Shorter Ends, Faster End? Leukocyte Telomere Length and Mortality Among Older Taiwanese.

ABSTRACT: Recent studies have found mixed results regarding the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL)--thought to be a marker of cellular aging--and all-cause mortality. Some studies have reported a significant inverse relationship, but others have not, perhaps in part owing to insufficient power. We examine the relationship using data from a nationally representative sample of older Taiwanese (54+ in 2000), which is larger (n = 942) than most previous studies, and which includes comprehensive information on potential confounders including white blood cell distribution and inflammatory markers. Results from a Cox hazards model demonstrate a small, but significant, association between LTL and mortality that is independent of age, sex, and lifestyle factors. White blood cell distribution

SUBMITTER: Glei DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4751225 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature