Optimism and telomere length among African American adults in the Jackson Heart Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Optimism is linked with greater longevity in both White and African American populations. Optimism may enhance longevity by slowing cellular aging, for which leukocyte telomere shortening is a biomarker. However, limited studies have examined the association of optimism with leukocyte telomere length among African Americans.

Methods

Data are from 723 men and 1244 women participating in the Jackson Heart Study (age = 21-93 years). We used multivariable linear regression models to conduct cross-sectional analyses examining whether higher optimism was associated with longer mean absolute leukocyte telomere length (assayed with Southern blot analysis). Models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, depressive symptomatology, health conditions, and health behavi

SUBMITTER: Lee HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8052931 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature