts working-age mortality. METHODS The data come from a U.S. national survey (N = 3 973 aged 32-84 at cognitive testing in 2004-06, mean age 56.6, 56.3% female; N = 3 055 retested in 2013-18 at ages 42-94, mean age 64.6, 56.6% female; mortality follow-up through 2019). We use Cox hazard models to investigate whether cognition is associated with mortality below age 65, how the magnitude of this risk compares with the risk in later life, and whether the association persists after adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Worse cognition is associated with mortality, but the demographic-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) diminishes with age from 2.0 per standard deviation (SD; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-2.4) at age 55-1.4 (95% CI, 1.3-1.6) at age 85. In the fully adjusted model, the corresponding HRs are 1.4 (95% CI, 1.2-1.7) and 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1-1.4), respectively. The absolute differences in mortality by level of cognition, however, are larger at older ages because mortality is rare at younger ages. The fully adjusted model implies a 2.7 percentage point differential in the estimated percentage dying between ages 55 and 65 for those with low cognition (1 SD below the overall mean, 5.7%) versus high cognition (1 SD above the mean, 3.0%). The corresponding differential between ages 75 and 85 is 8.4 percentage points (24.6% vs 16.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Cognitive function may be a valuable early warning sign of premature mortality, even at working ages, when dementia is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A Glei
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Carlos F Mendes de Leon
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Chioun Lee
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Maxine Weinstein
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Lohman T, Bains G, Cole S, Gharibvand L, Berk L, Lohman E. High-Intensity interval training reduces transcriptomic age: A randomized controlled trial. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13841. [PMID: 37078430 PMCID: PMC10265161 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
While the relationship between exercise and life span is well-documented, little is known about the effects of specific exercise protocols on modern measures of biological age. Transcriptomic age (TA) predictors provide an opportunity to test the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on biological age utilizing whole-genome expression data. A single-site, single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial design was utilized. Thirty sedentary participants (aged 40-65) were assigned to either a HIIT group or a no-exercise control group. After collecting baseline measures, HIIT participants performed three 10 × 1 HIIT sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session lasted 23 min, and total exercise duration was 276 min over the course of the 1-month exercise protocol. TA, PSS-10 score, PSQI score, PHQ-9 score, and various measures of body composition were all measured at baseline and again following the conclusion of exercise/control protocols. Transcriptomic age reduction of 3.59 years was observed in the exercise group while a 3.29-years increase was observed in the control group. Also, PHQ-9, PSQI, BMI, body fat mass, and visceral fat measures were all improved in the exercise group. A hypothesis-generation gene expression analysis suggested exercise may modify autophagy, mTOR, AMPK, PI3K, neurotrophin signaling, insulin signaling, and other age-related pathways. A low dose of HIIT can reduce an mRNA-based measure of biological age in sedentary adults between the ages of 40 and 65 years old. Other changes in gene expression were relatively modest, which may indicate a focal effect of exercise on age-related biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Lohman
- Loma Linda University School of Allied Health ProfessionsLoma LindaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gurinder Bains
- Loma Linda University School of Allied Health ProfessionsLoma LindaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Steve Cole
- UCLA David Geffen School of MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lida Gharibvand
- Loma Linda University School of Allied Health ProfessionsLoma LindaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lee Berk
- Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions, and School of MedicineLoma LindaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Everett Lohman
- Loma Linda University School of Allied Health ProfessionsLoma LindaCaliforniaUSA
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Telomere Length: Implications for Atherogenesis. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:95-103. [PMID: 36689071 PMCID: PMC9947063 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01082-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of the study is to explore the evidence linking telomere length with atherosclerotic ischemic disease. RECENT FINDINGS There has been a recent expansion in strategies for measuring telomere length, including analyzing genome sequence data and capitalizing on genomic loci that associate with telomere length. These, together with more established approaches, have been used to generate a more complete picture of telomere length relationships with ischemic disease. Whereas earlier meta-analyses suggested an association between short leukocyte telomeres and ischemic disease, several recent large population studies now provide particularly compelling data, including an association with cardiovascular mortality. In addition, whether short leukocyte telomeres might be causally related to ischemic disease has been interrogated using Mendelian randomization strategies, which point to shorter leukocyte telomeres as a determining risk factor. Importantly however, the wide, interindividual variability in telomere length still means that a single assessment of leukocyte telomere length in an individual does not reliably report on a biological aging process. In this regard, recent multi-tissue analyses of telomere length dynamics are providing both new mechanistic insights into how telomere length and shortening rates may participate in atherogenesis and risk prediction opportunities. The balance of evidence indicates that short leukocyte telomeres confer a risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Moreover, an integrated analysis of telomere lengths in leukocytes and other tissues may provide a window into individualized telomere dynamics, raising new prospects for risk management.
