Discrimination and Leukocyte Telomere Length by Depressive Symptomatology: The Jackson Heart Study

Abstract

Background: Psychosocial stressors, such as perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms, may shorten telomeres and exacerbate aging-related illnesses. Methods: Participants from the Jackson Heart Study at visit 1 (2000–2004) with LTL data and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scores (n = 580 men, n = 910 women) were utilized. The dimensions of discrimination scores (everyday, lifetime, burden of lifetime, and stress from lifetime discrimination) were standardized and categorized as low, moderate, and high. Coping responses to everyday and lifetime discrimination were categorized as passive and active coping. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to estimate the mean difference (standard errors-SEs) in LTL by dimensions of discrimination and coping responses stratified by CES-D scores p = 0.08). Passive coping with lifetime discrimination was associated with longer LTL among men who reported low depressive symptoms after full adjustment (b = 0.18, SE = 0.09, p p < 0.05). Conclusions: The intersection of perceived discrimination and depressive symptomatology may be related to LTL, and the effects may vary by sex.

Keywords

• leukocyte telomere length
• discrimination
• depressive symptoms
• African American adults