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Medoro A, Saso L, Scapagnini G, Davinelli S. NRF2 signaling pathway and telomere length in aging and age-related diseases. Mol Cell Biochem 2023:10.1007/s11010-023-04878-x. [PMID: 37917279 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04878-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is well recognized as a critical regulator of redox, metabolic, and protein homeostasis, as well as the regulation of inflammation. An age-associated decline in NRF2 activity may allow oxidative stress to remain unmitigated and affect key features associated with the aging phenotype, including telomere shortening. Telomeres, the protective caps of eukaryotic chromosomes, are highly susceptible to oxidative DNA damage, which can accelerate telomere shortening and, consequently, lead to premature senescence and genomic instability. In this review, we explore how the dysregulation of NRF2, coupled with an increase in oxidative stress, might be a major determinant of telomere shortening and age-related diseases. We discuss the relevance of the connection between NRF2 deficiency in aging and telomere attrition, emphasizing the importance of studying this functional link to enhance our understanding of aging pathologies. Finally, we present a number of compounds that possess the ability to restore NRF2 function, maintain a proper redox balance, and preserve telomere length during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Medoro
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Via F. De Sanctis, s.n.c., 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scapagnini
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Via F. De Sanctis, s.n.c., 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Sergio Davinelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Via F. De Sanctis, s.n.c., 86100, Campobasso, Italy.
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Shah H, Dehghani F, Ramezan M, Gannaban RB, Haque ZF, Rahimi F, Abbasi S, Shin AC. Revisiting the Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Alzheimer's Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12. [PMID: 36829974 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by memory loss, impaired learning and thinking, and difficulty in performing regular daily activities. Despite nearly two decades of collective efforts to develop novel medications that can prevent or halt the disease progression, we remain faced with only a few options with limited effectiveness. There has been a recent growth of interest in the role of nutrition in brain health as we begin to gain a better understanding of what and how nutrients affect hormonal and neural actions that not only can lead to typical cardiovascular or metabolic diseases but also an array of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients, are elements that are indispensable for functions including nutrient metabolism, immune surveillance, cell development, neurotransmission, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, we provide an overview on some of the most common vitamins and minerals and discuss what current studies have revealed on the link between these essential micronutrients and cognitive performance or AD.
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Fu J, Ji X, Liu J, Chen X, Shang H. Meta-analysis of the Connection Between Alzheimer Disease and Telomeres. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2022; 36:73-79. [PMID: 34654043 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. The stability of the telomere-telomerase system is closely related to AD. A previous meta-analysis indicated that AD patients had shorter telomere length (TL) than control subjects. However, there are no consistent telomerase activity findings in AD patients, and the published telomerase studies were not meta-analyzed yet. METHODS We searched all the related studies that probed into TL and/or telomerase activity in AD patients based on PubMed and Embase database from the establishment to September 2020. The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and China Science and Technology Journal Database were also utilized. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. All the statistical analyses of this meta-analysis were performed using Stata version 15.0. RESULTS Analyzing 30 TL data from 2248 AD patients and 4865 controls, AD patients had a significantly shorter TL than the controls, with a standardized mean difference of -0.70 (confidence interval: -0.95 to -0.46; P<0.05). The meta-analysis included 3 primary studies and did not find a significant difference in the telomerase activity between 233 AD patients and 132 controls, but AD patients had a trend of increased telomerase activity compared with controls (standardized mean difference: 0.47; confidence interval: -0.29 to 1.23; P>0.05). CONCLUSION Our results showed that compared with the control group, the AD group had a shorter TL and may have higher telomerase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Fu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan
| | - Xiaoyu Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan
| | - Xueping Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan
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Yang T, Wang H, Xiong Y, Chen C, Duan K, Jia J, Ma F. Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Cognitive Function Through Reducing Oxidative Stress Regulated by Telomere Length in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 78:1509-1518. [PMID: 33164936 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive decline in older adults is a serious public health problem today. Association between vitamin D supplementation and cognition remains controversial. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a 12-month vitamin D supplementation improves cognitive function in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and whether it is mediated through the mechanism in which telomere length (TL) regulate oxidative stress. METHODS This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Tianjin, China. Participants were all native Chinese speakers aged 65 years and older with MCI. 183 subjects were randomized to an intervention group (vitamin D 800 IU/day, n = 93) or a placebo group (the matching starch granules, n = 90), and followed up for 12 months. Tests of cognitive function and mechanism-related biomarkers were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. RESULTS Repeated-measures ANOVA showed substantial improvements in the full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), information, digit span, vocabulary, block design, and picture arrangement scores in the vitamin D group over the placebo group (p < 0.001). Leukocyte TL was significantly higher, while serum 8-OXO-dG, OGG1mRNA, and P16INK4amRNA revealed greater decreases in the vitamin D group over the placebo group (p < 0.001). According to mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA analysis, vitamin D group showed a significant enhancement in the FSIQ score for 12 months compared with the control (estimate value = 5.132, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Vitamin D supplementation for 12 months appears to improve cognitive function through reducing oxidative stress regulated by increased TL in order adults with MCI. Vitamin D may be a promising public health strategy to prevent cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China
| | - Hualou Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Community Service, Wangdingdi Hospital of Tianjin Nankai District, Tianjin, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.,National Human Genetic Resources Sharing Service Platform, Tianjin, China
| | - Keran Duan
- Biobank, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingya Jia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China
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Gruber HJ, Semeraro MD, Renner W, Herrmann M. Telomeres and Age-Related Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101335. [PMID: 34680452 PMCID: PMC8533433 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are at the non-coding ends of linear chromosomes. Through a complex 3-dimensional structure, they protect the coding DNA and ensure appropriate separation of chromosomes. Aging is characterized by a progressive shortening of telomeres, which compromises their structure and function. Because of their protective function for genomic DNA, telomeres appear to play an important role in the development and progression of many age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), malignancies, dementia, and osteoporosis. Despite substantial evidence that links telomere length with these conditions, the nature of these observations remains insufficiently understood. Therefore, future studies should address the question of causality. Furthermore, analytical methods should be further improved with the aim to provide informative and comparable results. This review summarize the actual knowledge of telomere biology and the possible implications of telomere dysfunction for the development and progression of age-related diseases. Furthermore, we provide an overview of analytical techniques for the measurement of telomere length and telomerase activity.