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Glei DA, Lee C, Weinstein M. Assessment of Mortality Disparities by Wealth Relative to Other Measures of Socioeconomic Status Among US Adults. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e226547. [PMID: 35394513 PMCID: PMC8994125 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.6547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The association between wealth and mortality is likely to be nonlinear and may result from selection and reverse causality. OBJECTIVE To compare the magnitude of mortality disparities by wealth relative to other measures of socioeconomic status (SES). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study began in 1995 to 1996, with approximately 18 years of mortality follow-up. These analyses were completed in November 2021. Data were derived from a population-based sample that targeted noninstitutionalized, English-speaking adults aged 25 to 74 years in the contiguous US. The response rate for the telephone interview ranged from 60% (twin subsample) to 70% (main sample). A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 89% of those interviewed by telephone. EXPOSURES Net assets of the respondent and spouse or partner in 1995 to 1996. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES All-cause mortality. RESULTS Among 6320 respondents (mean [SD] age at baseline, 46.9 [12.9] years; 3318 women [52.5%]), 1000 (15.8%) died by May 31, 2013. Adjusted for age, sex, and race, the mortality disparity by wealth was larger than the disparities by education, occupation, income, or childhood SES, especially at the oldest ages. After age 65 years, the hazard ratio [HR] was 2.69 (95% CI, 2.00-3.62) for those with no assets relative to those with at least $300 000 of wealth (in 1995 dollars), which translated into a 31 percentage point differential in estimated probability of surviving from age 65 years to 85 years (40% vs 71%). Additional wealth greater than $500 000 was not associated with lower mortality. In fully adjusted models, there was still a sizeable wealth disparity in mortality after age 65 years (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.33-2.67). After adjustment for confounders, the estimated probability of surviving from age 65 to 85 years was 19 percentage points higher for persons with at least $300 000 in wealth (70%) than for those with no assets (51%), but there was a much larger 37 percentage point differential between never smokers (70%) and current smokers (33%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, the fully adjusted disparity in mortality associated with wealth beyond age 65 years remained sizeable but was much smaller than the smoking differential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A. Glei
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Chioun Lee
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Riverside
| | - Maxine Weinstein
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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Ruiz-Narváez EA, Baylin A, Azofeifa J, Leal A, Rosero-Bixby L. Diet and Leukocyte Telomere Length in a Population with Extended Longevity: The Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES). Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082585. [PMID: 34444746 PMCID: PMC8401744 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082585] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Elderly Costa Ricans have lower mortality rates compared to their counterparts from developed countries. Reasons for this survival advantage are not completely known. In the present study, we aimed to identify dietary factors associated with leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a marker of biologic aging, in the elderly population of Costa Rica. We conducted prospective analysis in 909 participants aged 60+ years from the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES). We used a food frequency questionnaire to assess usual diet. We calculated dietary patterns using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We used generalized linear models to examine the association of dietary patterns and food groups with leukocyte telomere length. We found two major dietary patterns explaining 9.15% and 7.18% of the total variation of food intake, respectively. The first dietary pattern, which represents a traditional Costa Rican rice and beans pattern, was more frequent in rural parts of the country and was positively associated with baseline LTL: β (95% CI) = 42.0 base-pairs (bp) (9.9 bp, 74.1 bp) per one-unit increase of the traditional dietary pattern. In analysis of individual food groups, intake of grains was positively associated with baseline LTL: β (95% CI) = 43.6 bp (13.9 bp, 73.3 bp) per one-serving/day increase of consumption of grains. Our results suggest that dietary factors, in particular a traditional food pattern, are associated with telomere length and may contribute to the extended longevity of elderly Costa Ricans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A. Ruiz-Narváez
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-734-647-0623
| | - Ana Baylin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jorge Azofeifa
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Apartado, San Pedro, San José 11501, Costa Rica; (J.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Alejandro Leal
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Apartado, San Pedro, San José 11501, Costa Rica; (J.A.); (A.L.)
