ASSESSMENT OF TELOMERE LENGTH BY Q-FISH AND THE EFFECT OF RESVERATROL ON TELOMERE STABILITY IN PREMATURE AGING SYNDROMES

Abstract

Background: Premature aging syndromes are associated with telomere shortening originated from defective telomerase function or mutations in the DNA repair system, which in turn can increase the susceptibility for malignant tumors. Aim: This study aims to assess the effect of Resveratrol - which is a natural extract - on the stability of chromosomes in premature aging syndromes patients using in vitro micronucleus assay as a parameter of improvement, and to assess the telomere length by Q-FISH technique in premature aging syndromes. Methods: The present study was conducted on 27 patients and 10 normal controls matching in age and sex. Induction of breakage by 1,3-Butadiene diepoxide, evaluation of the antioxidant effect of Resveratrol on genomic stability were done using in vitro micronucleus assay technique and assessment of telomere length by Q-FISH. Results: The proper dose of Resveratrol was adjusted in vitro, and significant reduction in the level of micronuclei in cultures treated with Resveratrol was found. Q-FISH was a powerful diagnostic method for the measurement of telomere length, and it helped us to evaluate the relation between the severity of the patients’ phenotype and the mean telomere length of each patient. Conclusion: This study recommended the use of in vitro micronucleus assay and Q-FISH techniques as prognostic markers for the severity of the disease. Further clinical assessments and adjustment of the dose of Resveratrol is needed to ensure its safety if used as an adjuvant therapy. Keywords: Resveratrol - Micronuclei - Fanconi anemia - Genomic stability - Premature aging syndromes - Q-FISH.