RELATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AND LEUKOCYTE TELOMERE LENGTH

Telomere length (TL) is a recognized marker of replicative cellular ageing, and related to the ageing of cardiovascular system with the risk of cardiovascular diseases development (CVD). Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress significantly determine the velocity of telomeres shortening, and most of CVD risk factors (RF) closely related to these proceses; and it is possible to suggest that relationship of TL and RF determine CVD risk. However, clinical studies on this processes elaboration are lacking.

Aim. To study relation of TL with traditional and some “new” RF in persons of different age without clinical signs of CVD, related to atherosclerosis.

Material and methods. Totally, 303 patients included, of the age 25-91 y.o., without signs of CVD and other chronic diseases, not taking regularly and medications. All patients underwent traditional and some “novel” RF. TL was measured via real time polymerase chain reaction.

Results. According to the regression model, TL is independently related to age, C-reactive protein (marker of inflammation), urea (oxidative stress maker), and metabolic status markers as waist circumference, insulin resistance index HOMA, fasting glucose level; the most significant predictor is HOMA (p=0,0001). Risk of having shortened telomeres increases 12 times with increased urea, 2,4 times with insulin resistance, 2 times in fasting hyperglycemia.

Conclusion. Revealing of the factors that are related to cellular ageing makes it to define the most potentially benefit targets for interventions towards early and effective CVD prevention. 

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