About Telomere length
Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from deterioration. Telomere length is a biomarker for cellular aging and overall health. It decreases with each cell division and is associated with cellular senescence and mortality.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
≥ 10 Kb
Elite Value
10 Kb
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate a heightened risk of certain cancers as they can lead to unchecked cellular replication.
Low
Low levels may be associated with accelerated aging and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disorders.
Symptoms
High
May include enlarged spleen, developmental delays, bone marrow failure, and an increased risk of cancers.
Low
Can include premature aging, cognitive decline, skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, and early onset of age-related ailments.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Blackburn, E. H., & Epel, E. S. (2017). Telomeres and adversity: Too toxic to ignore. *Nature*, 545(7653), 164-165.
- Aviv, A., & Shay, J. W. (2018). Reflections on telomere dynamics and aging-related diseases in humans. *Mechanisms of Ageing and Development*, 173, 111-115.
- Haycock, P. C., Heydon, E. E., Kaptoge, S., Butterworth, A. S., Thompson, A., & Willeit, P. (2014). Leucocyte telomere length and risk of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis. *BMJ*, 349, g4227.
- Mather, K. A., Jorm, A. F., Parslow, R. A., & Christensen, H. (2011). Is telomere length a biomarker of aging? A review. *The Journals of Gerontology: Series A*, 66(2), 202-213.
- Armanios, M., & Blackburn, E. H. (2012). The telomere syndromes. *Nature Reviews Genetics*, 13(10), 693-704.