Does the cryogenic freezing process cause shorter telomeres?

Cryobiology. 2012 Aug;65(1):72-3. doi: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2012.03.005. Epub 2012 Mar 29.

Abstract

We have observed evidence of increased telomere shortening in short-term T-lymphocyte cultures following freezing and thawing of the original inoculum obtained by ficoll-paque gradient centrifugation, compared to T-lymphocytes that were cultured immediately without freezing and thawing from the same blood sample from 3 female and 3 male adults. Because freezing may have similar effects on other cell types, and because telomere shortening may only manifest its effects after many years or decades, we suggest there is a pressing need for evaluation of the effects of freezing on any cells envisioned for clinical applications, including embryo implantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Freezing
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Telomere / genetics
  • Telomere / metabolism
  • Telomere / physiology*
  • Telomere Shortening*