Telomere Length and Fertility: A Study from Norway
Author Information
Author(s): Skåra Karoline H., Lee Yunsung, Jugessur Astanand, Gjessing Håkon K., Aviv Abraham, Brumpton Ben, Næss Øyvind, Hernáez Álvaro, Hanevik Hans Ivar, Magnus Per, Magnus Maria C.
Primary Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Hypothesis
We hypothesized that there would be an association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and fecundability, infertility, and ART use in both women and men.
Conclusion
We found no indication that LTL is a suitable biomarker for assessing fecundability, infertility, or ART use.
Supporting Evidence
- Approximately 11% of couples had experienced infertility and 4% had used ART.
- LTL was not associated with fecundability in women or men.
- An increased likelihood of using ART was observed with increasing LTL in men.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether the length of a specific part of our DNA, called telomeres, affects how easily people can have babies. It found that telomere length doesn't really help us understand fertility.
Methodology
The study used data from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study, including measurements of leukocyte telomere length and self-reported time to pregnancy.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias in self-reported time to pregnancy.
Limitations
The study was limited to couples who achieved pregnancy, which may not represent those with severe infertility issues.
Participant Demographics
The mean age was 32 years for women and 34 years for men in the subsample analyzed.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.03–1.46 for ART use in men with longer TRF-determined LTL.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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