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Biomedicines
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Telomere Biology in Human Health, Aging and Diseases
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Telomere Biology in Human Health, Aging and Diseases

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Cell Biology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 12765

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michael Fossel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Telocyte LLC, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Interests: telomeres; telomerase; dementia; gene therapy; Alzheimer’s; age-related disease; cardiovascular disease
Dr. Kurt Whittemore

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
Interests: telomeres; telomerase; aging; gene and cell therapies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The cascade of events that occur during cell aging—the process underlying all age-related diseases—is complex, but a unified model is not only feasible but offers optimal clinical targets, such as the telomere. This issue focuses on the role of telomere loss in modulating cell aging and age-related diseases, as well as on the potential to intervene effectively to prevent and cure such age-related diseases through the use of telomerase and similar approaches to effectively reverse cell aging.

Dr. Michael Fossel
Dr. Kurt Whittemore
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • telomere
  • telomerase
  • gene therapy
  • age-related disease
  • dementia
  • cardiovascular disease
  • osteoarthritis
  • osteoporosis
  • renal aging
  • cell aging
  • cell senescence
  • epigenetics
  • mitochondria
  • aging

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 551 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Relationship between Telomere Length and Cognitive Changes in Post-COVID-19 Subjects
by Guillermo Efrén Villar-Juárez, Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza, J. Nicolas I. Martínez-López, Ana Fresan, Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zaráte, German Alberto Nolasco-Rosales, Ghandy Isidro Juárez-De la Cruz, David Ruiz Ramos, Mario Villar-Soto, Paola Mejía-Ortiz, Marlen Gómez Mendiola, Isela Esther Juárez-Rojop and Humberto Nicolini
Biomedicines 2024, 12(10), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102296 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1421
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests that patients suffering from COVID-19 may experience neurocognitive symptoms. Furthermore, other studies indicate a probable association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and neurocognitive changes in subjects with post-COVID-19 condition. Our study was designed to determine the correlation between telomere [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests that patients suffering from COVID-19 may experience neurocognitive symptoms. Furthermore, other studies indicate a probable association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and neurocognitive changes in subjects with post-COVID-19 condition. Our study was designed to determine the correlation between telomere length and cognitive changes in post-COVID-19 subjects. Methods: This study included 256 subjects, categorized based on SARS-CoV-2 infection from 2020 to 2023. In addition, subjects with a psychiatric diagnosis were considered. Moreover, the MoCA and MMSE scales were applied. Telomere length was determined using a polymerase chain reaction, and statistical analysis was employed using ANOVA and X2 tests. Results: We identified a decrease in LTL in individuals with post-COVID-19 conditions compared to those without SARS-CoV-2 infection (p ≤ 0.05). However, no association was found between LTL and cognitive impairment in the subjects post-COVID-19. Conclusions: The findings suggest that LTL is affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nonetheless, this important finding requires further research by monitoring neurological changes in subjects with post-COVID condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telomere Biology in Human Health, Aging and Diseases)
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12 pages, 1131 KiB  
Article
Association of Telomere Length in T Lymphocytes, B Lymphocytes, NK Cells and Monocytes with Different Forms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
by Anait S. Khalatyan, Anastasiya N. Shishparenok, Konstantin S. Avetisov, Yulia A. Gladilina, Varvara G. Blinova and Dmitry D. Zhdanov
Biomedicines 2024, 12(8), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12081893 - 19 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1523
Abstract
Background: Age plays a primary role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Telomere length (TL) is one of the most relevant biomarkers of aging. In our study, we aimed to determine the association of TL with T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, NK [...] Read more.
Background: Age plays a primary role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Telomere length (TL) is one of the most relevant biomarkers of aging. In our study, we aimed to determine the association of TL with T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, NK cells or monocytes with different forms of AMD. Methods: Our study included 62 patients with AMD: geographic atrophy (GA), neovascular AMD (NVAMD) with and without macular atrophy and 22 healthy controls. Each leukocyte subtype was isolated from peripheral blood by immunomagnetic separation, and the DNA was purified. The TL in the genomic DNA was determined using qPCR by amplifying the telomere region with specific oligonucleotide primers and normalizing to the control gene. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.5.1. Results: We observed a statistically significant increase in TL in the T cells between the control and NVAMD groups but not for the GA group. The B cells and monocytes showed a significant decrease in TL in all AMD groups. The TL in the NK cells did not decrease in any of the AMD groups. Conclusions: The TL in the monocytes had the strongest association with AMD. It reflects a person’s “telomeric status” and may become a diagnostic hallmark of these degenerative processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telomere Biology in Human Health, Aging and Diseases)
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9 pages, 731 KiB  
Article
Dynamics of Leukocyte Telomere Length in Patients with Fabry Disease
by Tina Levstek, Nika Breznik, Bojan Vujkovac, Albina Nowak and Katarina Trebušak Podkrajšek
Biomedicines 2024, 12(8), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12081724 - 1 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1142
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) leads to significant morbidity and mortality, which may indicate accelerated ageing. However, it is still unclear whether there is a relationship between telomere length (TL), a marker of biological ageing, and disease outcome. We aimed to examine the relationship between [...] Read more.
