Telomere length: biological marker of cellular vitality, aging, and health-disease process
Rev. Assoc. Med. Bras. (1992)
;
67(2): 173-177, Feb. 2021.
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-1287831
ABSTRACT
SUMMARY The aging process occurs due to the decline of vital physiological functions and adaptability of the body, being influenced by genetics and lifestyle. With advances in genetics, biological aging can be calculated by telomere length. Telomeres are regions at the ends of chromosomes that play a role in the maintenance and integrity of DNA. With biological aging, telomere shortening occurs, causing cellular senescence. Several studies show that shorter telomeres are associated with acute and chronic diseases, stress, addictions, and intoxications. Even in the current COVID-19 pandemic, telomere shortening is proposed as a marker of severity in individuals infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On the other hand, healthy lifestyle habits increase telomere length and balance of various cellular functions, preventing diseases.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
COVID-19
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Rev. Assoc. Med. Bras. (1992)
Year:
2021
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidade de São Paulo/BR
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS