Harsh life of Romanian orphans damaged their DNA

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43061185/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

By Rachael Rettner
updated 5/17/2011 11:08:19 AM ET

Hardships early in life may prematurely age a child's DNA, which may ultimately shorten life span, according to a new study.

The results showed that children who spent their early childhoods in Romanian orphanages had shorter telomeres — caps on the tips of chromosomes — than expected for their age. Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes from damage, and early shortening of telomeres may lead to a reduction in life span, the researchers say.

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t's unclear what the results mean for the children's future health. Earlier studies have found an association between shorter telomeres and an increased risk of disease, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, it may cause premature aging, said study researcher Charles Nelson, director of the Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience at Children's Hospital Boston.

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see also:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517091937.htm

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