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Psychiatric Disorders, Morbidity, and Mortality: Tracing Mechanistic Pathways to Accelerated Aging

Year: 2016

Type: editorial

Abstract: A meta-analysis published in this issue of Psychosomatic Medicine provides convincing evidence that certain psychiatric populations have shorter telomeres than nonpsychiatric controls, in accord with the strong evidence linking psychiatric disorders with premature mortality. After addressing the clinical significance of shorter telomeres, this editorial describes mechanistic pathways that lead to telomere shortening. Additionally, two other novel methods for measuring biological markers of accelerated aging are briefly discussed: DNA methylation and cellular senescence based on p16. These innovative approaches could be used to confirm and extend our understanding of psychiatric patients' increased health and mortality risks.

Source: Psychosomatic Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000373

Authors: Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser, Stephanie J. Wilson

Institutions: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University

Language: English

Topic: Telomeres, Telomerase, and Senescence

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research