Low estrogen levels and obesity are associated with shorter telomere lengths in pre- and postmenopausal women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL), and estrogen level, oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in pre- and postmenopausal obese women. Fifty-four obese women (premenopausal, n=25; postmenopausal, n=29) were selected to participate in this study. The outcome measurements in the pre- and postmenopausal groups were compared using independent t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis. The estrogen level (P<0.001), LTL (P<0.05), high-density lipoprotein level (P<0.05), and CRF (P<0.001) were higher in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women. The body fat percentage (P<0.05) and triglyceride concentration (P<0.05) were lower in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women. There were no significant associations between LTL, CVD risk, CRF, and oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in pre-menopausal women. The body mass index (BMI) and body fat percent-age in postmenopausal women were negatively associated with LTL (P<0.05). When all women were considered (i.e., both pre- and post-menopause), the BMI, percentage of fat, and waist circumference had a negative association with LTL (P<0.05), and estrogen levels were positively associated with LTL (P<0.05). Decreased estrogen levels after menopause, a pivotal factor in the biology of aging, and obesity were more associated with shorter telomere lengths in pre- and postmenopausal women than aerobic capacity and other CVD risk factors.

The Correlation Between Estradiol Levels With Telomere Length Based on History of Using Hormonal Contraceptive in Premenopausal Women

“…Hence, estrogen levels play a role against the telomere shortening rate. A decrease in estrogen levels in postmenopausal causes shorter telomeres shortening [5].…”

“…The estradiol levels in premenopausal are 15-350 pg/mL, whereas in menopausal women, it is lower than 10 pg/mL [4]. Along with this decline in estrogen hormone levels, the telomeres shortening process is accelerated, leading to increased degenerative disease in premenopausal women [5]. The effect of estrogen on telomere length has been demonstrated by studies, suggesting that postmenopausal women who use hormone replacement therapy have longer telomeres than those not treated [6].…”

Telomere length and fetal programming: A review of recent scientific advances

“…Patients with low estrogen levels and postmenopausal women manifest shorter leukocyte telomere length than those with higher estrogen levels. 14 In a group of 112 infertile men and 102 fertile men, reactive oxygen species (ROS) of semen were measured using chemiluminescence assay and telomere length was assessed from sperm DNA using qPCR. Telomeres of infertile sperms were found to be shorter than those of fertile sperms.…”

TERTinhibition leads to reduction ofIL‐6 expression induced by palmitic acid and interferes with the protective effects of tibolone in an astrocytic cell model

“…Telomere shortening is triggered by the increase in oxidative stress and inflammation, amongst other factors . Moreover, several clinical factors such as obesity and being overweight, as well as a decline in oestrogens, have also been associated with telomere length reduction in women . Interestingly, long‐term hormone therapy is associated with a longer telomere length and the reduction of AD risk .…”