Telomere length- A biological marker of ageing

Abstract

Telomere length is an indicator of biological age, influenced mainly by oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions. Telomere length shortens with advancing age, however in certain situations this shortening expedites with early senile changes while in other situations it can be delayed resulting in slowing of ageing. Ageing is a factor associated with a number of diseases and also treatment decision of lethal diseases is directly influenced by the age. However, understanding the difference of chorological versus biological age is essential. It is also essential to determine cut-offs of the age by using telomere length.