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Widom CS, Do H(H, Miller QC, Javakhishvili M, Eckstein Indik C, Belsky DW. Childhood Maltreatment and Biological Aging in Middle Adulthood: The Role of Psychiatric Symptoms. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100341. [PMID: 39040430 PMCID: PMC11260844 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood maltreatment and psychiatric morbidity have each been associated with accelerated biological aging primarily through cross-sectional studies. Using data from a prospective longitudinal study of individuals with histories of childhood maltreatment and control participants followed into midlife, we tested 2 hypotheses examining whether 1) psychiatric symptoms mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and biological aging and 2) psychiatric symptoms of anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) act in conjunction with childhood maltreatment to exacerbate the association of child maltreatment to aging. Methods Children (ages 0-11 years) with documented histories of maltreatment and demographically matched control children were followed into adulthood (N = 607) and interviewed over several waves of the study. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms were assessed at mean ages of 29 (interview 1) and 40 (interview 2) years. Biological age was measured from blood chemistries collected later (mean age = 41 years) using the Klemera-Doubal method. Hypotheses were tested using linear regressions and path analyses. Results Adults with documented histories of childhood maltreatment showed more symptoms of depression, PTSD, and anxiety at both interviews and more advanced biological aging, compared with control participants. PTSD symptoms at both interviews and depression and anxiety symptoms only at interview 2 predicted accelerated biological aging. There was no evidence of mediation; however, anxiety and depression moderated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and biological aging. Conclusions These new findings reveal the shorter- and longer-term longitudinal impact of PTSD on biological aging and the amplifying effect of anxiety and depression on the relationship between child maltreatment and biological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Spatz Widom
- Psychology Department, John Jay College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Hang (Heather) Do
- Psychology Department, John Jay College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Quincy C. Miller
- Psychology Department, John Jay College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Magda Javakhishvili
- Psychology Department, John Jay College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Claire Eckstein Indik
- Department of Epidemiology and Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Daniel W. Belsky
- Department of Epidemiology and Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
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Tamargo JA, Strath LJ, Cruz-Almeida Y. High-Impact Pain Is Associated With Epigenetic Aging Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Findings From the Health and Retirement Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2024; 79:glae149. [PMID: 38855906 PMCID: PMC11226994 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glae149] [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: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain has been associated with accelerated biological aging, which may be related to epigenetic alterations. We evaluated the association of high-impact pain (ie, pain that limits activities and function) with epigenetic aging, a measure of biological aging, in a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in the United States. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of adults 50 years of age and older from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study. Epigenetic aging was derived from 13 epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation patterns that predict aging correlates of morbidity and mortality. Ordinary least squares regressions were performed to test for differences in the epigenetic clocks, adjusting for the complex survey design, as well as biological, social, and behavioral factors. RESULTS The analysis consisted of 3 855 adults with mean age of 68.5 years, including 59.8% with no pain and 25.8% with high-impact pain. Consistent with its operational definition, high-impact pain was associated with greater functional and activity limitations. High-impact pain was associated with accelerated epigenetic aging compared to no pain, as measured via second (Zhang, PhenoAge, GrimAge) and third (DunedinPoAm) generation epigenetic clocks. Additionally, GrimAge was accelerated in high-impact pain as compared to low-impact pain. CONCLUSIONS High-impact pain is associated with accelerated epigenetic aging among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. These findings highlight aging-associated epigenetic alterations in high-impact chronic pain and suggest a potential for epigenetic therapeutic approaches for pain management and the preservation of physical function in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Tamargo
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Larissa J Strath
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Gaser C, Kalc P, Cole JH. A perspective on brain-age estimation and its clinical promise. NATURE COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE 2024:10.1038/s43588-024-00659-8. [PMID: 39048692 DOI: 10.1038/s43588-024-00659-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Brain-age estimation has gained increased attention in the neuroscientific community owing to its potential use as a biomarker of brain health. The difference between estimated and chronological age based on neuroimaging data enables a unique perspective on brain development and aging, with multiple open questions still remaining in the brain-age research field. This Perspective presents an overview of current advancements in the field and envisions the future evolution of the brain-age framework before its potential deployment in hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Gaser
- Structural Brain Mapping Group, Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
- German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG), Jena-Halle-Magdeburg, Jena, Germany.
| | - Polona Kalc
- Structural Brain Mapping Group, Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - James H Cole
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Sabbatinelli J, Giuliani A, Kwiatkowska KM, Matacchione G, Belloni A, Ramini D, Prattichizzo F, Pellegrini V, Piacenza F, Tortato E, Bonfigli AR, Gentilini D, Procopio AD, Garagnani P, Olivieri F, Bronte G. DNA Methylation-derived biological age and long-term mortality risk in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2024; 23:250. [PMID: 39003492 PMCID: PMC11245869 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-024-02351-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) face an increased mortality risk, not fully captured by canonical risk factors. Biological age estimation through DNA methylation (DNAm), i.e. the epigenetic clocks, is emerging as a possible tool to improve risk stratification for multiple outcomes. However, whether these tools predict mortality independently of canonical risk factors in subjects with T2D is unknown. METHODS Among a cohort of 568 T2D patients followed for 16.8 years, we selected a subgroup of 50 subjects, 27 survived and 23 deceased at present, passing the quality check and balanced for all risk factors after propensity score matching. We analyzed DNAm from peripheral blood leukocytes using the Infinium Human MethylationEPIC BeadChip (Illumina) to evaluate biological aging through previously validated epigenetic clocks and assess the DNAm-estimated levels of selected inflammatory proteins and blood cell counts. We tested the associations of these estimates with mortality using two-stage residual-outcome regression analysis, creating a reference model on data from the group of survived patients. RESULTS Deceased subjects had higher median epigenetic age expressed with DNAmPhenoAge algorithm (57.49 [54.72; 60.58] years. vs. 53.40 [49.73; 56.75] years; p = 0.012), and accelerated DunedinPoAm pace of aging (1.05 [1.02; 1.11] vs. 1.02 [0.98; 1.06]; p = 0.012). DNAm PhenoAge (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.28; p = 0.004) and DunedinPoAm (HR 3.65, 95% CI 1.43-9.35; p = 0.007) showed an association with mortality independently of canonical risk factors. The epigenetic predictors of 3 chronic inflammation-related proteins, i.e. CXCL10, CXCL11 and enRAGE, C-reactive protein methylation risk score and DNAm-based estimates of exhausted CD8 + T cell counts were higher in deceased subjects when compared to survived. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that biological aging, as estimated through existing epigenetic tools, is associated with mortality risk in individuals with T2D, independently of common risk factors and that increased DNAm-surrogates of inflammatory protein levels characterize deceased T2D patients. Replication in larger cohorts is needed to assess the potential of this approach to refine mortality risk in T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Sabbatinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Angelica Giuliani
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit of Bari Institute, Bari, Italy.
| | | | | | - Alessia Belloni
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Deborah Ramini
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Piacenza
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Tortato
- Department of Metabolic Diseases and Diabetology, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Davide Gentilini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
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Sanders F, Lussier AA, Walton E. Are housing circumstances associated with faster epigenetic ageing? A commentary on Clair et al. J Epidemiol Community Health 2024; 78:536. [PMID: 38849154 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2024-222147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Faye Sanders
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Alexandre A Lussier
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Esther Walton
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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Liang X, Aouizerat BE, So‐Armah K, Cohen MH, Marconi VC, Xu K, Justice AC. DNA methylation-based telomere length is associated with HIV infection, physical frailty, cancer, and all-cause mortality. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14174. [PMID: 38629454 PMCID: PMC11258465 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is an important indicator of cellular aging. Shorter TL is associated with several age-related diseases including coronary heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer. Recently, a DNA methylation-based TL (DNAmTL) estimator has been developed as an alternative method for directly measuring TL. In this study, we examined the association of DNAmTL with cancer prevalence and mortality risk among people with and without HIV in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Biomarker Cohort (VACS, N = 1917) and Women's Interagency HIV Study Cohort (WIHS, N = 481). We profiled DNAm in whole blood (VACS) or in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (WIHS) using an array-based method. Cancer prevalence was estimated from electronic medical records and cancer registry data. The VACS Index was used as a measure of physiologic frailty. Models were adjusted for self-reported race and ethnicity, batch, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and five cell types (CD4, CD8, NK, B cell, and monocyte). We found that people with HIV had shorter average DNAmTL than those without HIV infection [beta = -0.25, 95% confidence interval (-0.32, -0.18), p = 1.48E-12]. Greater value of VACS Index [beta = -0.002 (-0.003, -0.001), p = 2.82E-05] and higher cancer prevalence [beta = -0.07 (-0.10, -0.03), p = 1.37E-04 without adjusting age] were associated with shortened DNAmTL. In addition, one kilobase decrease in DNAmTL was associated with a 40% increase in mortality risk [hazard ratio: 0.60 (0.44, 0.82), p = 1.42E-03]. In summary, HIV infection, physiologic frailty, and cancer are associated with shortening DNAmTL, contributing to an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Bradley E. Aouizerat
- Translational Research Center, College of DentistryNew York UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of DentistryNew York UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Kaku So‐Armah
