Low Antioxidant Glutathione Levels Lead to Longer Telomeres: A Sex-Specific Link to Longevity?

ABSTRACT: Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that protect them from degradation. They have been the focus of intense research because short telomeres would predict accelerated ageing and reduced longevity in vertebrates. Oxidative stress is considered a physiological driver of the telomere shortening and, consequently, short lifespan. Among molecules fighting against oxidative stress, glutathione is involved in many antioxidant pathways. Literature supports that oxidative stress may trigger a compensatory "hormetic" response increasing glutathione levels and telomere length. Here, we tested the link between total glutathione concentration and telomere length in captive birds (zebra finches; Taeniopygia guttata). Total glutathione levels were experimentally decrea

SUBMITTER: Romero-Haro AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10519275 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature