Mediterranean Diet, Telomere Maintenance and Health Status among Elderly

Virginia Boccardi,Michelangela Barbieri,Giuseppe Paolisso,Maria Rosaria Rizzo,Antonietta Esposito,Raffaele Marfella,Manlio Vinciguerra

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0062781

Virginia Boccardi, Michelangela Barbieri + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0062781

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Abstract

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and rate of telomere shortening are known biomarkers of aging while, numerous studies showed that Mediterranean diet (MD) may boost longevity. We studied association between telomere length, telomerase activity and different adherence to MD and its effects on healthy status. The study was conducted in 217 elderly subjects stratified according Mediterranean diet score (MDS) in low adherence (MDS≤3), medium adherence (MDS 4–5) and high adherence (MDS≥6) groups. LTL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and telomerase activity by a PCR-ELISA protocol. High adherence group showed longer LTL (p = 0.003) and higher telomerase activity (p = 0.013) compared to others. Linear regression analysis including age, gender, smoking habit and MDS showed that MDS was independently associated with LTL (p = 0.024) and telomerase activity levels (p = 0.006). Telomerase activity was independently associated with LTL (p = 0.007) and negatively modulated by inflammation and oxidative stress. Indeed, telomerase levels were associated with healthy status independently of multiple covariates (p = 0.048). These results support a novel role of MD in promoting health-span suggesting that telomere maintenance, rather than LTL variability is the major determinant of healthy status among elderly.

Highlights

Telomere length, or more precisely, the rate of telomere shortening, is a biomarker of biological aging [1] and eating nutrient-rich foods might delay aging process and reduces risk of many chronic diseases [2]
Exactly how the traditional Mediterranean diet (MD) may affect life expectancy remains unknown, evidences show that the overall dietary pattern and not any particular food may boost longevity
It is well established that one important effect of Mediterranean-style diet in prolonging lifespan is associated with reduced systemic oxidative stress and inflammation [28,29]

Summary

Introduction

More precisely, the rate of telomere shortening, is a biomarker of biological aging [1] and eating nutrient-rich foods might delay aging process and reduces risk of many chronic diseases [2]. Telomere length may predict clinical outcomes and mortality among humans, cells with shortened telomeres remain genetically stable if the telomere maintenance system, which includes mainly telomerase, is fully functioning [5]. Metabolic factors, such as abdominal fat and increased circulating glucose levels are related to shorter telomeres and lower telomerase activity [6,7,8], supporting the role of lifestyle and environmental factors on telomeres maintenance. Various nutrients as well as changes in diet and lifestyle have been already shown to influence telomere length through mechanisms reflecting their role in cellular functions including inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA integrity and DNA methylation [2]

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