Telomere shortening and progression in patients with COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a multidimen-sional chronic disease thought to be associated with accelerated aging. Telomere loss, a primary hallmark of aging, is greatly accelerated in cells with increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. Telomere shortening could be related to COPD progression and clinically relevant outcomes.