title: Telomere length and its relationship with chronic diseases - new perspectives for periodontal research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The ageing process is accompanied by a variety of cellular modifications, and telomere shortening is a common finding. Large epidemiological studies have reported an association between shorter telomere length in peripheral leukocytes and several inflammatory diseases of the elderly including diabetes, atherosclerosis and, recently, periodontitis. The primary aim of this study was to critically discuss available evidence regarding the potential mechanisms relating shorter telomeres to periodontitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A narrative literature review was performed to report evidence relating shorter telomeres to the ageing process and inflammation. Then, we searched MEDLINE (1950 to May 2012) and ISI WEB OF SCIENCE (1950 to May 2012) databases for the combination of the terms 'telomere' and 'periodontitis'.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although these associations suggest a possible role of telomere attrition in the onset or evolution of chronic inflammatory diseases, only two studies addressed the relationship between telomere length and periodontitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We suggest that the chronic inflammatory burden observed in people with chronic periodontitis could represent the driver of telomere shortening. However, further evidence is needed to confirm whether inflammation is the cause or the consequence of the shorter leukocyte telomere length observed in people with periodontitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Pathology, São Paulo State University, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Joao Paulo
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Steffens
authors.affiliation: Vascular Physiology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Masi
authors.affiliation: Periodontology Unit, Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: D'Aiuto
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Pathology, São Paulo State University, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Araraquara, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: lcs@foar.unesp.br.
authors.forename: Luis Carlos
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Spolidorio
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D059506:Telomere Shortening