Oxidative stress, telomere length, and frailty in an old age population

Abstract

BackgroundA global aging population requires focusing on the risk factors for unhealthy aging, preventive medicine, and chronic disease management. The identification of adverse health outcomes in older adults has been addressed by the characterization of frailty as a biological syndrome. On the other hand, oxidative stress and telomere length have been suggested as biomarkers of aging.\n\nObjectiveTo study the association of oxidative stress, telomere length, and frailty in an old age population.\n\nMethodsThis was a cross-sectional study based on 2015 data from 202 members from a cohort of older adults (n=202; gender F/M ratio: 133/69; mean age: 69.89 {+/-} 7.39 years). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by dichlorofluorescin diacetate, and lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde. Telomere length was determined using qPCR with SYBR Green Master Mix.\n\nResultsStatistical analysis showed an association between telomere length and frailty but no association between oxidative stress on telomere length or frailty.\n\nConclusionsTelomere length could eventually be used as a marker to discriminate between healthy and unhealthy aging as expressed by frailty phenotype. However, oxidative stress seems as just a biological process of aging.