Telomere Testing
A telomere is a region of repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome, which protects the end of the chromosome from deterioration. Telomeres are longer in youth and progressively shorten with each cell division until a critical shortening has occurred which signals cell senescence or cell death. It is estimated that human telomere lose approximately 100 base pairs from their telomeric DNA with each cell division, limiting the number of cell division. Shorter telomeres imply a shorter lifespan for the cell.
Shorter telomere length has been associated with an increased risk for a number of chronic diseases including metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, dementia and premature death. This association has been theorized to be an affect of inflammation and oxidative stress or a combination of both. It has been found that telomeres are significantly shorter in people with aging-associated diseases such as coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure.
Telomere length provides the best measure of an individual’s biological age compared to their chronological age, where shorter telomeres reflect more advanced biological age. Telomeres are shortened over time as a result of cellular replication, but can be accelerated by harmful environmental factors like oxidative stress. Age-related diseases and premature ageing syndromes are characterized by short telomeres.
Telomere length is maintained by an enzyme called telomerase. By adding base pairs to the end of the chromosomal strand, telomerase can increase the number of times a cell can divide or replicate, which ultimately prolongs the life of the cell. Telomerase is present but inactive in most human cells, but is active in stem cells, immune system cells, hair follicles and most cancer cells. Most cancer cells, however, have shorter telomeres than normal cells in an individual.
Testing
We offer telomere length testing through one of our partner labs, Spectracell Laboratories. Through a simple blood test, telomere length is determined in an individual’s lymphocytes, which is then compared to telomere length in a population of people with similar chronological age.
Strategies to maintain telomere length
Numerous studies have shown that a healthy lifestyle increases telomerase activity and is beneficial in controlling the aging process.
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Consume a plant-based diet, similar to a Mediterranean-style diet
- Consume omega-3 fish oils
- Consume adequate anti-oxidants, vitamin C, D, E and green tea extract
- Increase physical activity
- Maintain a healthy body composition and avoid excess body fat
- Correct insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome
- Stop or do not start smoking tobacco
