Telomere length and TERT polymorphisms as biomarkers in asbestos-related diseases

• DOI: 10.2478/raon-2024-0009
• Publication Date: 2024-02-20T23:47:08Z
• Authors: Ana Mervic; Katja Goricar; Tanja Blagus; Alenka Franko; Katarina Trebusak...; Metoda Dodic Fikfak; Vita Dolzan; Viljem Kovac
• Keywords: R895-920; Telomere; asbestos; htert polymorphisms; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine; Case-Control Studies; malignant mesothelioma; telomere length; Disease Progression; Humans; Telomerase; Biomarkers; Research Article; Retrospective Studies

Abstract Background Asbestos exposure has been proposed as a risk factor for shorter telomere length. The aim of our study was to investigate whether length in leukocytes and hTERT genetic polymorphisms may serve potential biomarkers the developing asbestos-related diseases progression chemotherapy response rate malignant mesothelioma (MM). Subjects methods We conducted two retrospective studies. In first study, case-control were determined patients with MM, subjects pleural plaques controls without asbestos related disease, who occupationally exposed asbestos. second longitudinal observational also samples from MM before after chemotherapy. Telomere by monochromatic multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while competitive allele-specific PCR used genotype rs10069690, rs2736100 rs2736098. Logistic regression survival analysis statistical analysis. Results Patients had than (p < 0.001). After adjustment age, rs2736098 CT, rs10069690 TT CT+TT genotypes significantly associated higher adj = 0.023; p 0.026 0.017), AA CA+AA conferred lower compared all other 0.017, 0.026). not > 0.05) or time disease 0.05). Carriers one polymorphic T alleles good 0.039, 0.048), these associations remained statistically significant age 0.019; 0.017). A longer 0.038). Conclusions Shorter biomarker MM. Additionally, polymorphisms, but length, progression.