Omega 3 snake oil Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 " Telomeres are repetitive sequences of DNA found at the end of chromosomes that act as protective caps, preventing chromosomes from sticking together or being degraded, both of which can lead to cell death. Telomeres can be thought of as a kind of cellular timer as they shorten a little bit every time a cell replicates until they reach a certain limit; after this the cell will no longer replicate. Telomere length has been linked to a variety of diseases and shorter telomeres have been associated with higher risks for heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline and mental illness, to name a few. In order to further our knowledge of how adverse events during childhood may negatively impact health, Tulane University researchers investigated the links between exposure to disruptive or violent events and telomere length in youth. 80 children between the ages of 5-15 were recruited in New Orleans and data was gathered on family environment and exposure to traumatic events by interviewing the parents. The team then took samples from the children and analysed telomere length. After controlling for other sociodemographic factors, the team found an association between exposure to family violence or family disruption and telomere length. More specifically, they found that telomere length was significantly shorter in children that were exposed to adverse events within the family such as domestic violence, suicide or incarceration when compared with children in more stable households. Read more at http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/exposure-stress-child-can-permanently-affect-your-dna#ItUgmVuMUMyrPLE3.99" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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