What is telomere length?
Telomere length is the measure of the repetitive nucleotide sequences at chromosome ends. This page summarises research on compounds studied for their effects on telomere maintenance, including Epitalon, collagen peptide
What is telomere length?
Telomere length refers to the number of repetitive nucleotide sequences (TTAGGG in vertebrates) at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres maintain genomic integrity during cell replication by preventing chromosomal fusions [9]. Telomere length is considered a biomarker of aging, and a strong link exists between telomere length and aging-related diseases [3].
Research on telomere length centres on the telomerase enzyme pathway, which includes the catalytic subunit hTERT and alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) activity [3][4].
Research Studies
Epitalon and telomere elongation in human cell lines
Epitalon, a naturally occurring tetrapeptide, has been studied for its effects on mammalian cells. It is known to induce telomerase enzyme activity, resulting in the extension of telomere length [3]. A study in human cell lines investigated whether Epitalon increases telomere length through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity [2][3]. The research examined quantitative data on the biomolecular pathway leading to telomere length increase, hTERT mRNA expression, telomerase enzyme activity, and ALT activation [3][4].
Collagen peptides and telomere stabilization in adults aged 50-70
A clinical trial is investigating whether daily collagen peptide supplementation can stabilize or lengthen telomeres and improve related markers of cellular aging in adults aged 50-70 years with overweight and low-to-moderate physical activity [1]. The study aims to determine if six months of collagen peptides stabilizes or extends telomere length and increases telomerase activity compared with placebo, and whether any telomere-related changes are associated with lower inflammation, healthier body composition, and better functional health [1].
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and immunosenescence in middle-aged and elderly individuals
A placebo-controlled clinical trial is investigating the effect of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation on immunosenescence in middle-aged and elderly people with metabolic disorders [5]. The study aims to provide a new method to improve immunosenescence and examines effects on glucose and lipid metabolism [5].
Metformin and molecular aging in prediabetes
Metformin has been shown to improve lifespan in animal models through an anti-ageing pathway driven by mTOR [6]. A clinical trial is investigating metformin's effects on molecular aging in individuals with prediabetes, a population with high incidence rates of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus [6].
Telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number in porcine embryos
A study in parthenogenetically activated porcine embryos investigated the relationship between mitochondrial DNA copy number (mt-cn) and telomere length (TL), which are considered secondary markers of embryonic quality [7]. Oocytes collected from gilt ovaries were matured and subsequently activated [7].
Telomere length in patients with non-functional adrenal incidentalomas
Research in patients with non-functional adrenal incidentalomas examined telomere length, which is affected by environmental factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation [9]. These mechanisms also contribute to metabolic syndrome components linked to cellular aging [9].
Transient reprogramming and endothelial cell aging
Senescent endothelial cells (ECs), characterized by reduced angiogenic and regenerative potential, are key players in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases [8]. A study reported that non-g... [8] (the evidence is truncated; the full finding is not available).
Breast DNA methylation-based measures of biological ageing and obesity-related breast cancer risk markers
A study examined associations of breast DNA methylation-based measures of biological ageing with obesity-related breast cancer risk markers [10]. While epigenetic ageing has been linked to breast cancer risk, prior studies have mainly focused on blood-based measures [10].
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Sources
- [1] Collagen Peptides and Cellular Aging
- [2] Correction: Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity.
- [3] Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity.
- [4] Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity
- [5] The Impact of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Sustained-release Tablets on Immunosenescence and Metablism in Middle-aged and Elderly Individuals With Metabolic Disorders.
- [6] Metformin and Molecular Aging in Prediabetes
- [7] Telomere regulation of mitochondria in porcine parthenogenetic embryos.
- [8] Functional rejuvenation of endothelial cell aging by transient reprogramming.
- [9] Telomere length in patients with non-functional adrenal incidentalomas.
- [10] Associations of breast DNA methylation-based measures of biological ageing with obesity-related breast cancer risk markers.