Jacob Y Stein1, Yafit Levin2, Orit Uziel3, Heba Abumock4, Zahava Solomon2. 1. Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, P.O.B. 39040, Ramat Aviv, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel; I-Core Research Center for Mass Trauma, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel. Electronic address: cobisari@gmail.com. 2. Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, P.O.B. 39040, Ramat Aviv, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel; I-Core Research Center for Mass Trauma, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel. 3. Laboratory for Telomere Biology, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. 4. Laboratory for Telomere Biology, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Telomere length (TL) serves as a biomarker of cellular senescence and is a robust predictor of mortality. The association between traumatic stress and TL erosion is rapidly realized, as are the complexities of this relation that include links to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and psychosocial factors. Nevertheless, the relation between specific stressors in early adulthood and TL in later life, specifically among populations that have undergone extreme stress in early adulthood are largely uninvestigated. METHOD: Examining 99 Israeli former prisoners of war (ex-POWs) 18 and 42 years after repatriation, the current study investigated the role that specific stressors during captivity (i.e., physical abuse, nourishment deprivation and solitary confinement) and homecoming (i.e., received social-support, loss of place in the family, loneliness and sense of being accused) play in predicting TL 42 years post-repatriation. Intercorrelations analysis and a hierarchical linear regression were utilized. Variables that have been empirically associated with TL: age, BMI, physical activity, smoking, substance abuse, negative life events since repatriation, depression and PTSD symptoms were controlled for in the regression. RESULTS: Solitary confinement during captivity, and loss of place in the family, loneliness and being accused at homecoming predicted shorter telomeres in later life. The remaining stressors did not significantly predict TL. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that an adequate understanding of TL after trauma must consider the unique contributions of specific types of stressors across the lifespan, and particularly account for interpersonal deficits. The findings may inform preventive interventions aimed at improving ex-POWs' longevity and well-being.
BACKGROUND: Telomere length (TL) serves as a biomarker of cellular senescence and is a robust predictor of mortality. The association between traumatic stress and TL erosion is rapidly realized, as are the complexities of this relation that include links to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and psychosocial factors. Nevertheless, the relation between specific stressors in early adulthood and TL in later life, specifically among populations that have undergone extreme stress in early adulthood are largely uninvestigated. METHOD: Examining 99 Israeli former prisoners of war (ex-POWs) 18 and 42 years after repatriation, the current study investigated the role that specific stressors during captivity (i.e., physical abuse, nourishment deprivation and solitary confinement) and homecoming (i.e., received social-support, loss of place in the family, loneliness and sense of being accused) play in predicting TL 42 years post-repatriation. Intercorrelations analysis and a hierarchical linear regression were utilized. Variables that have been empirically associated with TL: age, BMI, physical activity, smoking, substance abuse, negative life events since repatriation, depression and PTSD symptoms were controlled for in the regression. RESULTS: Solitary confinement during captivity, and loss of place in the family, loneliness and being accused at homecoming predicted shorter telomeres in later life. The remaining stressors did not significantly predict TL. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that an adequate understanding of TL after trauma must consider the unique contributions of specific types of stressors across the lifespan, and particularly account for interpersonal deficits. The findings may inform preventive interventions aimed at improving ex-POWs' longevity and well-being.
Authors: Synthia H Mellon; F Saverio Bersani; Daniel Lindqvist; Rasha Hammamieh; Duncan Donohue; Kelsey Dean; Marti Jett; Rachel Yehuda; Janine Flory; Victor I Reus; Linda M Bierer; Iouri Makotkine; Duna Abu Amara; Clare Henn Haase; Michelle Coy; Francis J Doyle; Charles Marmar; Owen M Wolkowitz Journal: PLoS One Date: 2019-03-18 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Margarita A Sazonova; Vasily V Sinyov; Anastasia I Ryzhkova; Marina D Sazonova; Tatiana V Kirichenko; Victoria A Khotina; Zukhra B Khasanova; Natalya A Doroschuk; Vasily P Karagodin; Alexander N Orekhov; Igor A Sobenin Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2021-01-12 Impact factor: 5.923