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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
12:08
Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
Published on: May 22, 2013
Telomere shortening in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Joyce M J Houben1, Evi M Mercken, Hans B Ketelslegers
1Department of Health Risk Analysis and Toxicology, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands. joyce.houben@grat.unimaas.nl
Respiratory Medicine
|October 24, 2008
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients exhibit shorter telomere length (TL) linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. Preserving fat mass may help delay telomere shortening in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Pulmonology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Chronic oxidative stress and systemic inflammation are implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathology.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation are negatively associated with telomere length (TL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate telomere length (TL) in COPD patients concerning disease severity.
- To explore the association between TL and the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Main Methods:
- Compared 102 moderate-to-severe COPD patients with 19 healthy controls.
- Measured inflammatory markers (CRP, sTNF-receptors), SOD activity, and TL.
- Assessed lung function, smoking history, and fat mass percentage.
Main Results:
- COPD patients had elevated inflammatory markers and lower SOD activity than controls.
- Telomere length (TL) was shorter in COPD patients and negatively associated with age.
- Age-adjusted TL variability in COPD patients was associated with fat mass percentage.
Conclusions:
- A disturbed oxidant/antioxidant balance is linked to telomere shortening in COPD.
- Preservation of fat mass may protect against telomere shortening in COPD patients.
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