”A twin study shows that greater access to green spaces in the neighborhood is associated with less depression, anxiety, and stress, even when corrected for shared genetic and environmental factors.” Julio Rodríguez, MSc, PhD
The fundamental role of the environment in health is gaining importance as many areas of the world continue their urbanization process. One mechanism through which the natural and social environments can influence health is through the exposome. This concept encompasses the diverse experiences and exposures throughout life and can shape health outcomes by causing changes in the human body, even at the cellular and genetic levels. A critical component in this context is telomeres, genetic structures at the ends of DNA that protect core sequences during cell replication and control the number of times cells can divide. Telomere length is considered influential in cellular health and aging.
The Role of the Environment in Telomere Length
Telomeres naturally shorten with age as cells divide, but this accelerated shortening is associated with various environmental exposures and stressors. The rate of telomere shortening can affect numerous health conditions and diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality rates. Environmental factors like pollution, stress, and social environment can contribute to premature telomere shortening. Chronic stress, whether social or psychological, is perceived as a factor that can lead to shorter telomere length. Constant exposure to discrimination and neglect in the neighborhood can generate elevated stress levels, potentially accelerating telomere shortening.
Impact of Pollution and Environmental Stress
Exposure to environmental stressors such as air pollution, toxic chemicals, and contaminated water can cause oxidative stress, affecting telomere function. Higher levels of air pollution have been associated with shorter telomere length in several studies. This impact can vary depending on the duration of exposure and other activities. Although many studies have found associations between telomere loss and environmental exposures, the variation in telomere length change is complex and cannot be explained by a single mechanism.
Benefits of the Natural Environment: The Role of Green Space
Green spaces, which include vegetated areas such as parks, gardens, and lawns, have been linked to numerous beneficial health and developmental outcomes, including increased physical activity, improved social interactions, improved mental health, lower mortality, and reduced stress. Green spaces can also reduce air and noise pollution. Given this range of benefits, exposure to green spaces, or the amount of green space in a neighborhood, could influence telomere erosion by reducing pollution and stress, thereby decreasing allostatic load.
To address this gap in research, we conducted a cross-sectional study using a large sample of individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2002 in the United States.
Methods
The data were obtained from NHANES, which has continuously assessed the health and nutritional status of the US population since 1990. Univariate analyses were performed to establish initial associations between exposure to green spaces, measured by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and telomere length, along with other covariates.
Results and Conclusions
Our preliminary results suggest that exposure to green spaces may have a positive impact on telomere length. However, more detailed analyses and multivariable models are needed to fully understand the relationship, considering both individual and contextual factors.
Final Considerations
This study seeks to shed light on how the environment, particularly the presence of green spaces, can play a role in cellular health and aging. Greater access to green spaces in the neighborhood is associated with less depression, anxiety, and stress. Understanding these links can have important implications for urban planning and the promotion of healthy environments. As we advance our understanding of the connection between our environment and telomere length, we can advocate for policies and practices that foster healthier and more sustainable environments.
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Fuente: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723060795?via%3Dihub
