Older paternal ages and grandpaternal ages at conception predict longer telomeres in human descendants.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Multi-generational observational cohort study
PubMed 31138065 · doi:10.1098/rspb.2019.0800
What was done
Analyzed telomere length data alongside paternal age at conception across up to four generations in a sample of 3,282 humans. The authors evaluated whether the paternal age effect persists in grandchildren and more distant descendants across matrilineal and patrilineal lineages, testing for linearity and controlling for offspring age, maternal age, income, urbanicity, and ancestry.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, effect sizes, or confidence intervals. It reports that older paternal age at conception predicted longer telomere length in children and grandchildren with comparable strength through matrilines and patrilines, alongside generational decay. Paternal ages of more distant male ancestors were not significant predictors. The effect was linear, was not moderated by offspring or maternal age, and was robust to socio-demographic and ancestry adjustments.
Why it matters
This study provides evidence that the association between older male reproductive age and longer descendant telomere length transmits across multiple generations through both maternal and paternal lines.
Limits
The abstract provides no exact numerical measurements, effect sizes, or p-values. Statistical power was limited for evaluating ancestors beyond grandparents. Observational lineage data cannot establish a causal mechanism or determine the health consequences of inherited differences in telomere length.
Cited by
- supports Unlike other cell types, sperm telomeres lengthen as men age, and older fathers pass on longer telomeres to their offspring.