Telomere Length in Heart Failure Patients and Their Offspring
Author Information
Author(s): Liza S. M. Wong, Jardi Huzen, Rudolf A. de Boer, Wiek H. van Gilst, Dirk J. van Veldhuisen, Pim van der Harst
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Telomere length (TL) is causally involved in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart failure (IHF).
Conclusion
Shorter leukocyte telomere length in offspring of IHF patients suggests a potential causal link of TL in ischemic heart disease.
Supporting Evidence
- IHF patients had shorter leukocyte TL compared to healthy controls (p=0.002).
- Offspring of IHF patients had shorter TL in leukocytes than offspring of healthy subjects (p=0.04).
- Strong correlations were found between parent and offspring TL in all examined cell types.
Takeaway
This study found that children of heart failure patients have shorter telomeres, which might mean they are more likely to have heart problems too.
Methodology
Telomere length was measured by qPCR in leukocytes, CD34+ progenitor cells, mononuclear cells, and buccal cells from IHF patients, healthy controls, and their offspring.
Limitations
The study did not analyze other leukocyte populations that may contribute to differences in leukocyte TL.
Participant Demographics
27 IHF patients, 24 healthy controls, and 60 offspring; average age of IHF patients was 69 years, 85% male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.002 for leukocytes in IHF patients vs. controls; p=0.04 for offspring of IHF patients vs. controls.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website