Menopause modifies the association of leukocyte telomere length with insulin resistance and inflammation.

CONTEXT Leukocyte telomere length is inversely correlated with age, insulin resistance, serum leptin, and smoking. OBJECTIVE We explored whether menopausal status modifies the relations between leukocyte telomere length and insulin resistance. In addition, we examined the effect of menopause on the relation between leukocyte telomere length and C-reactive protein (CRP), an index of inflammation. DESIGN This was an observational cohort study. SETTING The study setting was community based. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1517 women aged 18-79 yr selected only for belonging to a twin pair and representative of the general population participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Leukocyte telomere restriction fragment length (TRFL) was measured. RESULTS Insulin resistance (expressed in the homeostasis model assessment), leptin, and CRP were inversely correlated with leukocyte TRFL in premenopausal but not postmenopausal women. Insulin resistance, CRP, but not leptin independently accounted for variation in white blood cell TRFL in premenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS Menopausal status impacts leukocyte telomere length and its relation with insulin resistance and inflammation in women.