- Boston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Mardge H. Cohen
- Department of MedicineStroger Hospital of Cook CountyChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Vincent C. Marconi
- Emory University School of Medicine and Rollins School of Public HealthThe Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical CenterAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of PsychiatryYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare SystemWest HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Amy C. Justice
- VA Connecticut Healthcare SystemWest HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Yale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
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Martínez-Magaña JJ, Hurtado-Soriano J, Rivero-Segura NA, Montalvo-Ortiz JL, Garcia-delaTorre P, Becerril-Rojas K, Gomez-Verjan JC. Towards a Novel Frontier in the Use of Epigenetic Clocks in Epidemiology. Arch Med Res 2024; 55:103033. [PMID: 38955096 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Health problems associated with aging are a major public health concern for the future. Aging is a complex process with wide intervariability among individuals. Therefore, there is a need for innovative public health strategies that target factors associated with aging and the development of tools to assess the effectiveness of these strategies accurately. Novel approaches to measure biological age, such as epigenetic clocks, have become relevant. These clocks use non-sequential variable information from the genome and employ mathematical algorithms to estimate biological age based on DNA methylation levels. Therefore, in the present study, we comprehensively review the current status of the epigenetic clocks and their associations across the human phenome. We emphasize the potential utility of these tools in an epidemiological context, particularly in evaluating the impact of public health interventions focused on promoting healthy aging. Our review describes associations between epigenetic clocks and multiple traits across the life and health span. Additionally, we highlighted the evolution of studies beyond mere associations to establish causal mechanisms between epigenetic age and disease. We explored the application of epigenetic clocks to measure the efficacy of interventions focusing on rejuvenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neuroscience Division, West Haven, CT, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Janitza L Montalvo-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neuroscience Division, West Haven, CT, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paola Garcia-delaTorre
- Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica y en Servicios de Salud, Área de Envejecimiento, Centro Médico Nacional, Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
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Aiello AE, Mishra AA, Martin CL, Levitt B, Gaydosh L, Belsky DW, Hummer RA, Umberson DJ, Harris KM. Familial Loss of a Loved One and Biological Aging: NIMHD Social Epigenomics Program. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2421869. [PMID: 39073817 PMCID: PMC11287397 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The link between familial loss of a loved one and long-term health decline is complex and not fully understood. Objective To test associations of losing a parent, sibling, child, or partner or spouse with accelerated biological aging. Design, Setting, and Participants Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a US population-based longitudinal cohort study, were analyzed. Participants were enrolled from 1994 to 1995 for wave 1, while in grades 7 to 12, and followed up through wave 5 in 2018. The study analyzed participant reports of loss collected at each wave from 1 to 5 over 24 years and used a banked wave 5 blood sample for subsequent DNA methylation testing and epigenetic clock calculation from 2018 to 2024. Data were analyzed from January 2022 to July 2024. Exposure Loss of biological parents or parental figures, partners or spouses, siblings, or children at waves 1 to 3 or during childhood, adolescence (aged <18 years), or adulthood at wave 4 to wave 5 (aged 18-43 years). Main Outcomes and Measures Biological aging assessed from blood DNA methylation using the Horvath, PhenoAge, GrimAge, and DunedinPACE epigenetic clocks at wave 5. Results Data from 3963 participants were analyzed, with a weighted mean (range) age of 38.36 (36.78-39.78) years at wave 5; 2370 (50.3%) were male, 720 (15.97%) were Black, 400 (8.18%) were Hispanic, and 2642 (72.53%) were White. Nearly 40% of participants experienced loss by wave 5 when they were aged 33 to 43 years, and participants who were Black (379 participants [56.67%]), Hispanic (152 participants [41.38%]), and American Indian (18 participants [56.08%]) experienced a greater proportion of losses compared with White participants (884 participants [34.09%]). Those who experienced 2 or more losses tended to have older biological ages for several of the clocks (PhenoAge β = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.28; GrimAge β = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.45; DunedinPACE β = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.34) compared with those with no losses. In contrast, there were no associations with 2 or more losses for the Horvath clock (β = -0.08; 95% CI, -0.23 to 0.06). Conclusions and Relevance This study reveals associations between various measures of loss experienced from childhood to adulthood and biological aging in a diverse sample of the US population. These findings underscore the potentially enduring impact of loss on biological aging even before middle age and may contribute to understanding racial and ethnic disparities in health and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E. Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Aura Ankita Mishra
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
| | - Chantel L. Martin
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Brandt Levitt
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | - Daniel W. Belsky
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Robert A. Hummer
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | - Kathleen Mullan Harris
