Telomeres, conserved DNA sequences at chromosome ends, naturally shorten with age, exacerbated by external factors like environmental challenges and reproduction. Birds, particularly psittacine, are gaining prominence as new aging models over the years because of their unique characteristics. This study explores erythrocyte telomere length (TL) and oxidative stress markers in plasma of long- and short-lived captive birds of the order Psittaciformes over four years. Long-lived birds consistently exhibited longer TL than short-lived ones (p = 0.012) but experienced a more pronounced TL shortening rate (p < 0.001) than short-lived ones. Breeding individuals experienced increased TL shortening compared to non-reproductive counterparts in long-lived birds (p = 0.008). Interestingly, long-lived birds showed a higher total antioxidant capacity than short-lived ones (p < 0.001), which was also increased during breeding (p = 0.026). A significant correlation was found between the telomere length shortening rate within the 4 years of study and the accumulated oxidative stress (r = 0.426, p = 0.069) in short-lived birds. These findings shed light on TL and oxidative stress dynamics over time, revealing distinct patterns influenced by life-traits among longevity groups.

端粒是染色体末端保守的 DNA 序列，随着年龄的增长而自然缩短，环境挑战和繁殖等外部因素加剧了这种情况。鸟类，尤其是鹦鹉，由于其独特的特性，多年来作为新的衰老模型越来越受到重视。本研究探讨了鹦鹉形目长寿和短寿圈养鸟类血浆中四年的红细胞端粒长度 （TL） 和氧化应激标志物。长寿的鸟类始终比短寿的鸟类表现出更长的 TL （p = 0.012），但比短寿的鸟类经历更明显的 TL 缩短率 （p < 0.001）。与长寿鸟类的非生殖个体相比，繁殖个体的 TL 缩短增加 （p = 0.008）。有趣的是，长寿的鸟类比短寿的鸟类表现出更高的总抗氧化能力 （p < 0.001），这在繁殖过程中也有所增加 （p = 0.026）。发现 4 年研究期间端粒长度缩短率与短寿鸟类的累积氧化应激 （r = 0.426，p = 0.069） 之间存在显着相关性。 这些发现揭示了 TL 和氧化应激随时间的动态变化，揭示了长寿群体中受生命特征影响的不同模式。