How does stress affect telomere length?
['["A significant relationship between more perceived stress and shorter telomere length is consistent with theoretical frameworks positing that stress induces physiological changes that result in shortened telomeres. ", "Psychological stress contributes to numerous diseases and may do so in part through damage to telomeres, protective non-coding segments on the ends of chromosomes.", "Our results support the hypothesis that depression is associated with accelerated cell aging. Future studies are required to clarify whether the association is mediated through environmental stress, and whether effective treatment can halt cell aging.", "Telomere length, a reliable predictor of disease pathogenesis, can be affected by genetics, chronic stress and health behaviors. Cross-sectionally, highly stressed postmenopausal women have shorter telomeres, but only if they are inactive. "]']
Stress can lead to physiological changes that result in shortened telomeres. Psychological stress may contribute to diseases by damaging telomeres, which are protective segments on the ends of chromosomes. Highly stressed postmenopausal women have shorter telomeres, particularly if they are inactive.
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