Lipoprotein Particle Profiles Associated with Telomere Length and Telomerase Complex Components

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker for aging and age-related diseases.
• Oxidative stress and inflammation accelerate telomere shortening and cellular senescence.
• Lipoprotein functions include anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory properties, yet their link to telomere dynamics is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between lipoprotein subfractions and telomere length (TL).
• To examine the relationship between lipoprotein subfractions and the expression of telomerase activity-related genes, TERT and WRAP53.
• To identify a specific lipoprotein profile associated with telomere-related parameters in pre-diabetic subjects.

Main Methods:

• Study included 54 pre-diabetic subjects from the EPIRDEM cohort.
• Gaussian linear regression with Lasso penalty was used to analyze associations between 12 lipoprotein subclasses and TL, TERT, and WRAP53 expression.
• Analyses were adjusted for covariates including age, sex, BMI, dyslipidemia, statin use, and physical activity.

Main Results:

• A significant lipoprotein profile was identified, associated with TL (r=0.347, p=0.010), TERT (r=0.316, p=0.020), and WRAP53 (r=0.379, p=0.005).
• Medium and small HDL particles correlated with shorter telomeres and lower TERT/WRAP53 expression.
• Large HDL particles were associated with longer telomeres and lower WRAP53 expression, but not TERT.

Conclusions:

• Lipoprotein profiles are significantly associated with telomere length and the expression of TERT and WRAP53.
• Specific HDL particle sizes demonstrate distinct relationships with telomere dynamics.
• These findings suggest lipoprotein profiles should be considered in assessing chronic disease risk.