[Characteristics of distribution and changes of telomere length in human]

To explore the relationship between telomere length changes and age, and to provide data and reference for further study of geriatric medical problems.
 Methods: The healthy people over 20 years old were chosen as subject from several hospitals by random sampling method, and their peripheral blood samples were collected. The relative length of telomere was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, and the relationship between age and telomere length was analyzed by statistical software.
 Results: A total of 1 022 samples were obtained. There were significant differences in the relative telomere length among different age groups (F=21.492, P<0.001). Telomere length and age showed negative correlation (r=-0.325, P<0.001), the regression equation was y=-0.008x+1.772 (x for age, y for the average telomere length, P<0.001).
 Conclusion: The telomere length for peripheral blood leukocytes in healthy people varies between different age groups, suggesting that telomere length gradually decreases with age.