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Geronimus AT, Bound J, Mitchell C, Martinez-Cardoso A, Evans L, Hughes L, Schneper L, Notterman DA. Coming up short: Comparing venous blood, dried blood spots & saliva samples for measuring telomere length in health equity research. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255237. [PMID: 34407110 PMCID: PMC8372921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from fresh venous blood is increasingly used to estimate molecular impacts of accumulated social adversity on population health. Sometimes, TL extracted from saliva or dried blood spots (DBS) are substituted as less invasive and more scalable specimen collection methods; yet, are they interchangeable with fresh blood? Studies find TL is correlated across tissues, but have not addressed the critical question for social epidemiological applications: Do different specimen types show the same association between TL and social constructs? METHODS We integrate expertise in social epidemiology, molecular biology, and the statistical impact of measurement error on parameter estimates. Recruiting a diverse sample of 132 Metro-Detroit women, we measure TL for each woman from fresh blood PBMC, DBS, and saliva. Using regression methods, we estimate associations between social characteristics and TL, comparing estimates across specimen types for each woman. RESULTS Associations between TL and social characteristics vary by specimen type collected from the same woman, sometimes qualitatively altering estimates of the magnitude or direction of a theorized relationship. Being Black is associated with shorter TL in PBMC, but longer TL in saliva or DBS. Education is positively associated with TL in fresh blood, but negatively associated with TL using DBS. CONCLUSION Findings raise concerns about the use of TL measures derived from different tissues in social epidemiological research. Investigators need to consider the possibility that associations between social variables and TL may be systematically related to specimen type, rather than be valid indicators of socially-patterned biopsychosocial processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arline T. Geronimus
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- National Academy of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - John Bound
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Economics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Colter Mitchell
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Aresha Martinez-Cardoso
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Linnea Evans
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Landon Hughes
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Lisa Schneper
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Daniel A. Notterman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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Erdem HB, Bahsi T, Ergün MA. Function of telomere in aging and age related diseases. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 85:103641. [PMID: 33774188 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres consist of specialized non-coding DNA repeat sequences. They are essential for preserving the integrity of the genome during cancer development, senescence. Mammalian telomeres might have 1-50 kb of telomeric DNA, which becomes 40-200 base pairs shorter after per cell cycle, and becomes 5-8 kilobase shorter during senescence. There are many studies on the correlation of telomere length and aging rate. However, as the differences in the methods used in the studies and the scarcity of prospective studies, factors affecting telomere length are not really well understood. Some of the age related diseases may develop due to telomere dysfunction and telomere shortness. The short telomere structure detected in both peripheral blood leukocytes and cells of the disease-related tissue has the feature of being a predictive marker for many age-related diseases. It is expected that with future research, telomere length analysis is expected to enter clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haktan Bağış Erdem
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Health Sciences, Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Taha Bahsi
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Health Sciences, Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Ali Ergün
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey.
