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Zhang Z, Reynolds SR, Stolrow HG, Chen J, Christensen BC, Salas LA. Deciphering the role of immune cell composition in epigenetic age acceleration: Insights from cell-type deconvolution applied to human blood epigenetic clocks. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14071. [PMID: 38146185 PMCID: PMC10928575 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a significant risk factor for various human disorders, and DNA methylation clocks have emerged as powerful tools for estimating biological age and predicting health-related outcomes. Methylation data from blood DNA has been a focus of more recently developed DNA methylation clocks. However, the impact of immune cell composition on epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) remains unclear as only some clocks incorporate partial cell type composition information when analyzing EAA. We investigated associations of 12 immune cell types measured by cell-type deconvolution with EAA predicted by six widely-used DNA methylation clocks in data from >10,000 blood samples. We observed significant associations of immune cell composition with EAA for all six clocks tested. Across the clocks, nine or more of the 12 cell types tested exhibited significant associations with EAA. Higher memory lymphocyte subtype proportions were associated with increased EAA, and naïve lymphocyte subtypes were associated with decreased EAA. To demonstrate the potential confounding of EAA by immune cell composition, we applied EAA in rheumatoid arthritis. Our research maps immune cell type contributions to EAA in human blood and offers opportunities to adjust for immune cell composition in EAA studies to a significantly more granular level. Understanding associations of EAA with immune profiles has implications for the interpretation of epigenetic age and its relevance in aging and disease research. Our detailed map of immune cell type contributions serves as a resource for studies utilizing epigenetic clocks across diverse research fields, including aging-related diseases, precision medicine, and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Zhang
- Department of EpidemiologyGeisel School of Medicine at DartmouthLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Dartmouth Cancer CenterDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences ProgramGuarini School of Graduate and Advanced StudiesHanoverNew HampshireUSA
| | - Samuel R. Reynolds
- Department of EpidemiologyGeisel School of Medicine at DartmouthLebanonNew HampshireUSA
| | - Hannah G. Stolrow
- Department of EpidemiologyGeisel School of Medicine at DartmouthLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Dartmouth Cancer CenterDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
| | - Ji‐Qing Chen
- Department of EpidemiologyGeisel School of Medicine at DartmouthLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology ProgramGuarini School of Graduate and Advanced StudiesHanoverNew HampshireUSA
| | - Brock C. Christensen
- Department of EpidemiologyGeisel School of Medicine at DartmouthLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Dartmouth Cancer CenterDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences ProgramGuarini School of Graduate and Advanced StudiesHanoverNew HampshireUSA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology ProgramGuarini School of Graduate and Advanced StudiesHanoverNew HampshireUSA
| | - Lucas A. Salas
- Department of EpidemiologyGeisel School of Medicine at DartmouthLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Dartmouth Cancer CenterDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences ProgramGuarini School of Graduate and Advanced StudiesHanoverNew HampshireUSA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology ProgramGuarini School of Graduate and Advanced StudiesHanoverNew HampshireUSA
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Abstract
Epigenetics has transformed our understanding of the molecular basis of complex diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on epigenetic processes implicated in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, highlighting the potential of DNA methylation as a precision medicine biomarker and examining the impact of social determinants of health, gut bacterial epigenomics, noncoding RNA, and epitranscriptomics on disease development and progression. We discuss challenges and barriers to advancing cardiometabolic epigenetics research, along with the opportunities for novel preventive strategies, targeted therapies, and personalized medicine approaches that may arise from a better understanding of epigenetic processes. Emerging technologies, such as single-cell sequencing and epigenetic editing, hold the potential to further enhance our ability to dissect the complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. To translate research findings into clinical practice, interdisciplinary collaborations, technical and ethical considerations, and accessibility of resources and knowledge are crucial. Ultimately, the field of epigenetics has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, paving the way for precision medicine and personalized health care, and improving the lives of millions of individuals worldwide affected by these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, New York (A.A.B.)
| | - José Ordovás
- Jean Mayer US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, at Tufts University, Boston, MA (J.O.)
- IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Madrid, Spain (J.O.)
- Consortium CIBERObn, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain (J.O.)
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Chan MHM, Merrill SM, Konwar C, Kobor MS. An integrative framework and recommendations for the study of DNA methylation in the context of race and ethnicity. DISCOVER SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH 2023; 3:9. [PMID: 37122633 PMCID: PMC10118232 DOI: 10.1007/s44155-023-00039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Human social epigenomics research is critical to elucidate the intersection of social and genetic influences underlying racial and ethnic differences in health and development. However, this field faces major challenges in both methodology and interpretation with regard to disentangling confounded social and biological aspects of race and ethnicity. To address these challenges, we discuss how these constructs have been approached in the past and how to move forward in studying DNA methylation (DNAm), one of the best-characterized epigenetic marks in humans, in a responsible and appropriately nuanced manner. We highlight self-reported racial and ethnic identity as the primary measure in this field, and discuss its implications in DNAm research. Racial and ethnic identity reflects the biological embedding of an individual's sociocultural experience and environmental exposures in combination with the underlying genetic architecture of the human population (i.e., genetic ancestry). Our integrative framework demonstrates how to examine DNAm in the context of race and ethnicity, while considering both intrinsic factors-including genetic ancestry-and extrinsic factors-including structural and sociocultural environment and developmental niches-when focusing on early-life experience. We reviewed DNAm research in relation to health disparities given its relevance to race and ethnicity as social constructs. Here, we provide recommendations for the study of DNAm addressing racial and ethnic differences, such as explicitly acknowledging the self-reported nature of racial and ethnic identity, empirically examining the effects of genetic variants and accounting for genetic ancestry, and investigating race-related and culturally regulated environmental exposures and experiences. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44155-023-00039-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meingold Hiu-ming Chan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Sarah M. Merrill
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Chaini Konwar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Edwin S. H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
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Banszerus VL, König M, Landmesser U, Vetter VM, Demuth I. Epigenetic aging in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease: results of the LipidCardio study. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:16. [PMID: 36721243 PMCID: PMC9887837 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01434-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People age biologically at different rates. Epigenetic clock-derived DNA methylation age acceleration (DNAmAA) is among the most promising markers proposed to assess the interindividual differences in biological age. Further research is needed to evaluate the characteristics of the different epigenetic clock biomarkers available with respect to the health domains they reflect best. METHODS In this study, we have analyzed 779 participants of the LipidCardio study (mean chronological age 69.9 ± 11.0 years, 30.6% women) who underwent diagnostic angiography at the Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany. DNA methylation age (DNAm age) was measured by methylation-sensitive single nucleotide primer extension (MS-SNuPE) and calculated with the 7-CpG clock. We compared the biological age as assessed as DNAmAA of participants with an angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD, n = 554) with participants with lumen reduction of 50% or less (n = 90) and patients with a normal angiogram (n = 135). RESULTS Participants with a confirmed CAD had on average a 2.5-year higher DNAmAA than patients with a normal angiogram. This association did not persist after adjustment for sex in a logistic regression analysis. High-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a), estimated glomerular filtration rate, physical activity, BMI, alcohol consumption, and smoking were not associated with DNAmAA. CONCLUSION The association between higher DNAmAA and angiographically confirmed CAD seems to be mainly driven by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Laura Banszerus
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (Including Division of Lipid Metabolism), Biology of Aging Working Group, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian König
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (Including Division of Lipid Metabolism), Biology of Aging Working Group, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulf Landmesser
- Department of Cardiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Deutsches Zentrum Für Herzkreislaufforschung (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valentin Max Vetter
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (Including Division of Lipid Metabolism), Biology of Aging Working Group, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilja Demuth
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (Including Division of Lipid Metabolism), Biology of Aging Working Group, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- BCRT - Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Agyemang C, van der Linden EL, Antwi-Berko D, Nkansah Darko S, Twumasi-Ankrah S, Meeks K, van den Born BJH, Henneman P, Owusu-Dabo E, Beune E. Cohort profile: Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants in Europe and Africa Prospective (RODAM-Pros) cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067906. [PMID: 36521887 PMCID: PMC9756160 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) prospective (RODAM-Pros) cohort study was established to identify key changes in environmental exposures and epigenetic modifications driving the high burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among sub-Saharan African migrants. PARTICIPANTS All the participants in the RODAM cross-sectional study that completed the baseline assessment (n=5114) were eligible for the follow-up of which 2165 participants (n=638 from rural-Ghana, n=608 from urban-Ghana, and