Telomere Length of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes Predicts Disease Severity and Worse Survival in Systemic Sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length (PBL-TL) shortening is associated with systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). However, its association with other organ involvement, disease severity, and survival remains unclear. This study aimed to define the relationship of TL with SSc-specific disease manifestations and outcomes.

Methods

PBL-TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 244 patients with SSc and 314 healthy controls. Multivariate modeling was used to assess the association of PBL-TL with disease severity and event-free survival. Longitudinal changes in PBL-TL were measured in a subset of patients. TL was quantified in SSc skin and lung tissues by telomere fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results

PBL-TL

SUBMITTER: Yang MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12936899 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature