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Chromosomal instability, arising from telomere dysfunction and DNA damage, is associated with degenerative diseases of ageing. Increased psychological stress has been consistently associated with shorter telomeres, which may explain its deleterious effects on health, but the causes of telomere shortening are not known. The aim of this study was to examine the interactive impact of nutritional status and chronic stress on chromosomal stability. We compared dietary intake, plasma micronutrient status, telomere length (flow cytometry) and DNA damage (micronuclei, biomarker of chromosome breakage or loss) in lymphocytes, stress hormones, and perceived stress (PSS) in individuals caring for a family member with dementia ( n = 42), with age and gender matched non-carers ( n = 42). Carers had significantly higher PSS, distress (both p p = 0.0002) compared with controls. Telomere length (TL) was significantly (negatively) correlated with age (Pearson’s r = −0.5, p r = −0.3, p = 0.006). Increased micronuclei were observed in participants with low serum folate ( p = 0.07), high serum cortisol ( p = 0.07) and perceived stress ( p = 0.03). The highest quartile for PSS had the lowest serum folate concentrations ( r = −0.4, p = 0.07), while elevated serum cortisol was associated with smoking, alcohol intake, and lower intake of dietary protein and five essential minerals ( p = 0.01–0.05). These data indicate that elevated stress, together with suboptimal nutrition, may impact on chromosomal stability, contributing to increased morbidity, reduced immunity and accelerated ageing observed in chronically stressed individuals. |
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