Genetic Predisposition

MTHFR Genotyping 
 

Mutations in this enzyme can affect the metabolism of homocysteine—causing accumulation—and therefore, impair methylation. Methylation is a biochemical process that is involved in numerous functions including cellular repair, energy production, detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and immunity, among others. MTHFR mutations have been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease, blood vessel damage, blood clots (thrombosis), stroke, and degenerative aging.

Factors Impacting Telomere Length

The rate at which telomeres shorten is accelerated by inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and other lifestyle habits. Furthermore, studies have shown that telomere shortening, when expedited, is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, and cancer.

Are Telomeres a New Biomarker for COVID-19?

A recently published medical paper suggests the answer may be YES. A team of scientists from Rutgers University reviewed the disease progression of COVID-19 and created an interesting hypothesis – that telomeres, particularly short telomere length, may be a potential biomarker that identifies patients most likely to have bad prognosis from COVID-19. The authors suggest that short telomeres “might serve to identify patients more likely to die from the SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of age. Learn more

SpectraCell was the first lab to commercialize telomere testing in the United States, back in 2010.  With over a decade of samples, our reference population is well over 15,000 patients.