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Definition: What is Telomere Shortening and How Does it Affect Aging?

During each cell division, a small portion of the telomere is lost, as the DNA replication machinery is unable to fully replicate the very ends of chromosomes. This natural process leads to telomere shortening with each cell division.

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Telomere shortening is closely linked to the aging process. As telomeres become progressively shorter, cells reach a critical point where they can no longer divide and replicate effectively. This phenomenon is known as cellular senescence.

When cells enter a state of senescence, they lose their ability to function optimally and contribute to the overall decline in tissue and organ function associated with aging. Telomere shortening has been implicated in various age-related diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

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Additionally, telomere length has been recognized as a biomarker of biological aging. Individuals with shorter telomeres tend to have an increased risk of age-related diseases and a shorter lifespan.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying telomere shortening and its impact on aging is an active area of research. Scientists are exploring various strategies to potentially slow down or reverse telomere shortening, with the aim of promoting healthy aging and extending lifespan.

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