TELOMERE LENGTH AND NUTRITION: POTENTIAL MECHANISMS

Abstract

Telomere length is a biomarker linked to aging and altered by genetic and environmental variables. Environmental influences include nutrition, one of the most influential aspects in determining telomere length. It can cause telomere lengthening or shortening by influencing oxidation and inflammatory processes. Whole grains that are known to be anti-inflammatory, nuts, fruits and vegetables with high antioxidant content, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols can assist in telomere lengthening and protection. Some dietary groups and nutrients that promote inflammation and oxidation can cause telomere shortening. This review aims to investigate the relationship between nutrition and telomere length, as well as the probable mechanisms influencing telomeres. Components such as fiber and physiologically active components in whole grains, antioxidants in vegetables and fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids in fish aid to lengthen telomeres, whereas nitrate and nitrite, especially in processed meat, cause telomere shortening. Dietary elements that contribute to the maintenance of telomere length include a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, containing suitable amounts of legumes and nuts, limiting red meat consumption, and containing healthy fats.

Keywords

• Telomere length
• nutrition
• antioxidants

TELOMER UZUNLUĞU VE BESLENME İLİŞKİSİ: POTANSİYEL MEKANİZMALAR

Öz

Telomer uzunluğu yaşlanma ile ilişkili olduğu bilinen, genetik ve çevresel faktörlerden etkilenen bir biyogöstergeçtir. Telomer uzunluğunun belirlenmesinde etkili olan en önemli faktörlerden biri olan beslenme bir çevresel faktör olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Oksidasyon ve inflamasyon süreçlerini etkileyerek telomerlerin uzamasına veya kısalmasına yol açabilmektedir. Anti-inflamatuvar olduğu bilinen tam tahıllar, yağlı tohumlar ile antioksidan bakımından yüksek içeriğe sahip meyveler ve sebzeler, antioksidan özelliği olan vitaminler, mineraller ve polifenoller telomerlerin uzamasına veya korunmasına yardımcı olabilirler. İnflamasyonu ve oksidasyonu arttırabilen bazı besin grupları ve besin öğeleri ise telomerlerin kısalmasına yol açabilmektedir. Bu derlemenin amacı beslenme ve telomer uzunluğunun ilişkisi ve telomerleri etkileyen potansiyel mekanizmaları incelemektir. Tam tahıllarda bulunan posa ve biyolojik aktif bileşenler, sebze ve meyvelerde bulunan antioksidanlar ve balıkta bulunan omega-3 gibi bileşenler telomerlerin uzamasına yardımcı olurken, özellikle işlenmiş ette bulunan nitrat ve nitrit gibi bileşenler telomerlerin kısalmasına yol açmaktadır. Telomer uzunluğunun diyetsel faktörler açısından korunmasında meyve ve sebzeden zengin, uygun seviyelerde kurubaklagil ve kuruyemiş içeren, kırmızı et bakımından sınırlı ve sağlıklı yağlar içeren bir diyet tüketimi oldukça önemlidir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Telomer uzunluğu
• beslenme
• antioksidanlar
• Telomere length
• nutrition
• antioxidants

Kaynakça

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