Figure 3. Correlation between TRF length and newborn induced genetic damage.

A subgroup of 35 cord blood samples were selected and challenged to MMC treatment to establish their sensitivity to induced genomic instability. As observed, individuals with shorter telomeres present higher levels of MMC-induced genetic damage. The mean ± SEM values of telomere length, basal and induced DNA damage are also indicated for the overall population (N = 35) and for the individuals with shorter (N = 10) and longer (N = 10) telomeres. Individuals with shorter telomeres show significant higher level of basal and induced DNA damage. Student t-test for long vs. short telomere groups; **P<0.01, ***P<0.001.