Discrimination and Leukocyte Telomere Length by Depressive Symptomatology: The Jackson Heart Study

Psychosocial stressors, such as perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms, may shorten telomeres and exacerbate aging-related illnesses.

Participants from the Jackson Heart Study at visit 1 (2000-2004) with LTL data and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scores (n = 580 men, n = 910 women) were utilized. The dimensions of discrimination scores (everyday, lifetime, burden of lifetime, and stress from lifetime discrimination) were standardized and categorized as low, moderate, and high. Coping responses to everyday and lifetime discrimination were categorized as passive and active coping. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to estimate the mean difference (standard errors-SEs) in LTL by dimensions of discrimination and coping responses stratified by CES-D scores < 16 (low) and ≥ 16 (high) and sex. Covariates were age, education, waist circumference, smoking and CVD status.

Neither everyday nor lifetime discrimination was associated with mean differences in LTL for men or women by levels of depressive symptoms. Burden of lifetime discrimination was marginally associated with LTL among women who reported low depressive symptoms after full adjustment (b = 0.11, SE = 0.06, p = 0.08). Passive coping with lifetime discrimination was associated with longer LTL among men who reported low depressive symptoms after full adjustment (b = 0.18, SE = 0.09, p < 0.05); and active coping with lifetime discrimination was associated with longer LTL among men who reported high depressive symptoms after full adjustment (b = 1.18, SE = 0.35, p < 0.05).

The intersection of perceived discrimination and depressive symptomatology may be related to LTL, and the effects may vary by sex.