| | - Luis Rosero-Bixby
- Centro Centroamericano de Población, Universidad de Costa Rica, Apartado, San Pedro, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
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Gaydosh L, Belsky DW, Glei DA, Goldman N. Testing Proposed Quantifications of Biological Aging in Taiwanese Older Adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 75:1680-1685. [PMID: 31566204 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantification of biological aging is of interest in gerontology as a means to surveil aging rates in the population and to evaluate the effects of interventions to increase healthy life span. Analysis of proposed methods to quantify biological aging has focused on samples of midlife or mixed-age adults in the West. Research is needed to test whether quantifications of biological aging can differentiate aging rates among older adults and if quantifications of biological aging developed in Western samples can differentiate aging rates in non-Western populations. We conducted analysis of Klemera-Doubal method (KDM) Biological Age and homeostatic dysregulation measures of biological aging developed in the U.S. NHANES and tested in a sample of older Taiwanese adults in the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study. We conducted analysis of physical and cognitive function and mortality, comparing quantifications of biological aging to a biomarker index based on norms within our analysis sample and to participants' ratings of their own health. Results showed that quantifications of biological aging (a) predicted differences in physical and cognitive function and in mortality risk among Taiwanese older adults and (b) performed as well as a traditional biomarker index and participant self-rated health for prediction of these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Gaydosh
- Center for Medicine, Health, and Society and Public Policy Studies, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Daniel W Belsky
- Department of Epidemiology & Butler Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Dana A Glei
- Center for Population and Health, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Noreen Goldman
- Office of Population Research, Princeton University, New Jersey
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Comhaire F, Decleer W. Can the biological mechanisms of ageing be corrected by food supplementation. The concept of health care over sick care. Aging Male 2020; 23:1146-1157. [PMID: 31973615 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2020.1713080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
"From care for the sick to care for health" implies that age-related diseases and discomforts, which impair the quality of life, should be prevented rather than treated. Healthy lifestyle and nutrition, and hormone supplementation - when needed - are of crucial importance. Food supplementation with nutraceuticals composed of vitamins, oligo-minerals, plant extracts and essential amino- and fatty acids should reduce age-related oxidative and epigenetic damage to DNA, and inhibit inflammatory and metabolic impairment. This study of the potential beneficial effects of novel nutraceuticals on the biological mechanisms of physical and mental ageing suggests these supplements may be scientifically justified. In the absence of adverse side effects and the expected favourable effect on the quality-adjusted life years, the benefit over risk ratio of nutraceutical supplementation should be positive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wim Decleer
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, AZ Palfijn, Ghent, Belgium
- Fertility Clinic, Aalter, Belgium
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10
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Smith LE, Jones ME, Hamede R, Risques R, Patton AH, Carter PA, Storfer A. Telomere Length is a Susceptibility Marker for Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease. ECOHEALTH 2020; 17:280-291. [PMID: 33128102 PMCID: PMC7719062 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-020-01491-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres protect chromosomes from degradation during cellular replication. In humans, it is well-documented that excessive telomere degradation is one mechanism by which cells can become cancerous. Increasing evidence from wildlife studies suggests that telomere length is positively correlated with survival and health and negatively correlated with disease infection intensity. The recently emerged devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) has led to dramatic and rapid population declines of the Tasmanian devil throughout its geographic range. Here, we tested the hypothesis that susceptibility to DFTD is negatively correlated with telomere length in devils across three populations with different infection histories. Our findings suggest telomere length is correlated with DFTD resistance in three ways. First, devils from a population with the slowest recorded increase in DFTD prevalence (West Pencil Pine) have significantly longer telomeres than those from two populations with rapid and exponential increases in prevalence (Freycinet and Narawantapu). Second, using extensive mark-recapture data obtained from a long-term demographic study, we found that individuals with relatively long telomeres tend to be infected at a significantly later age than those with shorter telomeres. Third, a hazard model showed devils with longer telomeres tended to become infected at a lower rate than those with shorter telomeres. This research provides a rare study of telomere length variation and its association with disease in a wildlife population. Our results suggest that telomere length may be a reliable marker of susceptibility to DFTD and assist with future management of this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lane E Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Menna E Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Hamede
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Rosana Risques
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Austin H Patton
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Patrick A Carter
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Andrew Storfer
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA.
