Obesity linked to shorter telomeres may involve total bilirubin levels

Total bilirubin may mediate the relationship between obesity and leukocyte telomere length (LTL).

• Obesity is associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length.
• Oxidative stress is linked to the shortening of leukocyte telomere length.
• Total bilirubin functions as a potent endogenous antioxidant.
• The specific mediating role of total bilirubin in the obesity-LTL association is underexplored.

Simplified