Leukocyte telomere length variation due to DNA extraction method

Article

Denham, Joshua, Marques, Francine Z and Charchar, Fadi J. 2014. "Leukocyte telomere length variation due to DNA extraction method." BMC Research Notes. 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-7-877
Article Title

Leukocyte telomere length variation due to DNA extraction method

ERA Journal ID42229
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsDenham, Joshua, Marques, Francine Z and Charchar, Fadi J
Journal TitleBMC Research Notes
Journal Citation7
Article Number877
Number of Pages6
Year2014
PublisherBioMed Central Ltd.
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN1756-0500
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-7-877
Web Address (URL)https://bmcresnotes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-0500-7-877
Abstract

Background
Telomere length is indicative of biological age. Shorter telomeres have been associated with several disease and health states. There are inconsistencies throughout the literature amongst relative telomere length measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and different extraction methods or kits used. We quantified whole-blood leukocyte telomere length using the telomere to single copy gene (T/S) ratio by qPCR in 20 young (18-25 yrs) men after extracting DNA using three common extraction methods: Lahiri and Nurnberger (high salt) method, PureLink Genomic DNA Mini kit (Life Technologies) and QiaAmp DNA Mini kit (Qiagen). Telomere length differences of DNA extracted from the three extraction methods was assessed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results
DNA purity differed between extraction methods used (P = 0.01). Telomere length was impacted by the DNA extraction method used (P = 0.01). Telomeres extracted using the Lahiri and Nurnberger method (mean T/S ratio: 2.43, range: 1.57 – 3.02) and PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit (mean T/S ratio: 2.57, range: 2.24 – 2.80) did not differ (P = 0.13). Likewise, QiaAmp and Purelink-extracted telomeres were not statistically different (P = 0.14). The Lahiri-extracted telomeres, however, were significantly shorter than those extracted using the QiaAmp DNA Mini Kit (mean T/S ratio: 2.71, range: 2.32 – 3.02; P = 0.003). DNA purity was associated with telomere length.

Conclusion
There are discrepancies between the length of leukocyte telomeres extracted from the same individuals according to the DNA extraction method used. DNA purity could be responsible for the discrepancy in telomere length but this will require validation studies. We recommend using the same DNA extraction kit when quantifying leukocyte telomere length by qPCR or when comparing different cohorts to avoid erroneous associations between telomere length and traits of interest.

KeywordsTelomeres; Leukocyte; T/S ratio; qPCR; DNA extraction; High salt method
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020310599. Genetics not elsewhere classified
310508. Genome structure and regulation
Byline AffiliationsFederation University
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/yzx8y/leukocyte-telomere-length-variation-due-to-dna-extraction-method

Log in to edit

Download files

Published Version
Leukocyte telomere length variation due to DNA extraction method.pdf
License: CC BY 4.0
File access level: Anyone

