Early life adversity and telomere length: a meta-analysis.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
PubMed 28322278 · doi:10.1038/mp.2017.26
What was done
The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis across PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science through July 2016 to evaluate the association between early adversity (abuse, neglect, socioeconomic status, and other adverse experiences) and telomere length. Study quality and bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Effect sizes were pooled using Cohen's d alongside sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses.
What was found
Across 41 included studies totaling 30,773 participants, early life adversity was significantly associated with shorter telomere length (Cohen's d = -0.35; 95% CI, -0.46 to -0.24; P < 0.0001). Adversity type (P < 0.0001) and timing (P = 0.0025) significantly moderated the association. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that medication use, medical or psychiatric conditions, case-control versus longitudinal design, methodological factors, age, and smoking also significantly affected the relationship.
Why it matters
This study provides quantitative evidence across tens of thousands of individuals that childhood adversity is linked to shorter telomere length, supporting a biological aging mechanism for long-term health vulnerabilities.
Limits
All included studies were observational, preventing definitive causal inference. The abstract notes significant modulation by study design (case-control vs. longitudinal), medication, comorbidities, age, smoking, and measurement methodologies, pointing to meaningful heterogeneity across included studies.
Cited by
- supports Traumatic experiences, especially during youth and early childhood, leave an imprint associated with shorter telomeres.