Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025
12:08
Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
Published on: May 22, 2013
46.5K
Hypertension Control Is Associated with Telomere Length in Older Adults
Kenneth Rubio-Carrasco1,2,3, Paola García de la Torre4, José D Martínez-Ezquerro4
1Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), CDMX, México.
DNA and Cell Biology
|October 21, 2024
Summary
Hypertension control in older adults may impact telomere length (TL), a marker of cellular aging. Better blood pressure management shows a link to longer telomeres, suggesting benefits for healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality.
- Blood pressure control is crucial, particularly for older adults, as uncontrolled hypertension worsens with age.
- Telomere length (TL) is linked to aging and hypertension, but its relationship with hypertension control in older adults remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hypertension control on telomere length (TL) in older adults.
- To determine if this relationship is dependent on age and sex.
Main Methods:
- Assessed leukocyte telomere length (TL) in 369 hypertensive patients (>60 years).
- Measured TL using RT-PCR.
- Employed regression models with blood pressure control as dependent variables, accounting for age, sex, glucose, and lipid levels.
Main Results:
- Mean TL was 7.5 ± 5.1 Kb, with no sex difference.
- A significant association was found between systolic blood pressure control and TL (p=0.039).
- A trend towards an association was observed for diastolic blood pressure control and TL (p=0.061).
Conclusions:
- Hypertension control, specifically systolic blood pressure, is associated with telomere length in older adults.
- These findings suggest that managing hypertension may influence TL, potentially impacting healthy aging processes.
- The study expands on previous research, highlighting the interplay between blood pressure management and cellular aging markers.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
1.9K
Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
1.9K
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
23.1K
In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded...
23.1K
01:28Hypertension I: Introduction
1
Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
1
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
3.0K
Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Physiological Factors:
3.0K
01:28Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
2
Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
2
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
2
Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
2