Product Description

**Note: All laboratory testing requires an authorizing physician. DHA Laboratory offers a patient direct program that partners you with an authorizing physician. If you have any additional questions regarding the availability of testing, please contact our laboratory by telephone or email.**

Telomere Length Test

Are you aging faster than you would like due to telomere shortening? Current research shows that telomere shortening contributes to cellular aging and susceptibility to metabolic disorders and chronic disease. According to scientific research, telomere shortening may contribute to aging and age-related conditions. Telomeres are segments of DNA found at the ends of chromosomes. They can be prematurely shortened when exposed to environmental chemicals, oxidation, inflammation, and stress. This leads to DNA damage and contributes to early cell death.

Associated Conditions

Shorter telomeres have been associated with cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cognitive decline, and other chronic degenerative conditions associated with aging.

• Neurological conditions such as cognitive impairment, chronic stress
• Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, glucose intolerance, obesity
• Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease
• Musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
• Immune-related conditions such as Hepatitis C, cancer, autoimmune disorders

Inflammation, Aging, and Its Association with Telomeres

Inflammation is associated with aging and telomere shortening. Telomeres become shorter after each cell division until eventually chromosomal DNA reaches a critical point at which the cell can no longer divide (known as the Hayflick limit). The loss of this protective telomere “armor” renders DNA vulnerable to damage and may result in an individual’s increased risk for accelerated aging and associated health conditions. If telomeres are maintained, then termination of cell division (senescence) and programmed cell death (apoptosis) can be delayed.

The test analyzes your average telomere length in white blood cells compared to the normal reference range for your age-matched population.

Performing Laboratory is Cell Science Systems.