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Telomere Length Testing It is important to measure telomere length because it is a method that allows us to know the age of the cells within our bodies, whether there is a correlation with our actual age or not. For example, shortened telomeres indicate that our lifespan is decreasing gradually.
Currently, research on more than 100 topics indicates that shortening telomeres leads to cell deterioration, which plays a crucial role in the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (e.g., stroke, heart attacks), diabetes, brain diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia), premature death, and cellular aging in the body. Therefore, if the results of telomere length testing indicate a longer length, it can indicate that the body is in good condition and may lead to a longer life.
Telomeres are the end caps of chromosomes responsible for protecting the genes within the chromosome. Telomeres gradually shorten over time until they reach a critical point known as the Hayflick limit. At this point, there is a rearrangement of the positions of the genes inside the chromosome, which prevents the cell from functioning properly, leading to the deterioration of organs and the body. This rearrangement can occur in oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, which are involved in the process of cancer formation. An example is leukemia with the Philadelphia chromosome.
Humans have telomeres of approximately 10,000 base pairs at birth.
At the age of 20, the average length of telomeres is around 8,000 base pairs. By the age of 50, it decreases to approximately 7,000 base pairs, and continues to decline gradually by about 50-100 base pairs per year, until reaching only 4,000 base pairs at the age of 100.
Indicates that the cells are young and have the ability to divide normally, similar to stem cells.
Indicates that the cells are in a state of normal division, but it would be even better if they received suitable supplements, such as antioxidants or vitamins, which can help delay cell deterioration.
It indicates that the cells are somewhat deteriorating (aging faster than normal), which necessitates undergoing health checks and improving lifestyle behaviors such as reducing stress, exercising, eating healthily, or taking supplements to help slow down cell aging urgently.
Indicates that the cells or the body are in a highly unfavorable state and are at risk of various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, weakened immune system, and cancer. It is essential to undergo health check-ups, seek advice, and urgently receive treatment from a specialist doctor.
Telomere length testing can determine the age of cells and is more accurate in assessing the risk of various diseases.
Knowing the results of the test, if there is a risk of developing a disease, will allow for the adjustment of behavior or prevention of the disease promptly.