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Abstract
DNA methylation of the ELOVL2 (Elongation Of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids-Like 2) promoter is one of the most robust molecular biomarkers for chronological age, but whether ELOVL2 plays a functional role in aging has not been explored. ELOVL2 encodes a transmembrane protein involved in the synthesis of very long polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs). These fatty acids play important roles in retinal biology and photoreceptor renewal, key processes implicated in age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we summarize our work deciphering the role of ELOVL2 in the eye emphasizing the potential functional role of age-related DNA methylation in the pathophysiology of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Chao
- Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, School do Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, CA 92697 and Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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Chen D, Chao DL, Rocha L, Kolar M, Nguyen Huu VA, Krawczyk M, Dasyani M, Wang T, Jafari M, Jabari M, Ross KD, Saghatelian A, Hamilton BA, Zhang K, Skowronska‐Krawczyk D. The lipid elongation enzyme ELOVL2 is a molecular regulator of aging in the retina. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13100. [PMID: 31943697 PMCID: PMC6996962 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation of the regulatory region of the elongation of very‐long‐chain fatty acids‐like 2 (ELOVL2) gene, an enzyme involved in elongation of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, is one of the most robust biomarkers of human age, but the critical question of whether ELOVL2 plays a functional role in molecular aging has not been resolved. Here, we report that Elovl2 regulates age‐associated functional and anatomical aging in vivo, focusing on mouse retina, with direct relevance to age‐related eye diseases. We show that an age‐related decrease in Elovl2 expression is associated with increased DNA methylation of its promoter. Reversal of Elovl2 promoter hypermethylation in vivo through intravitreal injection of 5‐Aza‐2’‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza‐dc) leads to increased Elovl2 expression and rescue of age‐related decline in visual function. Mice carrying a point mutation C234W that disrupts Elovl2‐specific enzymatic activity show electrophysiological characteristics of premature visual decline, as well as early appearance of autofluorescent deposits, well‐established markers of aging in the mouse retina. Finally, we find deposits underneath the retinal pigment epithelium in Elovl2 mutant mice, containing components found in human drusen, a pathologic hallmark of age related macular degeneration. These findings indicate that ELOVL2 activity regulates aging in mouse retina, provide a molecular link between polyunsaturated fatty acids elongation and visual function, and suggest novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of age‐related eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chen
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Daniel L. Chao
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Lorena Rocha
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Matthew Kolar
- The Salk Institute for Biological StudiesClayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide BiologyLa Jolla CA USA
| | - Viet Anh Nguyen Huu
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Michal Krawczyk
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Manish Dasyani
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Tina Wang
- Department of Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Maryam Jafari
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Mary Jabari
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Kevin D. Ross
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Alan Saghatelian
- The Salk Institute for Biological StudiesClayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide BiologyLa Jolla CA USA
| | - Bruce A. Hamilton
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Kang Zhang
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
| | - Dorota Skowronska‐Krawczyk
- Shiley Eye Institute Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
- Atkinson Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla CA USA
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Westerman R. Biomarkers for demographic research: sperm counts and other male infertility biomarkers. BIODEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL BIOLOGY 2020; 65:73-87. [PMID: 32065536 DOI: 10.1080/19485565.2019.1706150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Some male infertility biomarkers are etiologically linked to idiopathic infertility in men, the direct cause of which often cannot be determined with conventional sperm count parameters. Open questions remain regarding the universal and generic infertility definitions that cover and combine the clinical, epidemiological, and demographic perspectives. The main effort in the application of these infertility biomarkers are accounted by more or less strict discrimination criteria. For male infertility, beyond classical sperm count assessments, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is an adequate biomarker. DFI strongly correlates with pregnancy rates and even strict discrimination criteria for infertility outcomes. Other common biomarkers are reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antisperm antibodies (ASAs), which can explain some biomedical infertility disorders within major constraints. More frequently applied in demographic research, telomere length component analysis is based on identifying the genetic impact of cellular longevity. Sperm telomere length is becoming established as a potential biomarker in infertility research. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current status and limitations to the application of novel biomarkers, including TEX101, for infertility research. The review also discusses potential options for the use of biomarkers in population-based studies.Abbreviations: ASAs: antisperm antibodies; DFI: DNA fragmentation index; DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid; ECM1: extracellular matrix protein 1; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; HS: hypospermatogenesis: IVF: in vitro fertilization; LDHC: L-lactata dehydrogenase C chain; MA: maturation arrest; microTESE: microdissection testicular sperm extraction; NOA: nonobstructive azoospermia; NP: nonprogressive; OA: obstructive azoospermia; pH: potential Hyrogenii (pH-value); PR: progressive; PTGDS: prostaglandin D synthese; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SA: semen analysis; SCO: sertoli cell only; SCSA: sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA); TL: telomere length; TESE: testicular sperm extraction; TEX101: a glycoprotein that belongs to Ly6/urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor-like protein (uPAR)(LU) superfamily, to be a germ-cell-specific molecular sperm extraction; TUNEL: terminal deoxnucleotidyl dispersion tranferase dUTP nick-end labeling; WHO: World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronny Westerman
