Tick-Tock Telomeres: Restoring Youth at a Cellular Level

This study investigates the impact of oxidative stress and telomerase on telomere shortening, aiming to analyze and control these factors. Telomeres, repetitive non-coding DNA sequences at chromosome ends, shorten with age. While many studies link telomere attrition to telomerase and oxidative stress, some research gaps remain. Based on literature analysis, this research finds that adding telomerase reduces telomere shortening, and lowering oxidative stress increases telomere length. Reducing ROS exposure (e.g., UVR, smoke) and adding telomerase via hTERT gene transduction or activators (e.g., Centella asiatica) are potential solutions. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm these findings, as telomere shortening may contribute to but not directly cause ageing or age-related diseases.