Basic Science of Telomere and Telomerase

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A Telomere is the protective tip at the end of the paired strands of DNA.

The Telomere is a repetitive segment of DNA at the ends of all chromosomes that helps to keep the structure of the chromosomes intact, thus protecting the genes that make up our genomes.

Telomerase is an enzyme that synthesizes the specific DNA sequences at Telomeres.



What does this mean to us?

The 2009 Nobel Prize in medicine was awarded to telomere research.

This has profound implications on cell longevity, disease states, gene mutations, cancer, immune function, and our overall wellbeing in life.

In order to understand this, we must first look at how cells divide.  It is well established through the research of Leonard Hayflick that cells can only divide a finite number of times before they die.

Obviously, some individuals are genetically gifted with cells that can divide more than others and thus some people are destined to live to be 100 years old.  Now this only applies in a near perfect world.  If we had the genes to live to be 100 years old, but poison our bodies with toxins, then obviously the external forces acting upon our cells would hasten their death.  Smoking, cardiovascular disease from improper diet, etc all alter our inherent genetic cell longevity.  It is when the telomere becomes damaged or shortened that our DNA is at risk to damage.

A recent long-term study, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that individuals with long telomeres were less likely to develop disease states and cancer, while individuals with shorter telomeres had a much greater incidence of disease development and cancer.  The following illnesses have been shown to shortened telomeres:

     Myocardial Infarction
     Cancer
     Congestive Heart Failure 
     Degenerative and Rheumatoid Arthritis
     Alzheimer’s and Dementia

The discovery of how Telomerase protects telomeres was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2009.  The molecule that activates Telomerase is known as TA-65, and it transiently turn on Telomerase to rebuild or lengthen our telomeres.  TA-65 is now available in pill form through specially licensed physicians.  Dennis M. Lox, M.D was the second physician licensed in Florida to prescribe TA-65 and help his patients with Telomere science.

The research has been done.  With TA-65, it is now possible to overcome the "Hayflick Effect" of cell-life limits, or repair damage done to cells by toxins.  This is the first and only method scientifically addressing a focal key to a longer, healthier life.

To learn more of the benefits of TA-65 and Telomeres contact Dr. Lox for an appointment at 727-462-5582.