- Competence Center Mortality-Follow-Up, German National Cohort, Federal Institute for Population Research, Wiesbaden, Germany
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Abstract
Decades of research into stress responses have highlighted large variation among individuals, populations, and species, and the sources of this variation have been a center of research across disciplines. The most common measure of the vertebrate stress response is glucocorticoids. However, the predictive power of glucocorticoid responses to fitness is surprisingly low. This is partly because the hormone levels rapidly change in response to stressor exposure and elevated levels at one time point can indicate either that glucocorticoids are helping the organism cope with the stressor or that dysregulation of hormone release is harming the organism. Meaning, the fitness consequences of the stressor depends on how efficient the stress responses are at negating the harmful impacts of stressors to cells and tissues. To encompass the idea of the efficiency of stress responses and to integrate cellular and organismal stress responses, a new theoretical model called the Damage-Fitness Model was developed. The model focuses on the downstream effects of stress responses and predicts that the accumulation of damage in cells and tissues (e.g., persistent damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA) negatively impacts fitness components. In this mini-review, we examine evidence supporting the Damage-Fitness Model and explore new directions forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Wada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Britt Heidinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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15
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Yin H, Akawi O, Fox SA, Li F, O'Neil C, Balint B, Arpino JM, Watson A, Wong J, Guo L, Quantz MA, Nagpal AD, Kiaii B, Chu MWA, Pickering JG. Cardiac-Referenced Leukocyte Telomere Length and Outcomes After Cardiovascular Surgery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 3:591-600. [PMID: 30456331 PMCID: PMC6234502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Short leukocyte telomeres have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in population studies, but this relationship has not translated to patient care. The authors report a telomere length autologous referencing strategy that has the potential to mark biological aging and to identify high-risk individuals. Among 163 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery, telomeres in leukocytes and skeletal muscle displayed age-related shortening, whereas the telomere length in the cardiac right atrium was stable during 6 decades of life. The magnitude of the telomere length gap between cardiac atrial tissue and leukocytes was associated with post-operative complications and length of stay in the intensive care unit. This study provided proof of concept that a single-time, internally referenced assessment of leukocyte telomere shortening behavior could inform acute risks in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Leukocyte telomere shortening reflects stress burdens and has been associated with cardiac events. However, the patient-specific clinical value of telomere assessment remains unknown. Moreover, telomere shortening cannot be inferred from a single telomere length assessment. The authors investigated and developed a novel strategy for gauging leukocyte telomere shortening using autologous cardiac atrial referencing. Using multitissue assessments from 163 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery, we determined that the cardiac atrium-leukocyte telomere length difference predicted post-operative complexity. This constituted the first evidence that a single-time assessment of telomere dynamics might be salient to acute cardiac care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oula Akawi
- Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie A Fox
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fuyan Li
- Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Brittany Balint
- Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John-Michael Arpino
- Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alanna Watson
- Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jorge Wong
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linrui Guo
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - MacKenzie A Quantz
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Dave Nagpal
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bob Kiaii
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael W A Chu
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Geoffrey Pickering
- Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Kusumastuti S, Rozing MP, Lund R, Mortensen EL, Westendorp RGJ. The added value of health indicators to mortality predictions in old age: A systematic review. Eur J Intern Med 2018; 57:7-18. [PMID: 30017559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous risk prediction models use indicators of health to predict mortality in old age. The added value to mortality predictions based on demographic variables is unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of health indicators in predicting all-cause mortality among individuals aged 50+ using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Specifically, to assess the added value of health indicators relative to demographic variables. METHODS We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. There were no restrictions on study designs, follow-up duration, language, or publication dates. We also examined the quality of studies using the Checklist for Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies. RESULTS Out of 804 studies investigating all-cause mortality in older persons, 16 studies were eligible. In community-dwelling populations, the accuracy of demographic variables and health indicators combined ranged from AUC 0.71 to 0.82, indicating modest ability to predict mortality. Age contributed the most to mortality prediction (AUC 0.65 to 0.78) and compared to age and sex, the added values of genetics, physiology, functioning, mood, cognition, nutritional status, subjective health, disease, frailty, and lifestyle ranged from AUC 0.01 to 0.10. The lack of validation samples made it difficult to assess their true added value. Findings were similar in institutionalized populations. Heterogeneity of the studies prevented us from performing a meta-analysis. CONCLUSION Age and sex contributed the most to mortality predictions in old age while the added value of health indicators is likely to be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasmita Kusumastuti