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Abstract
Are shorter telomeres causal risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)? This study aimed to examine if shorter telomeres were causally associated with a higher risk of AD using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Two-sample MR methods were applied to the summary effect sizes and standard errors from a genome-wide association study for AD. Twenty single nucleotide polymorphisms of genome-wide significance were selected as instrumental variables for leukocyte telomere length. The main analyses were performed primarily using the random-effects inverse-variance weighted method and complemented with the other three methods: weighted median approaches, MR-Egger regression, and weighted mode approach. The intercept of MR-Egger regression was used to assess horizontal pleiotropy. We found that longer telomeres were associated with lower risks of AD (odds ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval: 0.67, 0.93, P = 0.004). Comparable results were obtained using weighted median approaches, MR-Egger regression, and weighted mode approaches. The intercept of the MR-Egger regression was close to zero. This may show that there was not suggestive of horizontal pleiotropy. Our findings provided additional evidence regarding the putative causal association between shorter telomere length and the higher risk of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangping Yu
- Wuqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Zaihong Ma
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouhai Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Lee EH, Han MH, Ha J, Park HH, Koh SH, Choi SH, Lee JH. Relationship between telomere shortening and age in Korean individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease compared to that in healthy controls. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:2089-2100. [PMID: 33323554 PMCID: PMC7880372 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Although telomere length (TL) is highly variable, a shorter TL indicate increased biological age. This multicenter study was conducted to identify the overall correlation between age and TL in Koreans and investigate the associations between age and TL in healthy individuals and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). TL was measured in peripheral leukocyte DNA. MCI and AD were diagnosed based on clinical examinations and amyloid deposition on positron emission tomography. This study enrolled 437 individuals. Multivariable linear analysis showed an overall approximate TL decrease of 37 bp per 1-year increase in age in all individuals (B=-0.037; P=0.002). There was no significant difference in the mean TL between healthy individuals and individuals with AD. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the mean rate of telomere shortening was 60 bp per year in individuals with AD (B=-0.060; P=0.006). There was a negative association between age and TL in our study. Our study results showed more significant telomere shortening per year in women than that in men. In addition, individuals with AD had greater telomere shortening every year than healthy individuals and individuals with MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Hye Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, South Korea
| | - Myung-Hoon Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, South Korea
| | - Jungsoon Ha
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, South Korea.,GemVax & Kael Co., Ltd, Seongnam 13461, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Hee Park
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, South Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Koh
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, South Korea.,Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Seong Hye Choi
- Department of Neurology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hong Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, South Korea
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Mahady LJ, He B, Malek-Ahmadi M, Mufson EJ. Telomeric alterations in the default mode network during the progression of Alzheimer's disease: Selective vulnerability of the precuneus. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 47:428-440. [PMID: 33107640 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Although telomere length (TL) and telomere maintenance proteins (shelterins) are markers of cellular senescence and peripheral blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), little information is available on telomeric alterations during the prodromal stage (MCI) of AD. We investigated TL in the default mode network (DMN), which underlies episodic memory deficits in AD, as well as shelterin protein and mRNA levels in the precuneus (PreC). METHODS Telomere length was evaluated in DMN hubs and visual cortex using quantitative PCR (qPCR). In the PreC, western blotting and NanoString nCounter expression analyses evaluated shelterin protein and mRNA levels, respectively, in cases with an antemortem clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment (NCI), MCI and AD. RESULTS TL was significantly reduced in the PreC in MCI and AD compared to NCI, but stable in frontal, inferior temporal, posterior cingulate and visual cortex. PreC TL correlated significantly with performance on cognitive tests. NCI cases with high vs low Braak scores displayed significantly shorter TL in posterior cingulate and frontal cortex, which correlated significantly with neuritic and diffuse amyloid-β plaque counts. Shelterin protein levels (TIN2, TRF1, TRF2 and POT1) declined in MCI and AD compared to NCI. The PreC displayed stable expression of shelterins TERF1, TERF2, POT1, RAP1 and TPP1, while TINF2 mRNA significantly increased in AD compared to NCI. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate a selective vulnerability to telomere attrition within different nodes of the DMN in prodromal AD and in aged NCI individuals with high Braak scores highlighting a putative role in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Mahady
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Bin He
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Elliott J Mufson
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Boccardi V, Cari L, Nocentini G, Riccardi C, Cecchetti R, Ruggiero C, Arosio B, Paolisso G, Herbig U, Mecocci P. Telomeres Increasingly Develop Aberrant Structures in Aging Humans. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 75:230-235. [PMID: 30388200 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/gly257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres progressively shorten with age, and it has been proposed that critically short and dysfunctional telomeres contribute to aging and aging-associated diseases in humans. For many years it was thought that telomere erosion was strictly a consequence of the "end replication problem," or the inability of replicative polymerases to completely duplicate linear DNA ends. It is becoming increasingly evident, however, that telomere shortening of cultured human cells is also caused because of other replication defects in telomeric repeats, those that cause fragile telomeres and other aberrant telomeric structures that can be detected on metaphase chromosomes. Whether these replication defects contribute to telomere erosion also in human tissues is currently unknown. By analyzing peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a total of 35 healthy subjects ranging in age from 23 to 101 years, we demonstrated that telomeres increasingly display aberrant structures with advancing donor age. Although the percentages of fragile telomeres increased only until adulthood, the percentages of chromosomes displaying sister telomere loss and sister telomere chromatid fusions increased consistently throughout the entire human life span. Our data, therefore, suggest that telomeric replication defects other than the end replication problem contribute to aging-associated telomere erosion in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Boccardi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital
| | - Luigi Cari
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia
| | | | - Carlo Riccardi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia
| | - Roberta Cecchetti
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital
| | - Carmelinda Ruggiero
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital
| | - Beatrice Arosio
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan.,Department of Medical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan
| | - Giuseppe Paolisso
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurologic, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Utz Herbig
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School-Cancer Center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark
| | - Patrizia Mecocci
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital
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12
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Levstek T, Kozjek E, Dolžan V, Trebušak Podkrajšek K. Telomere Attrition in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:219. [PMID: 32760251 PMCID: PMC7373805 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere attrition is increased in various disorders and is therefore a potential biomarker for diagnosis and/or prognosis of these disorders. The contribution of telomere attrition in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders is yet to be fully elucidated. We are reviewing the current knowledge regarding the telomere biology in two common neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Furthermore, we are discussing future prospective of telomere research in these disorders. The majority of studies reported consistent evidence of the accelerated telomere attrition in AD patients, possibly in association with elevated oxidative stress levels. On the other hand in PD, various studies reported contradictory evidence regarding telomere attrition. Consequently, due to the low specificity and sensitivity, the clinical benefit of telomere length as a biomarker of neurodegenerative disease development and progression is not yet recognized. Nevertheless, longitudinal studies in large carefully selected cohorts might provide further elucidation of the complex involvement of the telomeres in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Telomere length maintenance is a complex process characterized by environmental, genetic, and epigenetic determinants. Thus, in addition to the selection of the study cohort, also the selection of analytical methods and types of biological samples for evaluation of the telomere attrition is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Levstek
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Kozjek
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Trebušak Podkrajšek
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Farahzadi R, Fathi E, Vietor I. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Could Be Considered as a Candidate for Further Studies in Cell-Based Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease via Targeting the Signaling Pathways. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1424-1435. [PMID: 32310632 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of particular interest because of their potential in regenerative medicine. Stem cell-based therapies cast a new hope for neurodegenerative disease treatment as a regeneration strategy, including treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). A multitude of cytokines and factors secreted from MSCs are known to give such multifunctional properties, but associated mechanisms of these factors have yet to be entirely understood. To better understand the in vitro effect of MSCs on a neurodegenerative disorder, we treated primary cortical and hippocampal neural cells with amyloid β (Aβ) as an in vitro cell line model for AD. For this purpose, bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) were cocultured with Aβ-treated neural cells, collected at day 3, and subjected to absolute telomere length measurement and telomerase activity assay. Next, the gene and protein expression levels of mTOR, p-mTOR, AMPK, p-AMPK, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, Wnt3, and β-catenin were investigated. Also, after 3 days of coculture treatment, the supernatant was collected from both groups for cytokine measurement. It was found that telomere length as a biomarker in neurodegenerative disorder as well as telomerase activity had significantly increased in the experimental group, and the presence of IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β was obviously significant in the cocultured media. Also, BMSCs significantly changed the gene and protein expression of mTOR, AMPK, GSK-3β, and Wnt3/β-catenin signaling pathways components. It was concluded that the mentioned effects of MSCs on neural cells as an in vitro cell line model for AD as a therapeutic agent can be related to the signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Farahzadi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 516615731, Iran
| | - Ezzatollah Fathi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
| | - Ilja Vietor
- Division of Cell Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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Ding X, Liu X, Wang F, Wang F, Geng X. Role of Senescence and Neuroprotective Effects of Telomerase in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Rejuvenation Res 2020; 23:150-158. [DOI: 10.1089/rej.2018.2115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xuelu Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuewen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Geng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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15
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Koh SH, Choi SH, Jeong JH, Jang JW, Park KW, Kim EJ, Kim HJ, Hong JY, Yoon SJ, Yoon B, Kang JH, Lee JM, Park HH, Ha J, Suh YJ, Kang S. Telomere shortening reflecting physical aging is associated with cognitive decline and dementia conversion in mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:4407-4423. [PMID: 32126022 PMCID: PMC7093181 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether telomere length (TL) reflecting physical rather than chronological aging is associated with disease progression in the different cognitive stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Study participants included 89 subjects with amyloid pathology (A+), determined through amyloid PET or cerebrospinal fluid analysis, including 26 cognitively unimpaired (CU A+) individuals, 28 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI A+), and 35 subjects with AD dementia (ADD A+). As controls, 104 CU A- individuals were selected. The participants were evaluated annually over two years from baseline. Compared to the highest TL quartile group of MCI A+ participants, the lowest TL quartile group yielded 2-year differences of -9.438 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -14.567 ~ -4.309), -26.708 (-41.576 ~ -11.839), 3.198 (1.323 ~ 5.056), and 2.549 (0.527 ~ 4.571) on the Mini-Mental State Examination, Consortium to Establish a Registry for AD, Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes, and Blessed Dementia Scale-Activities of Daily Living, respectively. With this group, the lowest TL quartile group had a significantly greater probability of progressing to ADD than the highest TL quartile group (hazard ratio = 13.16, 95% CI = 1.11 ~ 156.61). Telomere shortening may be associated with rapid cognitive decline and conversion to dementia in MCI A+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Ho Koh
