Subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution and telomere length

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Metabolic Health
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Overweight and obesity are linked to reduced life expectancy due to chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cancer.
• Systemic inflammation and premature telomere shortening are potential mechanisms connecting obesity and chronic disease.
• Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) distribution is a key factor in metabolic health and disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) distribution and leukocyte relative telomere length (RTL).
• To identify specific SAT depots that are strongest predictors of RTL.
• To explore the link between body fat composition and genomic aging.

Main Methods:

• Leukocyte relative telomere length (RTL) was measured using qPCR in 375 participants from the STYJOBS/EDECTA cohort.
• Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) distribution was assessed using lipometry, measuring percent body fat and SAT thickness at 15 body locations.
• Correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to determine associations between RTL, body fat measures, and demographic factors.

Main Results:

• Relative telomere length (RTL) showed significant negative correlations with body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, and various waist and hip circumference measures.
• RTL was negatively associated with SAT thickness at numerous body locations, including the neck, abdomen, hips, and thighs.
• Nuchal (neck) and hip SAT thickness emerged as the strongest predictors of RTL in stepwise regression analysis.

Conclusions:

• Relative telomere length (RTL) is negatively associated with overall body fat composition.
• Specific SAT depots, notably nuchal and hip, are key predictors of RTL, indicating their role in biological aging.
• Findings suggest that central obesity may be associated with premature genomic aging.