Fabry disease (FD) leads to significant morbidity and mortality, which may indicate accelerated ageing. However, it is still unclear whether there is a relationship between telomere length (TL), a marker of biological ageing, and disease outcome. We aimed to examine the relationship between leukocyte TL (LTL) dynamics and the presence of advanced disease stages and/or late complications of FD, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, nephropathy and stroke, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and quantitative PCR was utilized to determine relative LTL in 99 Fabry patients. In the longitudinal analysis, we included 50 patients in whom at least three measurements were performed over a period of 5–10 years. The results showed a significant inverse correlation between LTL and age (ρ = −0.20, p = 0.05). No significant differences in LTL were found between females and males (p = 0.79) or between patients receiving disease-specific therapy and those without (p = 0.34). In a cross-sectional analysis, no association was found between the presence (p = 0.15) or number (p = 0.28) of advanced stages of the disease and/or late complications and LTL. Similarly, in a longitudinal analysis, no difference in LTL dynamics was found regarding the presence (p = 0.16) of advanced stage organ involvement and/or late complications or their number. These findings indicate that LTL dynamics in adulthood may not be a reliable indicator of disease outcomes in Fabry patients. Therefore, LTL may more accurately reflect the disease burden in early life, when TL is primarily determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telomere Biology in Human Health, Aging and Diseases)
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11 pages, 1329 KiB  
Article
Joint Effects of Exercise and Ramadan Fasting on Telomere Length: Implications for Cellular Aging
by Shamma Almuraikhy, Maha Sellami, Khaled Naja, Hadaia Saleh Al-Amri, Najeha Anwardeen, Amina Aden, Alexander Dömling and Mohamed A. Elrayess
Biomedicines 2024, 12(6), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12061182 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3287
Abstract
Aging is a fundamental biological process that progressively impairs the functionality of the bodily systems, leading to an increased risk of diseases. Telomere length is one of the most often used biomarkers of aging. Recent research has focused on developing interventions to mitigate [...] Read more.
Aging is a fundamental biological process that progressively impairs the functionality of the bodily systems, leading to an increased risk of diseases. Telomere length is one of the most often used biomarkers of aging. Recent research has focused on developing interventions to mitigate the effects of aging and improve the quality of life. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of exercise and Ramadan fasting on telomere length. Twenty-nine young, non-obese, healthy females were randomized into two groups: the control group underwent a 4-week exercise training program, and the second group underwent a 4-week exercise training program while fasting during Ramadan. Blood samples were collected, and measurements of clinical traits, cytokines, oxidative stress, and telomere length were performed before and after intervention. Telomere length increased significantly from baseline in the exercise-while-fasting group, but showed no significant change in the exercise control group. This increase was accompanied by a reduction in TNF-α, among other cytokines. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between the mean change in telomere length and HDL in the exercise-while-fasting group only. This study is the first to report an increase in telomere length after combining Ramadan fasting with training, suggesting that exercising while fasting may be an effective tool for slowing down the aging rate. Further studies using larger and more diverse cohorts are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telomere Biology in Human Health, Aging and Diseases)
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18 pages, 2747 KiB  
Article
Telomere Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients with Differences/Disorders of Sexual Development
by Haifaou Younoussa, Macoura Gadji, Mamadou Soumboundou, Bruno Colicchio, Ahmed Said, Ndeye Aby Ndoye, Steffen Junker, Andreas Plesch, Leonhard Heidingsfelder, Ndeye Rama Diagne, Alain Dieterlen, Philippe Voisin, Patrice Carde, Eric Jeandidier and Radhia M’kacher
Biomedicines 2024, 12(3), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12030565 - 2 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2047
Abstract
Differences/Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomical sexes is atypical. DSDs are relatively rare, but their incidence is becoming alarmingly common in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Their etiologies and mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, we [...] Read more.
Differences/Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomical sexes is atypical. DSDs are relatively rare, but their incidence is becoming alarmingly common in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Their etiologies and mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, we have investigated cytogenetic profiles, including telomere dysfunction, in a retrospective cohort of Senegalese DSD patients. Materials and methods: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were sampled from 35 DSD patients (mean age: 3.3 years; range 0–18 years) admitted to two hospital centers in Dakar. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 150 healthy donors were used as a control. Conventional cytogenetics, telomere, and centromere staining followed by multiplex FISH, as well as FISH with SRY-specific probes, were employed. Results: Cytogenetic analysis identified 19 male and 13 female patients with apparently normal karyotypes, two patients with Turner syndrome, and one patient with Klinefelter syndrome. Additional structural chromosome aberrations were detected in 22% of the patients (8/35). Telomere analysis revealed a reduction in mean telomere lengths of DSD patients compared to those of healthy donors of similar age. This reduction in telomere length was associated with an increased rate of telomere aberrations (telomere loss and the formation of telomere doublets) and the presence of additional chromosomal aberrations. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a correlation between telomere dysfunction and DSDs. Further studies may reveal the link between telomere dysfunction and possible mechanisms involved in the disease itself, such as DNA repair deficiency or specific gene mutations. The present study demonstrates the relevance of implementing telomere analysis in prenatal tests as well as in diagnosed genetic DSD disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telomere Biology in Human Health, Aging and Diseases)
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Review

