端粒是真核生物细胞线性染色体末端一段特殊的DNA蛋白质复合物,有两个主要功能:(1)防止染色体末端识别为有害的DNA双链断裂;(2)通过募集端粒酶(一种合成新的端粒DNA重复序列的逆转录酶)来确保完整的DNA复制。端粒缩短参与了机体的衰老。端粒的过度损耗导致血管内皮细胞、内皮祖细胞以及平滑肌细胞衰老和功能障碍,进而参与动脉粥样 Telomere is a special DNA protein complex at the end of linear chromosomes of eukaryotes and serves two major functions: (1) preventing the end of the chromosome from being recognized as deleterious DNA double-strand breaks; (2) by recruiting telomerase Reverse transcriptase that synthesizes new telomeric DNA repeats) to ensure complete DNA replication. Telomere shortening involved in the body’s aging. Excessive telomere depletion leads to senescence and dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and smooth muscle cells, which in turn are involved in atherosclerosis