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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Monochrome Multiplex Quantitative PCR Telomere Length Measurement
Published on: March 22, 2024
Systemic telomere length and preclinical atherosclerosis: the Asklepios Study
Tim De Meyer1, Ernst R Rietzschel, Marc L De Buyzere
1Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. tim.demeyer@ugent.be
European Heart Journal
|August 19, 2009
Summary
Peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length (TL) is not a significant predictor of preclinical atherosclerosis. Shorter inherited TL does not predispose individuals to atherosclerosis, challenging its role as a cardiovascular disease biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular science
Background:
- Peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length (TL) is a recognized biomarker of systemic aging.
- TL has been suggested as an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length (TL) and preclinical atherosclerosis.
- To evaluate the biomarker value of PBL-TL in predicting subclinical cardiovascular changes.
Main Methods:
- Assessed peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length (TL) using telomere restriction fragment analysis in 2509 participants (aged 35-55) without established CVD.
- Determined intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque presence via ultrasonography in carotid and femoral arteries.
Main Results:
- Peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length (TL) was not a significant independent determinant of intima-media thickness (IMT) or plaque presence in either artery or sex.
- A weak association was observed between PBL-TL and plaque presence in women, but not in men.
- Even in women with plaques, PBL-TL was longer compared to men.
Conclusions:
- Systemic telomere length (TL) is not a substantial underlying determinant of preclinical atherosclerosis.
- The link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and TL cannot be attributed to shorter inherited TL predisposing individuals to atherosclerosis.
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