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Seong Hye Choi
- Department of Neurology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Jee Hyang Jeong
- Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul 07985, Korea
| | - Jae-Won Jang
- Department of Neurology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24289, Korea
| | - Kyung Won Park
- Department of Neurology, Dong-A Medical Center, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan 49201, Korea
| | - Eun-Joo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Busan 49241, Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Jin Yong Hong
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Korea
| | - Soo Jin Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35233, Korea
| | - Bora Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Ju-Hee Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Jong-Min Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Hyun-Hee Park
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Jungsoon Ha
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri 11923, Korea.,GemVax and Kael Co., Ltd, Seongnam 13461, Korea
| | - Young Ju Suh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Suyeon Kang
- Department of Statistics, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
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16
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Casati M, Boccardi V, Ferri E, Bertagnoli L, Bastiani P, Ciccone S, Mansi M, Scamosci M, Rossi PD, Mecocci P, Arosio B. Vitamin E and Alzheimer's disease: the mediating role of cellular aging. Aging Clin Exp Res 2020; 32:459-464. [PMID: 31054115 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-019-01209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin E represents a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory system, playing a role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Different plasma concentrations of the forms of vitamin E are observed in AD compared to cognitively healthy subjects. AIM Since these modifications may modulate the markers of oxidative stress and cellular aging, we aim to explore the relationship between vitamin E forms and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in AD. METHODS 53 AD subjects and 40 cognitively healthy controls (CTs) were enrolled. The vitamin E forms (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol, α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienol), the ratio of α-tocopherylquinone/α-tocopherol and 5-nitro-γ-tocopherol/γ-tocopherol (markers of oxidative/nitrosative damage) and LTL were measured. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Regression model was used to explore the associations of vitamin E forms and LTL with AD. The interaction of LTL in the association between vitamin E forms and AD was tested. AD subjects showed significantly lower concentrations of α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol, α- and δ-tocotrienol, total tocopherols, total tocotrienols and total vitamin E compared to CTs. AD subjects showed higher values of nitrosative/oxidative damage. The adjusted analyses confirmed a significant relationship of AD with plasma concentrations of α- and β-tocopherols, δ-tocotrienol, total tocopherols, total tocotrienol, total vitamin E and oxidative/nitrosative damage. However, nitrosative damage was significantly associated with AD only in subjects with higher LTL and not in those expressing marked cellular aging. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the role of vitamin E in AD pathology and indicates that nitrosative damage influences the association with AD only in subjects characterized by longer LTL.
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17
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Arabfard M, Ohadi M, Rezaei Tabar V, Delbari A, Kavousi K. Genome-wide prediction and prioritization of human aging genes by data fusion: a machine learning approach. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:832. [PMID: 31706268 PMCID: PMC6842548 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6140-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Machine learning can effectively nominate novel genes for various research purposes in the laboratory. On a genome-wide scale, we implemented multiple databases and algorithms to predict and prioritize the human aging genes (PPHAGE). Results We fused data from 11 databases, and used Naïve Bayes classifier and positive unlabeled learning (PUL) methods, NB, Spy, and Rocchio-SVM, to rank human genes in respect with their implication in aging. The PUL methods enabled us to identify a list of negative (non-aging) genes to use alongside the seed (known age-related) genes in the ranking process. Comparison of the PUL algorithms revealed that none of the methods for identifying a negative sample were advantageous over other methods, and their simultaneous use in a form of fusion was critical for obtaining optimal results (PPHAGE is publicly available at https://cbb.ut.ac.ir/pphage). Conclusion We predict and prioritize over 3,000 candidate age-related genes in human, based on significant ranking scores. The identified candidate genes are associated with pathways, ontologies, and diseases that are linked to aging, such as cancer and diabetes. Our data offer a platform for future experimental research on the genetic and biological aspects of aging. Additionally, we demonstrate that fusion of PUL methods and data sources can be successfully used for aging and disease candidate gene prioritization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Arabfard
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kish International Campus University of Tehran, Kish, Iran.,Laboratory of Complex Biological Systems and Bioinformatics (CBB), Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Ohadi
- Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Vahid Rezaei Tabar
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences and Computer, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Delbari
- Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Kavousi
- Laboratory of Complex Biological Systems and Bioinformatics (CBB), Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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O'Hara R, Tedone E, Ludlow A, Huang E, Arosio B, Mari D, Shay JW. Quantitative mitochondrial DNA copy number determination using droplet digital PCR with single-cell resolution. Genome Res 2019; 29:1878-1888. [PMID: 31548359 PMCID: PMC6836731 DOI: 10.1101/gr.250480.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are involved in a number of diverse cellular functions, including energy production, metabolic regulation, apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, cell proliferation, and motility, as well as free radical generation. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is present at hundreds to thousands of copies per cell in a tissue-specific manner. mtDNA copy number also varies during aging and disease progression and therefore might be considered as a biomarker that mirrors alterations within the human body. Here, we present a new quantitative, highly sensitive droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method, droplet digital mitochondrial DNA measurement (ddMDM), to measure mtDNA copy number not only from cell populations but also from single cells. Our developed assay can generate data in as little as 3 h, is optimized for 96-well plates, and also allows the direct use of cell lysates without the need for DNA purification or nuclear reference genes. We show that ddMDM is able to detect differences between samples whose mtDNA copy number was close enough as to be indistinguishable by other commonly used mtDNA quantitation methods. By utilizing ddMDM, we show quantitative changes in mtDNA content per cell across a wide variety of physiological contexts including cancer progression, cell cycle progression, human T cell activation, and human aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan O'Hara
