Correlation of telomere length between full and preterm neonates and their mothers

Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes that serve as protective caps from the DNA damage response at the ends of chromosomes. During aging, telomeres gradually shorten, and genomic instability arises through the induction of senescence. The present study aimed to elucidate the association between maternal characteristics, their medical history and pregnancy details with the telomere length (TL) of neonates. Blood samples were collected from 54 mothers and their neonates, and DNA extraction and measurement of TL was performed by quantitavive PCR. The results showed that maternal TL was negatively correlated with body mass index before pregnancy. A weak to moderate significant correlation was observed between maternal and neonatal TL. Non-significant differences were found between the maternal TL and their smoking habits, as well as medical and gestation history.