An improved method for determining telomere length and its use in assessing age in blood and saliva.

BACKGROUND

It is disputed whether telomeres shorten with age.

OBJECTIVE

The proposition of this study was to answer this question.

METHODS

The question was answered by a simple method consisting of a color reaction combined with long-term electrophoresis and weak voltage.

RESULTS

The telomeres shorten and the shortening is much higher than previously assumed.

CONCLUSION

The telomere theory of ageing and cancer is corroborated and for the first time it is possible to estimate age in blood or saliva.