A researcher investigates senescent fibroblasts in elderly patients, observing variations in collagen production post-injury. Which consequence follows if telomere shortening accelerates within these cells?

💡 Explanation

Accelerated telomere shortening triggers DNA damage responses and cell cycle arrest, leading to senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Because SASP includes pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammation persists, impairing tissue repair; therefore, option D is correct, rather than enhanced repair seen in A, B, and C.

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