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Enzo Tedone
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Andrew Ludlow
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Ejun Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Beatrice Arosio
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.,Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Mari
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.,Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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19
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Herrmann M, Pusceddu I, März W, Herrmann W. Telomere biology and age-related diseases. Clin Chem Lab Med 2019; 56:1210-1222. [PMID: 29494336 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2017-0870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are the protective end caps of chromosomes and shorten with every cell division. Telomere length has been proposed as a biomarker of biological age and a risk factor for age-related diseases. Epidemiologic studies show an association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mortality. There is solid evidence that links LTL with cardiovascular disease. Short telomeres promote atherosclerosis and impair the repair of vascular lesions. Alzheimer's disease patients have also a reduced LTL. Telomeres measured in tumor tissue from breast, colon and prostate are shorter than in healthy tissue from the same organ and the same patient. In healthy tissue directly adjacent to these tumors, telomeres are also shorter than in cells that are more distant from the cancerous lesion. A reduced telomere length in cancer tissue from breast, colon and prostate is associated with an advanced disease state at diagnosis, faster disease progression and poorer survival. By contrast, results regarding LTL and cancer are inconsistent. Furthermore, the majority of studies did not find significant associations between LTL, bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis. The present manuscript gives an overview about our current understanding of telomere biology and reviews existing knowledge regarding the relationship between telomere length and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Bolzano Hospital, Lorenz-Boehler-Str. 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.,Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Irene Pusceddu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Winfried März
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Medical Clinic V (Nephrology, Hypertensiology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Diabetology), Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.,Synlab Academy, Synlab Holding Deutschland GmbH, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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20
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Abstract
Ever since their discovery, the telomeres and the telomerase have been topics of intensive research, first as a mechanism of cellular aging and later as an indicator of health and diseases in humans. By protecting the chromosome ends, the telomeres play a vital role in preserving the information in our genome. Telomeres shorten with age and the rate of telomere erosion provides insight into the proliferation history of cells. The pace of telomere attrition is known to increase at the onset of several pathological conditions. Telomere shortening has been emerging as a potential contributor in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and depression. The rate of telomere attrition in the brain is slower than that of other tissues owing to the low rate of cell proliferation in brain. Telomere maintenance is crucial for the functioning of stem cells in brain. Taking together the studies on telomere attrition in various neurological disorders, an association between telomere shortening and disease status has been demonstrated in schizophrenia, AD and depression, in spite of a few negative reports. But, studies in ASD and PD have failed to produce conclusive results. The cause-effect relationship between TL and neurological disorders is yet to be elucidated. The factors responsible for telomere erosion, which have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, need to be explored in detail. Telomerase activation is now being considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyappan Anitha
- Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Palakkad, Kerala, India.
| | - Ismail Thanseem
- Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Palakkad, Kerala, India
| | - Mahesh Mundalil Vasu
- Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Palakkad, Kerala, India
| | - Vijitha Viswambharan
- Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Palakkad, Kerala, India
| | - Suresh A Poovathinal
- Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Palakkad, Kerala, India
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21
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Tedone E, Huang E, O'Hara R, Batten K, Ludlow AT, Lai TP, Arosio B, Mari D, Wright WE, Shay JW. Telomere length and telomerase activity in T cells are biomarkers of high-performing centenarians. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12859. [PMID: 30488553 PMCID: PMC6351827 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It is generally recognized that the function of the immune system declines with increased age and one of the major immune changes is impaired T-cell responses upon antigen presentation/stimulation. Some "high-performing" centenarians (100+ years old) are remarkably successful in escaping, or largely postponing, major age-related diseases. However, the majority of centenarians ("low-performing") have experienced these pathologies and are forced to reside in long-term nursing facilities. Previous studies have pooled all centenarians examining heterogeneous populations of resting/unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). T cells represent around 60% of PBMC and are in a quiescence state when unstimulated. However, upon stimulation, T cells rapidly divide and exhibit dramatic changes in gene expression. We have compared stimulated T-cell responses and identified a set of transcripts expressed in vitro that are dramatically different in high- vs. low-performing centenarians. We have also identified several other measurements that are different between high- and low-performing centenarians: (a) The amount of proliferation following in vitro stimulation is dramatically greater in high-performing centenarians compared to 67- to 83-year-old controls and low-performing centenarians; (b) telomere length is greater in the high-performing centenarians; and (c) telomerase activity following stimulation is greater in the high-performing centenarians. In addition, we have validated a number of genes whose expression is directly related to telomere length and these are potential fundamental biomarkers of aging that may influence the risk and progression of multiple aging conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Tedone
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ejun Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ryan O'Hara
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kimberly Batten
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Andrew T Ludlow
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Tsung-Po Lai
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Beatrice Arosio
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Mari
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Woodring E Wright
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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22
