Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal:
Psychoneuroendocrinology
Size of study:
Baseline 2,936 adults; 6-year follow-up 1,860 adults
Summary
In this study, telomere length was tested at baseline and then six years later. Short baseline telomere length was associated with older age, male sex, non-European ethnicity, cigarette smoking, recent life events, and higher triglycerides, glucose and pre-ejection period. The 6-year telomere loss rate was inversely associated with baseline telomere length; also older age, long sleep, not having a partner, high childhood trauma index, and gastrointestinal disease were associated with 6-year telomere shortening rates. Telomere attrition seemed to have slightly more predictors than lengthening.
Link to study