GPT and hypertensive disorder: Short TL may induce endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells dysfunction, and insulin resistance which contribute to the development of raised BP and hypertension.[32,37] On the other hand, oxidative stress and inflammation, which are risk factors for hypertension, also lead to telomere shortening.[38] Although causality and the pathway for TL shortening cannot be established in this cross-sectional study, the significant negative correlation between TL and ALT shown may suggest the influence of oxidative stress on TL shortening.