Telomere length: a marker for reproductive aging?

The improvements accomplished in assisted reproductive technology have emphasized more than ever the role played by chronological age, notably for predicting oocyte quality. Studies in cellular aging have directed research on telomere length measurements as possible markers of functional aging and, notably, female reproductive outcomes. Although further research is still needed, encouraging results are already available on the possibility that leucocyte telomere length may be a useful parameter for assessing reproductive potential in aging women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]