Inflammation and Short Leukocyte Telomere Length in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): O'Donovan Aoife, Pantell Matthew S., Puterman Eli, Dhabhar Firdaus S., Blackburn Elizabeth H., Yaffe Kristine, Cawthon Richard M., Opresko Patricia L., Hsueh Wen-Chi, Satterfield Suzanne, Newman Anne B., Ayonayon Hilsa N., Rubin Susan M., Harris Tamara B., Epel Elissa S.
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
Participants with high levels of IL-6 and/or TNF-α and/or CRP would be more likely than participants with lower levels of these inflammatory markers to have short leukocyte telomere length.
Conclusion
Cumulative inflammatory load, as indicated by high levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, is associated with increased odds for short leukocyte telomere length in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants with high IL-6 had significantly higher odds for short leukocyte telomere length.
- Participants with high TNF-α also had significantly higher odds for short leukocyte telomere length.
- The combination of high IL-6 and high TNF-α conferred the highest odds for short leukocyte telomere length.
- CRP levels were not associated with leukocyte telomere length in this cohort.
Takeaway
Older people with high inflammation levels might have shorter telomeres, which can make them age faster.
Methodology
Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between inflammatory markers and leukocyte telomere length.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to common use of anti-inflammatory medications among participants.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal interpretations, and the narrow age range may affect generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Well-functioning adults aged 70-79 years, with a mix of races and genders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.002
Confidence Interval
CI=0.37–0.72
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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