A study has shown an association between shorter telomeres and depression. Researchers have reported that the length of telomeres of people who have experienced depression are significantly shorter than those who have not. Dutch researchers compared telomeres of over 2400 people with and without depression. Telomeres act like the plastic tips that are found at the ends of shoelaces. They cap the ends of chromosomes to protect the cell's DNA from damage. Telomeres get shorter each time a cell divides, so they are useful markers for aging.
People who have had depression have telomeres that are about 83-84 base pairs of DNA shorter. Everyone, on average, loses 14-20 base pairs of DNA on telomeres a year. This difference is equivalent to about four to six years of advanced aging. Other factors that effect DNA damage, such as cigarette smoking and heavy drinking, were also taken into account. Results remained the same even after these factors were considered. This research is significant due to the large study group used. The study, however, only showed an association between depression and telomere length but did not show anything in regards to cause and effect linkage. It will be interesting to find out the actual cause-effect relationship. If the shortening of the telomere can be reversed it could possibly be useful in improving the health of individuals depending on its role within the relationship.
You know, I've actually heard something like this before in a psychology class I took. But, instead of humans, the study was conducted on baboons and they found the exact same thing. Baboons who live in a stressful environment also have short telomeres. I guess nature is telling us something; it's time for us to cut down our stress levels- whether it's work or school or even relationships.
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