Re: Chromosome Study Links Telomere Length to Survival

From: Robert J. Bradbury (bradbury@aeiveos.com)
Date: Mon Feb 03 2003 - 08:44:43 MST

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    On Thu, 30 Jan 2003, gts wrote:

    > In a research letter published in The Lancet medical journal, they reported
    > that people with the longest telomeres lived up to five years longer than
    > those with shorter telomeres, who had higher rates of death from heart
    > disease and infectious illnesses.

    Lancet isn't a "shining light" for "scientific results" (vs. say "medical
    results").

    > Cawthon believes the results of his research support the hypothesis that
    > telomere shortening is a natural aging process which may contribute to
    > deaths from a variety of age-related diseases.

    Perhaps -- but it is also generally accepted that the shortening of
    telomeres is an anti-cancer program not a pro-aging program.

    > "If this is correct, then it may be possible to extend the duration of
    > healthy adult life using medical interventions that maintain telomere
    > length," he added in a statement.

    And also increase cancer rates -- at least in individuals prone to cancer.

    This seems to be someone who isn't familiar with the body of literature
    about telomeres trying to puff up their results IMO.

    Robert



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