Repeated DNA that forms protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes, telomeres perform a similar role to the plastic tip at the end of a shoelace. Like these plastic tips that keep shoelaces from becoming damaged or frayed, telomeres protect our chromosomes from the critical shortening and damage that may ultimately lead to cellular death and loss of health. Telomeres shorten over time, and this shortening is considered both a marker of cell aging — a clock of the cell's lifespan — as well as a causal factor in cell aging. Telomere shortening is like a "genetic time clock" — indicating a reduced cellular lifespan. When telomeres reach critically short lengths, the clock "runs out of time," and cells cease to function normally and can die altogether.

Telomere shortening is intimately involved in human disease and mortality. Short telomeres impair the ability of cells to divide properly. When the DNA in a cell is unable to properly replicate, the cell either undergoes cell death, or potentially worse, continues to stay alive but functions poorly. Poorly functioning cells can alter a healthy physiological balance in the body, by, for example, creating a high level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood.

Studies have shown associations between shorter telomere length and various types of cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke, heart attacks), cancer, and diabetes. Shorter telomeres have also been associated with osteoporosis, cognitive function, dementia, depression, and inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Conversely, longer telomeres are linked to healthy aging and overall longevity.

Telomeres consist of a special DNA sequence (TTAGGG repeats in humans) and specialized telomeric proteins that together form a protective cap on our chromosomes. Unlike any other part of the genome, they are considered a biological marker of the accumulated wear and tear of living, integrating genetic influences, lifestyle behaviors and stress. Most importantly, telomeres are the only known part of our genetic sequence that are dynamic, and they appear to be influenced by non-genetic factors such as lifestyle changes (diet, behavior, and mental well being).

Telomeres are a general risk factor underlying most diseases of aging, in contrast to risk factors that are specific to a disease (as cholesterol or CRP is to heart disease). By monitoring your telomere length, we believe you can gain unique knowledge about disease risk, and your rate of biological aging. This knowledge may also help to inform your lifestyle and, eventually, as research reveals more specific applications, it may help inform therapeutic or prophylactic drug choices and decisions.

Telome Health Inc. will measure average telomere length in specific cell populations within the body (typically white blood cells). The data will indicate a person's average telomere length relative to the distribution of average lengths in the general population of the same age range. THINC's telomere length measurement is based on an established, proprietary telomere length assay.

Yes, to some extent. Mounting evidence suggests that, on average, people with longer immune cell telomeres have reduced risk of disease and less disability in old age compared to people with shorter immune cell telomeres (See References for examples of studies).

There are a critical mass of studies that show associations between telomere length and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, exercise, high stress, and nutritional factors. Therefore, it is a reasonable assumption that one can protect their telomeres. In vitro studies show that telomere shortening can be slowed, or even reversed, through the natural enzyme telomerase, which synthesizes telomeric DNA. One study so far has observed an increase in telomerase activity (which protects and lengthens telomeres) by persons enrolled in a health program including eating a healthy diet, getting daily exercise, and using stress reduction techniques such as yoga and/or meditation. This study did not have a control group and further studies are needed. In addition, early evidence indicates that a natural product derived from a Traditional Chinese Medicine can activate telomerase and slow the rate of telomere loss in immune cells and in a recent study in humans, a similar product appears to reduce the percentage of short telomeres in immune cells and have positive effects on several biomarkers of aging.

Based on the cross-sectional studies so far, linking telomere length to psychological states or certain lifestyle factors, it is likely that the following may help maintain or even lengthen our telomeres:
Vigorous exercise:

• Increasing vigorous exercise to 4 to 5 times a week, such as getting on a bike, going for a brisk walk or jog, joining a gym, or practicing yoga, activities that increase your heart rate or make you sweat.
• Improving nutrition: Eating a low-fat diet, eating less red and processed meat, like hot dogs and sausages, or taking dietary supplements that activate telomerase.
• Improving metabolism: If overweight, losing some extra weight or reducing waist circumference.
• Enhancing wellbeing: Reducing psychological stress and depression, and increasing feelings of personal control and purpose in life.

No. However, extremely short telomeres are observed in people with genetic mutations in genes for telomerase or telomeric protein. So having an extremely short telomere length (lowest few % in the population) may indicate an underling genetic disease, including Dyskeratosis Congenita, pulmonary fibrosis, or aplastic anemia.

In the general population, short telomeres do not diagnose or predict specific diseases, but rather are a measure of disease risk in multiple tissue and organ systems in the body. Because of this, short blood telomere length is a better predictor of general vulnerability to diseases than are conventional disease biomarkers which are specific for certain diseases (e.g., cholesterol and heart disease). Moreover, some studies have shown that average telomere length can actually be better in predicting specific disease risk than conventional risk factors.

The good news is that, unlike most genetic markers of disease risk, telomere length is modifiable. From our own research, we believe it can change within as short a period as one year (or possibly even less), in part due to one's environmental exposures and lifestyle.

Studies have shown that various conditions linked to psychological suffering, including high perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and exposure to early trauma, are linked to shortened telomeres. It is still unclear exactly how psychological stress shortens telomeres. It may be through creating an environment of biochemical stress. For example, stress can increase levels of cortisol and oxidative stress. In vitro studies show that cortisol can dampen down telomerase, and oxidative stress can shorten telomeres. It may be that reducing stress might improve telomere stabilize telomeres, creating a slower rate of shortening. In one study, reductions in distress were related to increases in telomerase, and in another study, improvements in wellbeing were related to higher telomerase levels taken after a meditation intervention.

We now provide telomere length assays for researchers — academic, government, industry and other institutional scientists — but not directly to individuals. THINC will soon provide a telomere length test suitable for general health monitoring for the broader population.

Individuals participating in research studies will receive specific instructions from the investigators. Our website will soon list studies that are currently enrolling subjects. When THINC soon launches its health monitoring assay, telomehealth.com will provide details about how to have your telomeres measured.