Telomere Biology and Physiological Ageing: Telomere Length as a Biomarker of Accelerated Senescence in Malnutrition-Affected Children in North West Nigeria

Malnutrition in early childhood induces accelerated biological ageing through oxidative stress, inflammation, and telomere attrition, yet no study has characterised telomere biology as a marker of physiological ageing in severely malnourished Nigerian children, representing a profound gap in the physiology of developmental adversity. This study investigated telomere length as a biomarker of accelerated senescence in severely malnourished children in North West Nigeria, advancing theoretical understanding of nutrition-ageing physiology in developing world contexts. A case-control design enrolled 70 children aged 6 to 60 months with confirmed severe acute malnutrition at nutrition stabilisation centres in Sokoto and Kebbi States, compared with 70 well-nourished children from the same communities. Relative telomere length was measured from leukocyte DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Oxidative stress markers including 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and total antioxidant capacity were assayed. Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and inflammatory cytokines were measured as mechanistic intermediaries. Linear regression and mediation analysis were applied. Results showed significantly shorter telomeres in malnourished children compared to well-nourished peers. Malnutrition severity correlated inversely with telomere length. Elevated 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and tumour necrosis factor-alpha each partially mediated the malnutrition-telomere relationship. Insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency independently predicted shorter telomeres. This study makes a theoretically original contribution linking early malnutrition to molecular ageing physiology in Nigeria. Nutritional rehabilitation programmes with antioxidant support are recommended as priority interventions. Keywords: telomere length, malnutrition, biological ageing, oxidative stress, North West Nigeria.