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Maarten Pieter Rozing
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Lund
- Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Lykke Mortensen
- Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rudi G J Westendorp
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Zhan Y, Liu XR, Reynolds CA, Pedersen NL, Hägg S, Clements MS. Leukocyte Telomere Length and All-Cause Mortality: A Between-Within Twin Study With Time-Dependent Effects Using Generalized Survival Models. Am J Epidemiol 2018; 187:2186-2191. [PMID: 29961868 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwy128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although previous studies examining leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and all-cause mortality controlled for several confounders, the observed association could be biased due to unmeasured confounders, including familial factors. We aimed to examine the association of LTL with all-cause mortality in a Swedish twin sample while adjusting for familial factors and allowing for time-dependent effects. A total of 366 participants (174 twin pairs and 18 individuals) were recruited from the Swedish Twin Registry. LTL was assessed using the Southern blot method. All-cause mortality data were obtained through linkage with the Swedish Population Registry, updated through November 15, 2017. To control for familial factors within twin pairs, we applied a between-within shared frailty model based on generalized survival models. Overall, 115 (31.4%) participants were men and 251 (68.6%) were women. The average age of the study participants when blood was drawn was 79.1 years, and follow-up duration ranged from 10 days to 25.7 years (mean = 10.2 years). During the follow-up period, 341 (93.2%) participants died. Shorter LTL was associated with higher mortality rates when controlling for familial factors in the between-within shared frailty model. We found significant time-dependent effects of LTL on all-cause mortality, where the mortality rate ratios were attenuated with increasing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiang Zhan
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xing-Rong Liu
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chandra A Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California
| | - Nancy L Pedersen
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Hägg
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mark S Clements
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Heidary H, Pouresmaeili F, Mirfakhraie R, Omrani MD, Ghaedi H, Fazeli Z, Sayban S, Ghafouri-Fard S, Azargashb E, Shokri F. An Association Study between Longitudinal Changes of Leukocyte Telomere and the Risk of Azoospermia in a Population of Iranian Infertile Men. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2018; 22:231-6. [PMID: 29704891 PMCID: PMC5949125 DOI: 10.22034/ibj.22.4.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Telomeres are evolutionary, specialized terminal structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes containing TTAGGG repeats in human. Several human diseases have been known to be associated with dramatic changes in telomere length. The aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between the relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and infertility in a group of Iranian azoospermic males. Methods: In this case-control pilot study, relative telomere length (RTL) of peripheral blood leukocytes from a total of 30 idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermic males and 30 healthy fertile males was evaluated using real-time PCR. RTL was calculated as T (telomere)/S (single copy gene) ratio and compared between infertile and fertile groups. Results: Patients with azoospermia showed significantly shorter RTL than fertile males (0.54 vs. 0.84, p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was estimated to be 99.8%, suggesting LTL as a potential marker for the diagnosis of azoospermia. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated a probable association between telomere shortening and azoospermia in a population of Iranian infertile men affected by idiopathic azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Heidary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Pouresmaeili
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center (IRHRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirfakhraie
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mir Davood Omrani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Ghaedi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Fazeli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Sayban
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eznollah Azargashb
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fazlollah Shokri
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Massey DS, Wagner B, Donnelly L, McLanahan S, Brooks-Gunn J, Garfinkel I, Mitchell C, Notterman DA. Neighborhood Disadvantage and Telomere Length: Results from the Fragile Families Study. THE RUSSELL SAGE FOUNDATION JOURNAL OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES : RSF 2018; 4:28-42. [PMID: 30019006 PMCID: PMC6046089 DOI: 10.7758/rsf.2018.4.4.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences located at the ends of chromosomes that protect genetic material. We use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to analyze the relationship between exposure to spatially concentrated disadvantage and telomere length for white and black mothers. We find that neighborhood disadvantage is associated with shorter telomere length for mothers of both races. This finding highlights a potential mechanism through which the unique spatially concentrated disadvantage faced by African Americans contributes to racial health disparities. We conclude that equalizing the health and socioeconomic status of black and white Americans will be very difficult without reducing levels of residential segregation in the United States.
