Telomere Length In Patients With Marfan Syndrome
Our bodies are made of countless cells, and inside each cell are chromosomes that carry our genetic information. At the very ends of these chromosomes are protective caps called telomeres. Think of them like the plastic tips on shoelaces; they prevent the chromosomes from fraying and getting damaged. Every time a cell divides, these telomeres get a little shorter, and their length is often seen as a marker of biological aging.
Recently, researchers investigated a genetic condition known as Marfan Syndrome, which affects the body’s connective tissue. This can lead to serious health issues, particularly affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as the main artery called the aorta, which can widen and even tear. The study found that individuals living with this syndrome tend to have shorter telomeres than people without the condition.
This discovery is significant because it suggests that the chronic inflammation and stress experienced by people with Marfan Syndrome might be accelerating the shortening of their telomeres. More importantly, the study revealed a connection between these shorter telomeres and the occurrence of severe heart-related problems in these patients. This indicates that mechanisms related to accelerated aging could be playing a role in how the disease progresses and affects the cardiovascular system.
Source: link to paper