  • 92
    total views
  • 37
    total downloads
  • 7
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Shorter Telomeres and Faster Telomere Attrition in Individuals With Five Syndromic Forms of Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Hanley, Sarah M., Schutte, Nicola S., Bellamy, Jessica and Denham, Joshua. 2025. "Shorter Telomeres and Faster Telomere Attrition in Individuals With Five Syndromic Forms of Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 69 (8), pp. 641-654. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.13244
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Highlights a Link Between Aerobic Fitness and Telomere Maintenance
Ryall, Clodagh and Denham, Joshua. 2025. "A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Highlights a Link Between Aerobic Fitness and Telomere Maintenance." Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences . 80 (6). https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaf068
The application of the pyramidal training model for conditioning thoroughbred horses
Davie, Allan, Beavers, Rosalind and Denham, Joshua. 2025. "The application of the pyramidal training model for conditioning thoroughbred horses." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105567
Exercise as a Therapeutic Strategy to Improve Cerebrovascular Function and Cognition in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review
Downs, Tahnee L., Whiteside, Eliza J., Denham, Joshua, Mills, Dean E. and Bliss, Edward S.. 2024. "Exercise as a Therapeutic Strategy to Improve Cerebrovascular Function and Cognition in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review." Journal of Clinical Medicine. 13 (24). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13247841
Efficacy of a student-led interprofessional health clinic for preventing and managing chronic disease
Hulme, A., Sangelaji, B., Walker, C., Fallon, T., Denham, J. and Martin, P.. 2024. "Efficacy of a student-led interprofessional health clinic for preventing and managing chronic disease." 17th National Rural Health Conference. Perth, Australia 16 - 18 Sep 2024
Exercise to combat cancer focusing on the ends
Denham, Joshua, Bliss, Edward S., Bryan, Tracy M., O'Brien, Brendan J. and Mills, Dean. 2024. "Exercise to combat cancer focusing on the ends." Physiological Genomics. 56 (12), pp. 869-875. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiolgenomics.00075.2024
Efficacy of a student-led interprofessional health clinic in regional Australia for preventing and managing chronic disease
Hulme, Adam, Sangelaji, Bahram, Walker, Clara, Fallon, Tony, Denham, Joshua, Martin, Priya, Woodruffe, Steve, Bell, Kate, Aniftos, Michelle, Kirkpatrick, Jayne, Cotter, Nicola, Osborn, Dayle and Argus, Geoff. 2024. "Efficacy of a student-led interprofessional health clinic in regional Australia for preventing and managing chronic disease." Journal of Interprofessional Care. 38 (5), pp. 893-906. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2024.2380436
Progressive overload in cardiorespiratory exercise training for young and old: Is increasing duration or intensity of exercise more important?
Bell, Leo Robert, Worn, Ryan, O’Grady, Mathew William, Denham, Joshua and O’Brien, Brendan Joseph. 2024. "Progressive overload in cardiorespiratory exercise training for young and old: Is increasing duration or intensity of exercise more important?" Medical Hypotheses. 188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2024.111366
Exercise training reduces arterial stiffness in women with high blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zaman, Shadman, Selva Raj, Isaac, Yang, Angela Wei Hong, Lindner, Robert and Denham, Joshua. 2024. "Exercise training reduces arterial stiffness in women with high blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Hypertension. 42 (2), pp. 197-204. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000003594
Accelerated telomere shortening in individuals with intellectual disability
Hanley, Sarah M., Schutte, Nicola S. and Denham, Joshua. 2023. "Accelerated telomere shortening in individuals with intellectual disability." 18th Australian Cell Cycle, DNA repair and Telomere Meeting. Melbourne, Australia 23 Oct - 25 Nov 2023 Australia.
Coconut Water: A Sports Drink Alternative?
O'Brien, Brendan J., Bell, Leo R., Hennessy, Declan, Denham, Joshua and Paton, Carl D.. 2023. "Coconut Water: A Sports Drink Alternative?" Sports. 11 (9). https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11090183
The Emerging Role of Hypoxic Training for the Equine Athlete
Davie, Allan, Beavers, Rosalind, Hargitaiová, Kristýna and Denham, Joshua. 2023. "The Emerging Role of Hypoxic Training for the Equine Athlete." Animals. 13 (17). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172799