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Boccardi V, Arosio B, Cari L, Bastiani P, Scamosci M, Casati M, Ferri E, Bertagnoli L, Ciccone S, Rossi PD, Nocentini G, Mecocci P. Beta-carotene, telomerase activity and Alzheimer’s disease in old age subjects. Eur J Nutr 2020; 59:119-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00394-019-01892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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23
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Gao K, Wei C, Zhu J, Wang X, Chen G, Luo Y, Zhang D, Yue W, Yu H. Exploring the Causal Pathway From Telomere Length to Alzheimer's Disease: An Update Mendelian Randomization Study. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:843. [PMID: 31803085 PMCID: PMC6873744 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows that telomere length shortening is associated with the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), pointing to a potential modifiable target for prevention. However, the causality of this association is still not clear. To investigate the causal relationship between telomere length and AD, we use two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess potential causal inference. We used summary-level data for telomere length (9,190 participants) and AD (71,880 cases and 383,378 controls). We performed two-sample MR analysis with single nucleotide polymorphisms previously identified to be associated with telomere length. The MR analyses were conducted using the inverse-variance-weighted method and complemented with the maximum likelihood, weighted median, weighted mode approaches. MR evidence suggested that shorter telomere length was causally associated with a higher risk for AD (inverse-variance weighted estimate of odds ratio (OR): 1.03 per SD decrease of telomere length, P=1.21×10-2). The maximum likelihood, weighted median, weighted mode yielded a similar pattern of effects. The results were similar in sensitivity analyses. Using genetic instruments identified from large-scale genome-wide association study, robust evidence supports a causal role of telomere length shortening with increased risk of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Gao
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Ministry of Health, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Wei
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Psychiatric Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Jin Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Guoqing Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yangyang Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Ministry of Health, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), Peking University, Beijing, China.,PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Yue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Ministry of Health, Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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24
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Galletly C, Dhillon VS, Liu D, Balzan RP, Hahn LA, Fenech MF. Shorter telomere length in people with schizophrenia: A preliminary study from Australia. Schizophr Res 2017; 190:46-51. [PMID: 28285024 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness affecting the normal functioning of the brain, interfering with the ability to think, feel and act. It can be conceptualised as a syndrome of accelerated ageing, with early onset of cardiovascular disease and high rates of premature mortality. Telomere attrition increases with oxidative stress and is considered a biomarker of ageing. Previous studies have assessed abnormalities in telomere length in schizophrenia, but the results are inconsistent. The present study used a case-control design to assess whether people with schizophrenia have shortened telomeres, indicative of accelerated ageing. Subjects were all male, aged 25-35years, living in the same urban region of Adelaide, South Australia. Telomere length was measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. We found significantly shorter telomeres in people with schizophrenia relative to healthy controls. This is the first study to show telomere attrition among people with schizophrenia in Australia. Shorter telomere length may indicate the common pathways that schizophrenia shares with other neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders associated with increased cellular senescence. Further well-controlled larger studies in people with schizophrenia are required to fully understand (i) the role of variables that have the potential to modulate telomere length such as use of antipsychotic drugs, medical conditions, parental age, smoking, alcohol abuse and use of illicit drugs; (ii) effective treatments to slow telomere erosion and (iii) mechanisms responsible for accelerating and reducing telomere damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherrie Galletly
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health, Australia.
| | - Varinderpal S Dhillon
- Nutrigenomics & DNA Damage Diagnostics, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dennis Liu
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ryan P Balzan
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa A Hahn
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health, Australia
| | - Michael F Fenech
- Nutrigenomics & DNA Damage Diagnostics, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Hinterberger M, Fischer P, Huber K, Krugluger W, Zehetmayer S. Leukocyte telomere length is linked to vascular risk factors not to Alzheimer's disease in the VITA study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 124:809-19. [PMID: 28393276 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1721-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Association of telomere shortening with overall dementia or Alzheimer's disease is described controversially and the pathophysiologic relevance is unclear. Whether patients, suffering from pure probable Alzheimer's disease or pure vascular dementia, have shorter leukocyte telomeres than cognitively healthy controls was determined. Leukocyte telomere lengths (LTLs) of 597 participants of the VITA study (longitudinal community-based age-cohort [mean 75.7 (±0.45) years] study: 243 male; 578 non-demented at baseline) were compared with different aspects of cognition, risk factors of dementia and survival. LTLs of 264 persons cognitively healthy at baseline (mild cognitive impaired excluded) and all follow-ups (mean = 5643 bp, SD = 736) did not show any difference to LTLs of 43 incident pure possible (mean = 5548 bp; SD = 666) or 34 incident pure probable Alzheimer's diseases (mean = 5712 bp; SD = 695; post hoc Dunnett test: MD = -95; SE = 119; p = 0.67 and MD =+68.3; SE = 132; p = 0.84, res.). 264 stably cognitively healthy showed a trend to longer telomeres than 6 incident vascular dementias (mean = 5643 bp, SD = 736 vs mean = 5101 bp, SD = 510; t test: T = 1.8; df = 268; p = 0.07). Males (n = 243; mean = 5470 bp; SD = 684) had significantly shorter telomeres than females (n = 354; mean = 5686 bp; SD = 714; t test: T = -3.7; df = 595; p = 0.0001) and died significantly earlier (113.7 vs 130.1 months: Log Rank Chi square = 12.2; p = 0.0001). Shorter telomeres were associated with prevalence of more than one vascular risk factor (n = 587; mean = 5728; SD = 723 vs mean = 5533; SD = 691; t test: T = 3.1; df = 576; p = 0.002) and, as a trend, with poorer survival (Cox Regression: Wald = 4.9; p = 0.026; OR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.96-0.99). In 75.7 years old persons, no association of LTL with incident pure Alzheimer's disease was found. Significantly shorter telomeres were associated with sum of vascular risk factors, males and early mortality in males. Exclusion of mixed dementias may improve the search for risk factors more specific for Alzheimer's disease.
