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Telomeres and Telomerase

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Telomeres and Telomerase

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence

Published on: May 22, 2013

Increased telomerase activity and comprehensive lifestyle changes: a pilot study.

Dean Ornish¹, Jue Lin, Jennifer Daubenmier

¹Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.

The Lancet. Oncology

|September 19, 2008

Summary

Intensive lifestyle changes significantly boost telomerase activity, enhancing telomere maintenance in immune cells. This suggests a link between healthy habits and cellular aging, particularly in individuals with low-risk prostate cancer.

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Area of Science:

Genetics and Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Gerontology

Background:

Telomeres are crucial DNA-protein complexes ensuring chromosomal stability.
Telomere shortening is a biomarker for disease risk and mortality across various cancers.
Telomerase, an enzyme, counteracts telomere shortening, but its function may be affected by lifestyle factors.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if intensive lifestyle changes can increase telomerase activity.
To assess the impact of lifestyle modifications on telomere maintenance capacity in immune cells.

Main Methods:

A 3-month intensive lifestyle intervention was implemented in 30 men with low-risk prostate cancer.
Telomerase enzymatic activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was measured at baseline and after 3 months.
Changes in telomerase activity were correlated with changes in LDL cholesterol and psychological distress.

Main Results:

Telomerase activity in PBMCs significantly increased after the lifestyle intervention (p=0.031).
Increases in telomerase activity were associated with reductions in LDL cholesterol (r=-0.36, p=0.041) and psychological distress (r=-0.35, p=0.047).

Conclusions:

Comprehensive lifestyle changes can significantly enhance telomerase activity and telomere maintenance in human immune cells.
The study highlights a significant association between lifestyle improvements and telomerase activity.
Larger trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore causal relationships.