Length of Telomere can be accurately measured in Peripheral Blood.
Flow-FISH** and quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain (qPCR)** are most widely used.
A normal range for Telomeres is available for each year of age, longest at birth and shortening at 40-60** base pair per year.
Telomere below the Tenth Percentilefor Age are defined as " Short" and Telomeres below the “First” percentileare considered “Very Short”.
In Dyskeratosis Congenita telomeres are usually below the first percentile, regardless of the Gene lesion.
In Diabetics and Cardiovascular disease Telomere erosion is not assumed to be etiologic, but rather a Consequence of chronic inflammation.
Sex Hormones may mitigate Telomere attrition and even elongate Telomere length.
Telomeropathy patients should be advised to avoid toxins ( metal dust, busulfan, Amiodarone) ionizing radiation, cigarette smoke and alcohol.