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14 pages, 1570 KiB  
Review
The Notable Role of Telomere Length Maintenance in Complex Diseases
by Jiahui Lv, Xinmiao Zhao, Linjie Zhao, Chengjun Gong, Wanjie Zheng, Li Guo, Jun Wang and Tingming Liang
Biomedicines 2024, 12(11), 2611; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112611 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2378
Abstract
Telomere length function serves as a critical biomarker for biological aging and overall health. Its maintenance is linked to cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and reproductive health. This review mainly examines genetic variations and environmental influences on telomere dynamics, highlighting key regulatory genes and mechanisms. [...] Read more.
Telomere length function serves as a critical biomarker for biological aging and overall health. Its maintenance is linked to cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and reproductive health. This review mainly examines genetic variations and environmental influences on telomere dynamics, highlighting key regulatory genes and mechanisms. Advances in telomere measurement methodologies are also reviewed, underscoring the importance of precise telomere assessment for disease prevention and treatment. Telomerase activation offers potential for cellular lifespan extension and anti-aging effects, whereas its inhibition emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer. Regulatory mechanisms of tumor suppressor genes on telomerase activity are analyzed, with a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of telomerase inhibitors. In addition, the association between telomeres and neurodegenerative diseases is discussed, detailing how telomere attrition heightens disease risk and outlining multiple pathways by which telomerase protects neurons from damage and apoptosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telomere Biology in Human Health, Aging and Diseases)
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