Measuring antiaging effects through changes in telomere length after mesenchymal stem cells therapy

Telomere length is a well-known biomarker indicating cellular aging and biological age. Shortening of telomere length is associated with an increased risk of age-related diseases, cellular aging, and reduced regenerative capacity. This study measured changes in peripheral blood telomere length following intravenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) administration. Changes in telomere length (kb/cell) before and after intravenous MSCs treatment were evaluated, and the consistency and extent of telomere elongation were assessed among subjects of various ages, sexes, and treatment durations. Peripheral blood deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted and telomere lengths were measured in kb/cell units for a retrospective analysis of 19 cases (18 subjects). Treatment durations ranged from 25 days to 14 months, and the ages of the subjects ranged from 34 to 78 years. Intravenous MSCs treatment was associated with a consistent and measurable increase in peripheral blood telomere length. These results support the hypothesis that telomere length can be used as an outcome biomarker and patient selection criterion for MSCs-based antiaging therapy.