n=919 Ghanaian migrants in Amsterdam, the Netherlands) were included in the RODAM-Pros cohort study. Additionally, we included a subsample of European-Dutch (n=2098) to enable a comparison to be made between Ghanaian migrants living in the Netherlands and the European-Dutch host population. FINDINGS TO DATE Follow-up data have been collected on demographics, socioeconomic status, medical history, psychosocial environment, lifestyle factors, nutrition, anthropometrics, blood pressure, fasting blood, urine and stool samples. Biochemical analyses included glucose metabolism, lipid profile, electrolytes and renal function, liver metabolism and inflammation. In a subsample, we assessed DNA methylation patterns using Infinium 850K DNA Methylation BeadChip. Baseline results indicated that migrants have higher prevalence of CVD risk factors than non-migrants. Epigenome-wide association studies suggest important differences in DNA methylation between migrants and non-migrants. The follow-up study will shed further light on key-specific environmental exposures and epigenetic modifications contributing to the high burden of CVD risk among sub-Saharan African migrants. FUTURE PLANS Follow-up is planned at 5-year intervals, baseline completed in 2015 and first follow-up completed in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Antwi-Berko
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel Nkansah Darko
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sampson Twumasi-Ankrah
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Karlijn Meeks
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bert-Jan H van den Born
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Henneman
- Department of Human Genetics, Genome Diagnostics laboratory Amsterdam, Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Erik Beune
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Reale A, Tagliatesta S, Zardo G, Zampieri M. Counteracting aged DNA methylation states to combat ageing and age-related diseases. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 206:111695. [PMID: 35760211 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) overwrites information about multiple extrinsic factors on the genome. Age is one of these factors. Age causes characteristic DNAm changes that are thought to be not only major drivers of normal ageing but also precursors to diseases, cancer being one of these. Although there is still much to learn about the relationship between ageing, age-related diseases and DNAm, we now know how to interpret some of the effects caused by age in the form of changes in methylation marks at specific loci. In fact, these changes form the basis of the so called "epigenetic clocks", which translate the genomic methylation profile into an "epigenetic age". Epigenetic age does not only estimate chronological age but can also predict the risk of chronic diseases and mortality. Epigenetic age is believed to be one of the most accurate metrics of biological age. Initial evidence has recently been gathered pointing to the possibility that the rate of epigenetic ageing can be slowed down or even reversed. In this review, we discuss some of the most relevant advances in this field. Expected outcome is that this approach can provide insights into how to preserve health and reduce the impact of ageing diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Reale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Tagliatesta
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Zardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Agyemang
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bert-Jan van den Born
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Agyemang C, van der Linden EL, Bennet L. Type 2 diabetes burden among migrants in Europe: unravelling the causal pathways. Diabetologia 2021; 64:2665-2675. [PMID: 34657183 PMCID: PMC8563673 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-021-05586-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
European populations are ethnically and culturally diverse due to international migration. Evidence indicates large ethnic inequalities in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. This review discusses the burden of type 2 diabetes and its related complications, and the potential explanatory mechanisms among migrants in Europe. The current available data suggest that the rate of type 2 diabetes is higher in all migrant groups and that they develop this disease at an earlier age than the host European populations. The level of diabetes awareness among migrant populations is high, but glycaemic control remains suboptimal compared with Europeans. The culturally adapted lifestyle modification intervention trials to prevent type 2 diabetes mainly focus on South Asian adults in Europe. Diabetes-related microvascular and macrovascular complications remain a major burden among migrant populations in Europe. Earlier studies found higher mortality rates among migrants, but recent studies seem to suggest a shifting trend in favour of first-generation migrants. However, the extent of the burden of type 2 diabetes varies across migrant groups and European countries. Despite the higher burden of type 2 diabetes among migrants, the key underlying factors are not well understood mainly due to limited investment in basic science research and development of prospective cohort studies. We hypothesise that the underlying risk factors for the high burden of type 2 diabetes and its related complications in migrants are multifaceted and include pre-migration factors, post-migration factors and genetic predispositions. Given the multi-ethnic nature of the current European population, there is a clear need for investment in research among migrant populations to gain insight into factors driving the high burden of type 2 diabetes and related complications to facilitate prevention and treatment efforts in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Eva L van der Linden
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Louise Bennet
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Clinical Research and Trial Centre, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Liu Z, Zhu Y. Epigenetic clock: a promising mirror of ageing. THE LANCET HEALTHY LONGEVITY 2021; 2:e304-e305. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(21)00098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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