Changes in Telomere Length and Indicators of Oxidative Stress in Critically Ill Mechanically Ventilated Adults - A Pilot Study.

Abstract

Telomeres are structures at the end of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. The purpose of this pilot project is to report changes in telomere length (T/S ratio), indicators of oxidative stress (serum protein carbonyl, vitamin C, GSH:GSSG, and total antioxidant capacity) from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission to ICU discharge, and to explore their association with ICU-related morbidities among critically ill mechanically ventilated adults.