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Do you wonder why we grow and why we age? Scientists also have worked for years to find out the myth behind aging. One of the main reasons for aging that they discovered is telomeres. Read on to learn about telomeres.
What are Telomeres?
Telomeres are the DNA structures at the end of chromosomes that protect them from degradation and prevent the loss of genetic information during cell division. They are often compared to the plastic tips at the ends of shoelaces that prevent fraying. Interestingly, while most cell divisions occur during the initial years of life, the gradual decrease of telomere length as we age is a testament to the intricate and dynamic nature of our cells.
Scientists have related this process –shortening of telomeres – to aging while there is also scientific evidence that shortening telomeres can actually help us avoid getting vulnerable to cancer. Whatever the case may be, We will throw light on telomere tests as it can help you determine the core reasons behind one’s aging process.
What is Telomeres Test in Dubai
A telomere test is a medical examination that measures the length of telomeres in a person’s chromosomes. During the test, the doctor analyses a sample of blood or other tissues to measure the average length of telomeres. This test is conducted to assess a person’s biological age or to evaluate their overall health status. By comparing the results with established reference ranges, researchers can estimate an individual’s cellular age or assess the potential risk for certain age-related diseases.
What is the procedure for a Telomeres Test?
One of the original methods used to measure length is Southern blot analysis. Usually, the procedure involves the following steps;
- The healthcare provider extracts DNA from cells and then cuts the DNA into fragments by using restriction enzymes.
- After that, the DNA fragments are separated using gel electrophoresis and then transferred onto a membrane.
- The membrane is probed with specific DNA sequences that bind to telomeric DNA regions. The resulting pattern of bands on the membrane indicates the relative length of telomeres.
Does telomere test work?
Telomere testing holds promise as a potential tool for assessing cellular aging and health risks. However, the interpretation of telomere test results can be complex, as telomere length is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and certain lifestyle habits. Additionally, telomere length can vary across different cell types and may not reflect the overall health of an individual accurately. While there is evidence suggesting an association between telomere length and health outcomes, it is not yet fully understood how much telomere length alone can predict individual health risks or lifespan.
Importance of Telomeres
Telomeres are important to keep us active. When your DNA keeps dividing over and over, the telomeres shorten. You get less activation of certain genes especially related to repair. However, when you are young, your DNA inside your cells has a huge capacity to keep up with the damage. When we age, it may be more challenging to keep up with repairs due to shortened telomeres, but this is a natural part of our body’s fascinating journey and adaptation process.
Telomeres and genetic disease
The length of telomeres has been associated with cellular aging and overall health. As cells divide, telomeres naturally shorten, and when they become critically short, it can lead to cell senescence (aging) or cell death. Shorter telomeres have been linked to various age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders.
There is also a certain genetic disease with certain children that are basically born old and they have a body of 60 years old and when the doctors tested them, it is found that they have very short telomeres.
Which things Increase Telomere Length?
Many scientists claim that the shorter the telomeres, the faster you age and develop more diseases. However, there are epigenetic factors that can help you or can even hurt you when it comes to telomere length. Epigenetic factors are the dos and don’ts that you can do and avoid that can greatly affect your telomeres and your aging process.
Things that can hurt your telomeres
Following are the things that can contribute to the rapid shortening of telomeres;
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Poor sleep
- Alcohol and smoking including drug addictions
- Stress
- Living in polluted environment
Things that can help improve length of telomeres
Healthcare providers suggest that the consuming the following things can improve the length of telomeres;
- Omega-3 fatty acid
- Astragalus
- Gotu Kola
- Green tea
- Curcumin
- Vitamin D
- Food containing zinc
Moreover, healthy habits such as proper sleep, constant exercise, and following a balanced diet can also help telomeres increase in length.
Takeaway
Telomere testing is still a relatively new field of research, and its clinical utility and accuracy are subjects of ongoing study and debate. but more research is needed to fully understand its clinical implications and refine its applications. If you want to undergo a telomeres test in Dubai, you need to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate guidance based on an individual’s specific circumstances.
Euromed Clinic has equipped laboratory facilities for all those seeking Telomere tests in Dubai. If you want to have your test done in a state-of-the-art clinic, fill out and submit the following form or call us at +971 4 394 5422
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