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The relationship between naevus count, memory function and telomere length in the Twins UK cohort
Stefano Masi1,2, Georgios Georgiopoulos3, Simone Ribero1,4,5
1Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK.
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
|June 29, 2018
Summary
Higher mole counts are linked to better memory function, potentially mediated by biological aging pathways. This suggests skin cells could offer insights into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Aging
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
Background:
- A growing understanding of the skin-brain axis suggests skin conditions can reveal insights into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
- Melanocyte biology and its connection to aging and neurological health are areas of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between naevus (mole) count and memory function.
- To explore the potential mediating role of telomere length in this association.
- To determine if melanocyte count can serve as a model for studying aging pathways relevant to neurodegeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a discovery cohort (n=321) and a replication cohort (n=147) from the Twins UK population.
- Assessed memory function using the paired associates learning test (PAL) in 1999 and 2009.
- Measured naevus count and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) via terminal restriction fragment assay.
Main Results:
- Higher naevus count was significantly associated with better performance on the PAL test at baseline and follow-up.
- This association remained significant when analyzing the change in PAL score over 10 years.
- The association between naevus count and PAL score was notably attenuated after adjusting for LTL.
- The findings were successfully replicated in the independent cohort.
Conclusions:
- Naevus count is associated with memory function, suggesting a potential link between skin characteristics and cognitive health.
- Telomere length appears to mediate the relationship between naevus count and memory.
- Melanocytes may serve as a valuable model for investigating biological aging processes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
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