Shortened Telomeres Increase Cancer Risk, Meta-Analysis
06/15/2011
by
Joseph
Short telomeres are associated with increased cancer risk, according to a meta-analysis published in the 10 June 2011 issue of PLoS ONE. Researchers in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reached this conclusion after sifting through 11,255 cases of telemore genotyping data from nearly two dozen publications for a meta-analysis that found a relationship between shortened telomere length and increased cancer risk.
(The image "Telomere caps" via wikipedia)
Telomeres are tiny regions of DNA that protect the ends of chromosomes from enzymatic degradation and loss of genetic information. All cells start out with telomeres of a given length, but mitotic and meiotic division causes these protective caps to shorten. Over the course of many cellular divisions, the telomeres become so short that the cell no longer remains viable.
Go Long!
Telomere length has been associated with aging, but studies show that exercise extends their length (read my article Regular Exercise Slows The Aging Process). In a guest post titled Cancer Stem Cells - a new paradigm, which appeared in the 5 March 2010 issue of Living Fit, Healthy and Happy, Dr. Edward Park wrote that telomerase, an ezyme that lengthens chromosomal DNA caps, slows cellular aging.
When you consider that cancer is often a consequence of aging, leading a healthy lifestyle becomes all that more important. Put another way, reducing stress, avoiding alcohol, participating in regular exercise and eating balanced, nutritious meals will help you to live longer and reduce your cancer risk (for more on this read my article Bad Habits Can Kill You).
Healthy living is among the surest and safest cancer prevention strategies available to you. If you're on the fence about where to start, talk with your doctor about setting up a nutrition and fitness program. It's never to late to start living healthy and it can go a long way toward improving the quality and quantity of your life.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
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Article Source
Ma H, Zhou Z, Wei S, Liu Z, Pooley KA, et al. (2011) Shortened Telomere Length Is Associated with Increased Risk of Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. PLoS ONE 6(6): e20466. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0020466
"Shortened Telomeres Increase Cancer Risk, Meta-Analysis" copyright © 2011 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy(SM). All Rights Reserved.
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