A student-run exercise physiology clinic in Australia: who and what do we see?
Hume, E., Cameron, M., Findley, I., Smart, S., Elisaia, C., Hulme, A., Mills, D. and Denham, J.. 2023. "A student-run exercise physiology clinic in Australia: who and what do we see? " 2023 ASICS SMA Conference (ASICS SMA 2023). Sunshine Coast, Australia 11 - 14 Oct 2023 Australia. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2023.08.107
Moderate to Vigorous-intensity Continuous Training versus High-intensity Interval Training for improving VO2max in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Lindner, Robert, Selva Raj, Isaac, Yang, Angela Wei Hong, Zaman, Shadman, Larsen, Brianna and Denham, Joshua. 2023. "Moderate to Vigorous-intensity Continuous Training versus High-intensity Interval Training for improving VO2max in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis." International Journal of Sports Medicine. 44 (7), pp. 484-495. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2044-8952
Canonical and extra-telomeric functions of telomerase: Implications for healthy ageing conferred by endurance training
Denham, Josh. 2023. "Canonical and extra-telomeric functions of telomerase: Implications for healthy ageing conferred by endurance training." Aging Cell. 22 (6). https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.13836
Exercise regulates shelterin genes and microRNAs implicated in ageing in Thoroughbred horses
Mandal, Shama, Denham, Michele M., Spencer, Sarah J. and Denham, Joshua. 2022. "Exercise regulates shelterin genes and microRNAs implicated in ageing in Thoroughbred horses." Pfugers Archiv: European journal of physiology. 474 (11), p. 1159–1169. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00424-022-02745-0
Telomere Length Maintenance and Cardio-Metabolic Disease Prevention Through Exercise Training
Denham, Joshua, O'Brien, Brendan J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2016. "Telomere Length Maintenance and Cardio-Metabolic Disease Prevention Through Exercise Training." Sports Medicine. 46 (9), pp. 1213-1237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0482-4
Muscle-Enriched MicroRNAs Isolated from Whole Blood Are Regulated by Exercise and Are Potential Biomarkers of Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Denham, Joshua and Prestes, Priscilla R.. 2016. "Muscle-Enriched MicroRNAs Isolated from Whole Blood Are Regulated by Exercise and Are Potential Biomarkers of Cardiorespiratory Fitness." Frontiers in Genetics. 7, pp. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2016.00196
Epigenetic changes in leukocytes after 8 weeks of resistance exercise training
Denham, Joshua, Marques, Francine Z., Bruns, Emma L., O'Brien, Brendan J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2016. "Epigenetic changes in leukocytes after 8 weeks of resistance exercise training." European Journal of Applied Physiology. 116 (6), pp. 1245-1253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3382-2
Increased expression of telomere-regulating genes in endurance athletes with long leukocyte telomeres
Denham, Joshua, O'Brien, Brendan J., Prestes, Priscilla R., Brown, Nicholas J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2016. "Increased expression of telomere-regulating genes in endurance athletes with long leukocyte telomeres." Journal of Applied Physiology. 120 (2), pp. 148-158. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00587.2015
Aortic augmentation index in endurance athletes: a role for cardiorespiratory fitness
Denham, Joshua, Brown, Nicholas J., Tomaszewski, Maciej, Williams, Bryan, O'Brien, Brendan J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2016. "Aortic augmentation index in endurance athletes: a role for cardiorespiratory fitness." European Journal of Applied Physiology. 116 (8), pp. 1537-1544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3407-x
Lack of association between PBMC telomere length and endurance exercise
Denham, Joshua. 2017. "Lack of association between PBMC telomere length and endurance exercise." Journal of Applied Biomedicine. 15 (1), pp. 9-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jab.2016.09.004
Exercise and epigenetic inheritance of disease risk
Denham, Joshua. 2018. "Exercise and epigenetic inheritance of disease risk." Acta Physiologica. 222 (1), pp. 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1111/apha.12881
Sprint Interval Training Decreases Circulating MicroRNAs Important for Muscle Development
Denham, Joshua, Gray, Adrian, Scott-Hamilton, John and Hagstrom, Amanda D.. 2018. "Sprint Interval Training Decreases Circulating MicroRNAs Important for Muscle Development." International Journal of Sports Medicine. 39 (1), pp. 67-72. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-120763