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20
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Vanjare N, Salvi S. The z-Score Does Not Predict Mortality Because of Confounding by Age. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2018; 197:141. [PMID: 28683203 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201705-1023le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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21
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Telomeres, Aging and Exercise: Guilty by Association? Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122573. [PMID: 29186077 PMCID: PMC5751176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repetitive tandem DNA sequences that cap chromosomal ends protecting genomic DNA from enzymatic degradation. Telomeres progressively shorten with cellular replication and are therefore assumed to correlate with biological and chronological age. An expanding body of evidence suggests (i) a predictable inverse association between telomere length, aging and age-related diseases and (ii) a positive association between physical activity and telomere length. Both hypotheses have garnered tremendous research attention and broad consensus; however, the evidence for each proposition is inconsistent and equivocal at best. Telomere length does not meet the basic criteria for an aging biomarker and at least 50% of key studies fail to find associations with physical activity. In this review, we address the evidence in support and refutation of the putative associations between telomere length, aging and physical activity. We finish with a brief review of plausible mechanisms and potential future research directions.
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22
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Henríquez-Hernández LA, Luzardo OP, Zumbado M, Serra-Majem L, Valerón PF, Camacho M, Álvarez-Pérez J, Salas-Salvadó J, Boada LD. Determinants of increasing serum POPs in a population at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Results from the PREDIMED-CANARIAS study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 156:477-484. [PMID: 28415042 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Lluis Serra-Majem
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain; Preventive Medicine Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pilar F Valerón
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jacqueline Álvarez-Pérez
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain; Preventive Medicine Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain; Human Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
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23
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Anderson JJ, Li T, Sharrow DJ. Insights into mortality patterns and causes of death through a process point of view model. Biogerontology 2017; 18:149-170. [PMID: 27885527 PMCID: PMC5290203 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-016-9669-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Process point of view (POV) models of mortality, such as the Strehler-Mildvan and stochastic vitality models, represent death in terms of the loss of survival capacity through challenges and dissipation. Drawing on hallmarks of aging, we link these concepts to candidate biological mechanisms through a framework that defines death as challenges to vitality where distal factors defined the age-evolution of vitality and proximal factors define the probability distribution of challenges. To illustrate the process POV, we hypothesize that the immune system is a mortality nexus, characterized by two vitality streams: increasing vitality representing immune system development and immunosenescence representing vitality dissipation. Proximal challenges define three mortality partitions: juvenile and adult extrinsic mortalities and intrinsic adult mortality. Model parameters, generated from Swedish mortality data (1751-2010), exhibit biologically meaningful correspondences to economic, health and cause-of-death patterns. The model characterizes the twentieth century epidemiological transition mainly as a reduction in extrinsic mortality resulting from a shift from high magnitude disease challenges on individuals at all vitality levels to low magnitude stress challenges on low vitality individuals. Of secondary importance, intrinsic mortality was described by a gradual reduction in the rate of loss of vitality presumably resulting from reduction in the rate of immunosenescence. Extensions and limitations of a distal/proximal framework for characterizing more explicit causes of death, e.g. the young adult mortality hump or cancer in old age are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ting Li
- Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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Therapeutic Manipulation of Ageing: Repurposing Old Dogs and Discovering New Tricks. EBioMedicine 2016; 14:24-31. [PMID: 27889480 PMCID: PMC5161440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a leading risk factor for many debilitating diseases. While age-related diseases have been the subject of over a century of intense investigation, until recently, physiological ageing was considered unavoidable. Pharmacological and genetic studies have since shown that ageing is a malleable process and that its abrogation can prevent its associated diseases. This review summarises a sample of the most promising efforts to deliver the products of ageing research to the clinic. Current efforts include the use of clinically approved drugs that have since been repurposed, as well as the development of novel therapeutics, to target ageing. Furthermore, ongoing research has sought reliable biomarkers of ageing that will accelerate the development of such therapeutics. Development of these technologies will improve quality of late-life and help relieve the enormous stress placed on state healthcare systems by a rapidly ageing global population. Thus, for both medical and socioeconomic reasons, it is imperative that ageing is made to yield to intervention.
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