High plasma folate is negatively associated with leukocyte telomere length in Framingham Offspring cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Shortening of telomeres, the protective structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, is associated with age-related pathologies. Telomere length is influenced by DNA integrity and DNA and histone methylation. Folate plays a role in providing precursors for nucleotides and methyl groups for methylation reactions and has the potential to influence telomere length.

Method

We determined the association between leukocyte telomere length and long-term plasma folate status (mean of 4 years) in Framingham Offspring Study (n = 1,044, females = 52.1 %, mean age 59 years) using data from samples collected before and after folic acid fortification. Leukocyte telomere length was determined by Southern analysis and fasting plasma folate concentration using microbiological ass

SUBMITTER: Paul L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4218881 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature