MarcusAurelius
2017-04-15 13:29:23 UTC
Telomeres are located at the end of chromosomes to prevent replication errors and other problems. They shorten with each replication. At and/or near the end of their ability to shorten, replication and/or correct chromosome replication is no longer possible resulting in the increased probability of death, disease, and/or disability. Mental and physical stress increases the rate of telomere attrition (shortening) significantly. Thus, because Vietnam Veterans were exposed to significant mental and physical stress in combat and/or otherwise in the Vietnam War, it is highly likely that the same resulted in a significant increase in telomere attrition resulting in the observed premature death in Vietnam Veterans along with increased disability and disease associated with the same. The VA should investigate the same with the end of preventing and/or treating the deleterious effects of the increased telomere attrition. I am a US Army Infantry Vietnam Veteran and hold a BS in Biochemistry. The following is the URL of a Wikipedia article on telomeres:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telomere