Time-restricted feeding influences immune responses without compromising muscle performance in older men
Gasmi, Maha, Sellami, Maha, Denham, Joshua, Padulo, Johnny, Kuvacic, Goran, Selmi, Walid and Khalifa, Riadh. 2018. "Time-restricted feeding influences immune responses without compromising muscle performance in older men." Nutrition. 51-52, pp. 20-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2017.12.014
microRNAs in High and Low Responders to Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors
Hagstrom, Amanda D. and Denham, Joshua. 2018. "microRNAs in High and Low Responders to Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors." International Journal of Sports Medicine. 39 (6), pp. 482-489. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0592-7691
Effects of Acute and Chronic Exercise on Immunological Parameters in the Elderly Aged: Can Physical Activity Counteract the Effects of Aging?
Sellami, Maha, Gasmi, Maha, Denham, Joshua, Hayes, Lawrence D., Stratton, Dan, Padulo, Johnny and Bragazzi, Nicola. 2018. "Effects of Acute and Chronic Exercise on Immunological Parameters in the Elderly Aged: Can Physical Activity Counteract the Effects of Aging?" Frontiers in Immunology. 9, pp. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02187
The Effect of Resistance Training on Telomere Length in Women Recovering from Breast Cancer
Hagstrom, Amanda D. and Denham, Joshua. 2018. "The Effect of Resistance Training on Telomere Length in Women Recovering from Breast Cancer." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 3 (1), pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk3010009
Small non-coding RNAs are altered by short-term sprint interval training in men
Denham, Joshua, Gray, Adrian J., Scott-Hamilton, John, Hagstrom, Amanda D. and Murphy, Aron J.. 2018. "Small non-coding RNAs are altered by short-term sprint interval training in men." Physiological Reports. 6 (7), pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.13653
Leukocyte telomere length in the Thoroughbred racehorse
Denham, Josh and Denham, Michele M.. 2018. "Leukocyte telomere length in the Thoroughbred racehorse." Animal Genetics. 49 (5), pp. 452-456. https://doi.org/10.1111/age.12681
Age-associated telomere shortening in Thoroughbred horses
Denham, Joshua, Stevenson, Kim and Denham, Michele M.. 2019. "Age-associated telomere shortening in Thoroughbred horses." Experimental Gerontology. 127, pp. 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2019.110718
The association between sperm telomere length, cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise training in humans
Denham, Joshua. 2019. "The association between sperm telomere length, cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise training in humans." Biomedical journal. 42 (6), pp. 430-433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj.2019.07.003
Aerobic capacity and telomere length in human skeletal muscle and leukocytes across the lifespan
Hiam, Danielle, Smith, Cassandra, Voisin, Sarah, Denham, Josh, Yan, Xu, Landen, Shanie, Jacques, Macsue, Alvarez-Romero, Javier, Garnham, Andrew, Woessner, Mary N., Herrmann, Markus, Duque, Gustavo, Levinger, Itamar and Eynon, Nir. 2020. "Aerobic capacity and telomere length in human skeletal muscle and leukocytes across the lifespan." Aging. 12 (1), pp. 359-369. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.102627
Telomere regulation: lessons learnt from mice and men, potential opportunities in horses
Denham, Josh. 2020. "Telomere regulation: lessons learnt from mice and men, potential opportunities in horses." Animal Genetics. 51 (1), pp. 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/age.12870
Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in the intercellular communication for exercise-induced adaptations
Denham, Josh and Spencer, Sarah J.. 2020. "Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in the intercellular communication for exercise-induced adaptations." American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism. 319 (2), pp. E320-E329. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00215.2020
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Sodium Bicarbonate Administration and Equine Running Performance: Is it Time to Stop Horsing Around With Baking Soda?
Denham, Joshua and Hulme, Adam. 2020. "A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Sodium Bicarbonate Administration and Equine Running Performance: Is it Time to Stop Horsing Around With Baking Soda?" Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 95, pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103281
