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Bariatric surgery improved aging biomarkers, lengthened telomeres

Issue: December 2013

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C-reactive protein and telomeres, markers for inflammation and aging, improved after bariatric surgery, according to study results presented at Obesity Week 2013.

“This unique study demonstrates that surgically induced weight loss is able to reverse a marker of aging, telomere length,” study researcher John Morton, MD, of Stanford University, said in a press release. “Past research has shown a tie between telomere length following weight loss through diet and exercise, but not through bariatric surgery.”

Researchers conducted the longitudinal study and measured telomere length preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months. They prospectively collected demographic and serologic data on 51 bariatric surgery patients (mean age, 48.6 years; 76.5% women).

The mean preoperative BMI of the patients was 44.3, and at 12 months after surgery, researchers documented an excess weight loss of 71% and saw declines in C-reactive protein (CRP; 8.3 mg/dL to 3.6 mg/dL) and fasting insulin (24 mcIU/mL to 6 mcIU/mL)

Although overall telomere length did not shorten significantly, when stratified by preoperative CRP and LDL, significant changes were evident. Postoperatively, high LDL patients were documented as having telomere lengthening as compared with low CRP patients (–0.02294 in low CRP and 0.04125 in high CRP; P=.005).

In the high CRP group, weight loss and telomere length were correlated (P=.0498).

In the high baseline CRP group, postoperative HDL increase correlated with increased telomere length (P=.0176).

“Telomeres protect chromosomes and the genetic information they contain,” Morton said. “Shortening is associated with age-related diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as reduced lifespan. It is also linked to increased adiposity, higher BMI, and visceral fat accumulation.”

For more information:

Leva N. Abstract T-70-OR. Presented at: Obesity Week 2013; Nov. 11-15; Atlanta.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.