The Influence of Telomere-Related Gene Variants, Serum Levels, and Relative Leukocyte Telomere Length in Pituitary Adenoma Occurrence and Recurrence

In this study, we examined 130 patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs) and 320 healthy subjects, using DNA samples from peripheral blood leukocytes purified through the DNA salting-out method. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and relative leukocyte telomere lengths (RLTLs), while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of TERF1, TERF2, TNKS2, CTC1, and ZNF676 in blood serum. Our findings reveal several significant associations. Genetic associations with pituitary adenoma occurrence: the TERF1 rs1545827 CT + TT genotypes were linked to 2.9-fold decreased odds of PA occurrence. Conversely, the TNKS2 rs10509637 GG genotype showed 6.5-fold increased odds of PA occurrence. Gender-specific genetic associations with PA occurrence: in females, the TERF1 rs1545827 CC + TT genotypes indicated 3.1-fold decreased odds of PA occurrence, while the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was associated with 4.6-fold increased odds. In males, the presence of the TERF1 rs1545827 T allele was associated with 2.2-fold decreased odds of PA occurrence, while the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was linked to a substantial 10.6-fold increase in odds. Associations with pituitary adenoma recurrence: the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was associated with 4.2-fold increased odds of PA recurrence. On the other hand, the TERF1 rs1545827 CT + TT genotypes were linked to 3.5-fold decreased odds of PA without recurrence, while the TNKS2 rs10509637 AA genotype was associated with 6.4-fold increased odds of PA without recurrence. Serum TERF2 and TERF1 levels: patients with PA exhibited elevated serum TERF2 levels compared to the reference group. Conversely, patients with PA had decreased TERF1 serum levels compared to the reference group. Relative leukocyte telomere length (RLTL): a significant difference in RLTL between the PA group and the reference group was observed, with PA patients having longer telomeres. Genetic associations with telomere shortening: the TERF1 rs1545827 T allele was associated with 1.4-fold decreased odds of telomere shortening. In contrast, the CTC1 rs3027234 TT genotype was linked to 4.8-fold increased odds of telomere shortening. These findings suggest a complex interplay between genetic factors, telomere length, and pituitary adenoma occurrence and recurrence, with potential gender-specific effects. Furthermore, variations in TERF1 and TNKS2 genes may play crucial roles in telomere length regulation and disease susceptibility.