Cycling power outputs predict functional threshold power and maximum oxygen uptake
Denham, Joshua, Scott-Hamilton, John, Hagstrom, Amanda D. and Gray, Adrian J.. 2021. "Cycling power outputs predict functional threshold power and maximum oxygen uptake." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 34 (12), pp. 3489-3497. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000002253
Regular, intense exercise training as a healthy aging lifestyle strategy: preventing DNA damage, telomere shortening and adverse DNA methylation changes over a lifetime
Sellami, Maha, Bragazzi, Nicola, Prince, Mohammad Shoaib, Denham, Joshua and Elrayess, Mohamed. 2021. "Regular, intense exercise training as a healthy aging lifestyle strategy: preventing DNA damage, telomere shortening and adverse DNA methylation changes over a lifetime." Frontiers in Genetics. 12, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.652497
Plasma lipocalin-2/NGAL is stable over 12 weeks and is not modulated by exercise or dieting
Nakai, Michael E., Denham, Joshua, Prestes, Priscilla R., Eikelis, Nina, Lambert, Elizabeth A., Straznicky, Nora E., Schlaich, Markus P., Esler, Murray D., O'Brien, Brendan J., Charchar, Fadi J., Lambert, Gavin W. and Marques, Francine Z.. 2021. "Plasma lipocalin-2/NGAL is stable over 12 weeks and is not modulated by exercise or dieting." Scientific Reports. 11 (1), pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-83472-x
Epigenetic control of exercise adaptations in the equine athlete: current evidence and future directions
Denham, Joshua, McCluskey, Michael, Denham, Michele M., Sellami, Maha and Davie, Alan J.. 2021. "Epigenetic control of exercise adaptations in the equine athlete: current evidence and future directions." Equine Veterinary Journal. 53 (3), pp. 431-450. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13320
Exercise training increases telomerase reverse transcriptase gene expression and telomerase activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Denham, Joshua and Sellami, Maha. 2021. "Exercise training increases telomerase reverse transcriptase gene expression and telomerase activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Ageing Research Reviews. 70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2021.101411
Co-expression analysis identifies networks of miRNAs implicated in biological ageing and modulated by short-term interval training
Dev, Prasun Kumar, Gray, Adrian J., Scott-Hamilton, John, Hagstrom, Amanda D., Murphy, Aron and Denham, Joshua. 2021. "Co-expression analysis identifies networks of miRNAs implicated in biological ageing and modulated by short-term interval training." Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. 199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2021.111552
Changes in the leukocyte methylome and its effect on cardiovascular-related genes after exercise
Denham, Joshua, O'Brien, Brendan J., Marques, Francine Z. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2015. "Changes in the leukocyte methylome and its effect on cardiovascular-related genes after exercise." Journal of Applied Physiology. 118 (4), pp. 475-488. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00878.2014
Four weeks of sprint interval training improves 5-km run performance
Denham, Joshua, Feros, Simon A and O'Brien, Brendan J.. 2015. "Four weeks of sprint interval training improves 5-km run performance." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 29 (8), pp. 2137-2141. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000862
Genome-wide sperm DNA methylation changes after 3 months of exercise training in humans
Denham, Josh, O'Brien, Brendan J, Harvey, Jack T and Charchar, Fadi J. 2015. "Genome-wide sperm DNA methylation changes after 3 months of exercise training in humans." Epigenomics. 7 (5). https://doi.org/10.2217/epi.15.29
Exercise: putting action into our epigenome
Denham, Josh, Marques, Francine Z., O'Brien, Brendan J. and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2014. "Exercise: putting action into our epigenome." Sports Medicine. 44 (2), pp. 189-209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0114-1
Longer leukocyte telomeres are associated with ultra-endurance exercise independent of cardiovascular risk factors
Denham, Joshua, Nelson, Christopher P., O'Brien, Brendan J., Nankervis, Scott A., Denniff, Matthew, Harvey, Jack T., Marques, Francine Z., Codd, Veryan, Zukowska-Szczechowska, Ewa, Samani, Nilesh J., Tomaszewski, Maciej and Charchar, Fadi J.. 2013. "Longer leukocyte telomeres are associated with ultra-endurance exercise independent of cardiovascular risk factors." PLoS One. 8 (7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069377