Telomere length, telomerase activity and mechanisms change in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aim.

To study the association of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress with telomere biology in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Material and Methods.

A total 50 patients with T2D and without cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 139 people from control group were included in the study. All subjects were measured for carbohydrate metabolism; oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA)); inflammation (C-reactive protein — CRP, fibrinogen, interleukin-6); lymphocyte telomere length, telomerase activity.

Results.

In diabetic patients telomeres were shorter than in controls (9.59±0.54 and 9.76±0.47; p=0.031), telomerase activity was lower (0.47±0.40 and 0.62±0.36; p=0.039), inflammation (CRP, elevated fibrinogen) was higher. All patients were divided by telomere length. In T2DM group CRP was higher in patients with «short» telomeres (7.39±1.47 and 3.59±0.58 mg/L; p=0.02). There were no significant differences in the level of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in ‘long’ telomeres group: CRP 3.59±0.58 and 3.66±0.50 mg/L (p=0.93), MDA 2.81±0.78 and 3.24±0.78 mmol/l (p=0.08). Diabetic patients in «short» telomeres group had greater chronic inflammation: CRP 7.39±1.47 and 4.03±0.62 mg/L (p=0.046), increased fibrinogen, 0.371 and 0.159 (p=0.022). All patients were divided by telomerase activity. Severity of chronic inflammation was greatest in T2DM and the «low» activity of telomerase. There were relationship between telomere length and CRP in T2DM patients (r=–0.40; p=0.004).

Conclusions. 

Chronic inflammation and cell aging were more pronounced in patients with T2DM. However, despite diabetes, signs of chronic inflammation were minimal in patients with «long» telomeres compared to healthy people. Perhaps long telomeres protect diabetic patients from the damaging effect of chronic inflammation.

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