Multisystem resiliency moderates the major depression–Telomere length association: Findings from the Heart and Soul Study

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been associated with reduced leukocyte telomere length (LTL). It is not known, however, whether psychosocial and behavioral protective factors moderate this association. In the current study, we examine whether multisystem resiliency – defined by healthy emotion regulation, strong social connections, and health behaviors (sleep and exercise) – predicts LTL and mitigates previously demonstrated associations between depression diagnosis and LTL. LTL was measured, using a quantitative PCR assay, in 954 patients with stable cardiovascular disease in the Heart and Soul Study. In a fully adjusted model, high multisystem resiliency predicted longer LTL (b = 80.00, SE = 27.17, p = .003), whereas each individual factor did not. Multisystem resiliency significantly moderated the MDD-LTL association (p = .02). Specifically, MDD was significantly related to LTL at 1 SD below the mean of multisystem resiliency (b = −142.86, SE = 56.46, p = .01), but not at 1 SD above the mean (b = 49.07, SE = 74.51, p = .51). This study suggests that MDD associations with biological outcomes should be examined within a psychosocial–behavioral context, because this context shapes the nature of the direct relationship. Further research should explore the cognitive, neural, and other physiological pathways through which multisystem resiliency may confer biological benefit.

Shortened telomere length in white matter oligodendrocytes in major depression: potential role of oxidative stress

“…In contrast, relative telomere lengths in astrocytes from the same brain regions were similar in MDD and control donors. Recent studies demonstrate shortened telomeres in leukocytes of MDD patients, and also in subjects exposed to extended periods of psychological stress (Hoen et al, 2011;Wolkowitz et al, 2011a;Garcia-Rizo et al, 2013;Puterman et al, 2013). However, telomere shortening was not observed previously in post-mortem brain tissues from MDD (Teyssier et al, 2010;Zhang et al, 2010).…”

Midlife as a pivotal period in the life course

“…sense of control, physical exercise, social support) are protective in reducing 10-year declines in cognitive and functional health (Agrigoroaei & Lachman, 2011; Lachman & Agrigoroaei, 2010). Similarly Puterman et al (2013) found the combined effects of multiple factors had a buffering role for health. They found that healthy emotion regulation, strong social connections, and positive health behaviors (sleep and exercise) predicted leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mitigated previously demonstrated associations between depression diagnosis and LTL.…”

Psychiatric disorders and leukocyte telomere length: Underlying mechanisms linking mental illness with cellular aging

“…Further, many subject-level variables, such as age, sex, genetic polymorphisms, “resiliency,” education, history of early life adversities, parental responsiveness, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, diet, and latent or active viral infections (e.g., cytomegalovirus or herpes virus) may affect LTL, independent of the disease process being studied (Adler et al, 2013; Asok et al, 2013; Aviv et al, 2011; Effros, 2011; Eitan et al, 2014; Epel, 2012; Epel, 2009; Gardner et al, 2014; Gutierrez-Rodrigues et al, 2014; Jacobs et al, 2013; Lung et al, 2005; Nieratschker et al, 2013; Price et al, 2012; Puterman et al, 2013; Puterman et al, 2010; Rizzo et al, 2013; Spyridopoulos et al, 2009; Wikgren et al, 2012a). …”