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Xu X, Chen X, Zhang X, Liu Y, Wang Z, Wang P, Du Y, Qin Y, Chen ZJ. Impaired telomere length and telomerase activity in peripheral blood leukocytes and granulosa cells in patients with biochemical primary ovarian insufficiency. Hum Reprod 2016; 32:201-207. [PMID: 27836977 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are telomere length and telomerase activity associated with biochemical primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)? SUMMARY ANSWER Shortened telomere length and diminished telomerase activity were associated with biochemical POI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY POI is a result of pathological reproductive aging and encompasses occult, biochemical and overt stages. Studies have indicated telomere length as a biomarker for biological aging. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A total of 120 patients with biochemical POI and 279 control women were recruited by the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes (LTL) and granulosa cells (GTL) was measured using a modified Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction technique. The relative telomerase activity (RTA) in granulosa cells was detected using a modified quantitative-telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After adjusting for age, patients with biochemical POI (n = 120) exhibited significantly shorter LTLs (0.75 ± 0.09 vs 1.79 ± 0.12, P < 0.001; OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.43-0.68) and GTLs (0.78 ± 0.09 vs 1.90 ± 0.23, P < 0.001; OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.41-0.70) than the controls (n = 279 for LTLs; n = 90 for GTLs). Significantly diminished RTAs in granulosa cells were detected in patients with biochemical POI (n = 31) compared with the controls (n = 38) (1.57 ± 0.59 vs 4.63 ± 0.93, P = 0.025; OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72-0.98). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The cross-sectional nature of this study might have its limit in telomere length as well as telomerase activity along with the progressing decline in ovarian function. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings suggest that telomere length and telomerase activity may be considered as indicators for progression of ovarian decline. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This research was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (2012CB944700), Science research foundation item of no-earnings health vocation (201402004) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31471352, 81270662, 81471509, 81300461, 81522018). The authors have no potential conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,The Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University) Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Xinxia Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,The Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University) Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Xiruo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,The Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University) Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Yixun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,The Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University) Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Peng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,The Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University) Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Yanzhi Du
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,The Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University) Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan 250021, P.R. China .,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan 250021, P.R. China.,The Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University) Jinan, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
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González-Giraldo Y, Forero DA, Echeverria V, Gonzalez J, Ávila-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE. Neuroprotective effects of the catalytic subunit of telomerase: A potential therapeutic target in the central nervous system. Ageing Res Rev 2016; 28:37-45. [PMID: 27095058 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Senescence plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases and involves key molecular changes induced by several mechanisms such as oxidative stress, telomere shortening and DNA damage. Potential therapeutic strategies directed to counteract these molecular changes are of great interest for the prevention of the neurodegenerative process. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein composed of a catalytic subunit (TERT) and a RNA subunit (TERC). It is known that the telomerase is involved in the maintenance of telomere length and is a highly expressed protein in embryonic stages and decreases in adult cells. In the last decade, a growing number of studies have shown that TERT has neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models after a brain injury. Significantly, differences in TERT expression between controls and patients with major depressive disorder have been observed. More recently, TERT has been associated with the decrease in reactive oxygen species and DNA protection in mitochondria of neurons. In this review, we highlight the role of TERT in some neurodegenerative disorders and discuss some studies focusing on this protein as a potential target for neuroprotective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeimy González-Giraldo
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Diego A Forero
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Valentina Echeverria
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Janneth Gonzalez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | | | | | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia; Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru.
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28
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Forero DA, González-Giraldo Y, López-Quintero C, Castro-Vega LJ, Barreto GE, Perry G. Meta-analysis of Telomere Length in Alzheimer's Disease. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2016; 71:1069-73. [PMID: 27091133 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glw053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common and severe neurodegenerative disorder. Human telomeres are fundamental for the maintenance of genomic stability and play prominent roles in both cellular senescence and organismal aging. Regulation of telomere length (TL) is the result of the complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Alterations in TL are increasingly being studied as a possible risk factor for AD, and published studies on TL in AD show discrepant results, highlighting the need for a meta-analysis. METHODS In the current study, we carried out a meta-analysis of published studies of TL in AD patients and healthy controls. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases (from inception to September 2015) were used to identify relevant articles reporting TL in humans with AD, from which we retrieved data such as sample size, experimental methods, and mean TL for cases and controls. A random-effects model was used for meta-analytical procedures. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 13 primary studies and demonstrated a significant difference in TL between 860 AD patients and 2,022 controls, with a standardized mean difference of -0.984 (confidence interval: -1.433 to -0.535; p value: <.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results show a consistent evidence of shorter telomeres in AD patients and highlight the importance of the analysis of epigenomic markers associated with neurodegeneration and with the risk for common and severe neurological diseases, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A Forero
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Yeimy González-Giraldo
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Catalina López-Quintero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | | | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia. Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas at San Antonio
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