Open AccessAlcohol consumption and leukocyte telomere length
Author(s) -
Shalini Dixit,
Mary A. Whooley,
Eric Vittinghoff,
Jason D. Roberts,
Susan R. Heckbert,
Annette L. Fitzpatrick,
Jue Lin,
Cindy Leung,
Kenneth J. Mukamal,
Gregory M. Marcus
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
scientific reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.24
H-Index - 213
ISSN - 2045-2322
DOI - 10.1038/s41598-019-38904-0
Subject(s) - telomere , confounding , alcohol consumption , biomarker , longevity , consumption (sociology) , moderation , biology , medicine , genetics , alcohol , gene , psychology , social psychology , social science , biochemistry , sociology
The relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality generally exhibits a U-shaped curve. The longevity observed with moderate alcohol consumption may be explained by other confounding factors, and, if such a relationship is present, the mechanism is not well understood. Indeed, the optimal amount of alcohol consumption for health has yet to be determined. Leukocyte telomere length is an emerging quantifiable marker of biological age and health, and a shorter telomere length is a predictor of increased mortality. Because leukocyte telomere length is a quantifiable and objectively measurable biomarker of aging, we sought to identify the amount of alcohol consumption associated with the longest telomere length and least telomere length attrition. Among over 2,000 participants from two distinct cohort studies, we found no pattern of alcohol consumption that was associated with longer telomere length or less telomere length attrition over time. Binge drinking may reduce telomere length. Using telomere length as a marker of age and health, these data fail to demonstrate any benefits of alcohol consumption, even when consumed in moderation.