The evaluation of chromosome telomere length change as a criterion of life expectancy in bariatric practice

Abstract

In recent decades, the prevalence of obesity has been steadily increasing in most countries of the world. Overweight is a risk factor for a wide range of endocrine, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, metabolic, neoplastic and musculoskeletal disorders and diseases. As you know, obesity is a state of chronic inflammation and severe oxidative stress, which will certainly affect the length of the chromosome telomeres. The dynamics of telomere length changes plays a decisive role in the regulation of cellular processes and cellular changes. Damage to telomeres, chromatin structures that help maintain the stability of the genome, leads to cell death or aging. However, information on how telomere length changes after weight loss through bariatric surgery remains limited to date. There are several types of bariatric surgery, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Based on this, it is possible that the restoration of the telomere length will differ depending on the technique used. This review describes the mechanisms for shortening leukocyte telomeres, and how bariatric surgery can affect this. The review also includes an analysis of evidence linking obesity and accelerated aging processes, as they are regulated by telomeres.

Keywords

• telomere length
• aging
• bariatric surgery
• obesity
• metabolic syndrome