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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
11:44
Monochrome Multiplex Quantitative PCR Telomere Length Measurement
Published on: March 22, 2024
Homocysteine levels and leukocyte telomere length
J B Richards1, A M Valdes, J P Gardner
1Centre for Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London School of Medicine, London, UK.
Atherosclerosis
|February 19, 2008
Summary
Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a marker of oxidative stress and inflammation. This finding suggests LTL may indicate cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Biology
- Aging and Telomere Biology
Background:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine is a known risk factor for vascular diseases.
- Homocysteine may contribute to vascular damage via oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) reflects cumulative oxidative stress and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma homocysteine levels and leukocyte telomere length (LTL).
- To determine if LTL serves as a biomarker for homocysteine-related vascular risk.
Main Methods:
- Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was quantified using the Southern blot method.
- The study analyzed 1,319 healthy participants from a population-based cohort.
- Statistical adjustments were made for age, sex, smoking, obesity, physical activity, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and creatinine clearance.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was observed between plasma homocysteine levels and LTL.
- Individuals in the highest homocysteine tertile had 111 base pairs shorter LTL compared to the lowest tertile, equivalent to 6.0 years of telomeric aging.
- This association was more pronounced with lower serum folate and higher C-reactive protein levels.
Conclusions:
- Increased plasma homocysteine is associated with shortened leukocyte telomere length (LTL).
- These findings support the role of LTL as a potential index of cardiovascular risk.
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