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Harris KM, Levitt B, Gaydosh L, Martin C, Meyer JM, Mishra AA, Kelly AL, Aiello AE. Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors and Epigenetic Aging in US Young Adults: NIMHD Social Epigenomics Program. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2427889. [PMID: 39073811 PMCID: PMC11287395 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.27889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Epigenetic clocks represent molecular evidence of disease risk and aging processes and have been used to identify how social and lifestyle characteristics are associated with accelerated biological aging. However, most research is based on samples of older adults who already have measurable chronic disease. Objective To investigate whether and how sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics are associated with biological aging in a younger adult sample across a wide array of epigenetic clock measures. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was conducted using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a US representative cohort of adolescents in grades 7 to 12 in 1994 followed up for 25 years to 2018 over 5 interview waves. Participants who provided blood samples at wave V (2016-2018) were analyzed, with samples tested for DNA methylation (DNAm) in 2021 to 2024. Data were analyzed from February 2023 to May 2024. Exposure Sociodemographic (sex, race and ethnicity, immigrant status, socioeconomic status, and geographic location) and lifestyle (obesity status by body mass index [BMI] in categories of reference range or underweight [<25], overweight [25 to <30], obesity [30 to <40], and severe obesity [≥40]; exercise level; tobacco use; and alcohol use) characteristics were assessed. Main Outcome and Measure Biological aging assessed from banked blood DNAm using 16 epigenetic clocks. Results Data were analyzed from 4237 participants (mean [SD] age, 38.4 [2.0] years; percentage [SE], 51.3% [0.01] female and 48.7% [0.01] male; percentage [SE], 2.7% [<0.01] Asian or Pacific Islander, 16.7% [0.02] Black, 8.7% [0.01] Hispanic, and 71.0% [0.03] White). Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were more often associated with biological aging in clocks trained to estimate morbidity and mortality (eg, PhenoAge, GrimAge, and DunedinPACE) than clocks trained to estimate chronological age (eg, Horvath). For example, the β for an annual income less than $25 000 vs $100 000 or more was 1.99 years (95% CI, 0.45 to 3.52 years) for PhenoAgeAA, 1.70 years (95% CI, 0.68 to 2.72 years) for GrimAgeAA, 0.33 SD (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.48 SD) for DunedinPACE, and -0.17 years (95% CI, -1.08 to 0.74 years) for Horvath1AA. Lower education, lower income, higher obesity levels, no exercise, and tobacco use were associated with faster biological aging across several clocks; associations with GrimAge were particularly robust (no college vs college or higher: β = 2.63 years; 95% CI, 1.67-3.58 years; lower vs higher annual income: <$25 000 vs ≥$100 000: β = 1.70 years; 95% CI, 0.68-2.72 years; severe obesity vs no obesity: β = 1.57 years; 95% CI, 0.51-2.63 years; no weekly exercise vs ≥5 bouts/week: β = 1.33 years; 95% CI, 0.67-1.99 years; current vs no smoking: β = 7.16 years; 95% CI, 6.25-8.07 years). Conclusions and Relevance This study found that important social and lifestyle factors were associated with biological aging in a nationally representative cohort of younger adults. These findings suggest that molecular processes underlying disease risk may be identified in adults entering midlife before disease is manifest and inform interventions aimed at reducing social inequalities in heathy aging and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Mullan Harris
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Brandt Levitt
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Lauren Gaydosh
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Chantel Martin
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Jess M Meyer
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
| | | | - Audrey L Kelly
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Allison E Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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10
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Yusri K, Kumar S, Fong S, Gruber J, Sorrentino V. Towards Healthy Longevity: Comprehensive Insights from Molecular Targets and Biomarkers to Biological Clocks. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6793. [PMID: 38928497 PMCID: PMC11203944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126793] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex and time-dependent decline in physiological function that affects most organisms, leading to increased risk of age-related diseases. Investigating the molecular underpinnings of aging is crucial to identify geroprotectors, precisely quantify biological age, and propose healthy longevity approaches. This review explores pathways that are currently being investigated as intervention targets and aging biomarkers spanning molecular, cellular, and systemic dimensions. Interventions that target these hallmarks may ameliorate the aging process, with some progressing to clinical trials. Biomarkers of these hallmarks are used to estimate biological aging and risk of aging-associated disease. Utilizing aging biomarkers, biological aging clocks can be constructed that predict a state of abnormal aging, age-related diseases, and increased mortality. Biological age estimation can therefore provide the basis for a fine-grained risk stratification by predicting all-cause mortality well ahead of the onset of specific diseases, thus offering a window for intervention. Yet, despite technological advancements, challenges persist due to individual variability and the dynamic nature of these biomarkers. Addressing this requires longitudinal studies for robust biomarker identification. Overall, utilizing the hallmarks of aging to discover new drug targets and develop new biomarkers opens new frontiers in medicine. Prospects involve multi-omics integration, machine learning, and personalized approaches for targeted interventions, promising a healthier aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalishah Yusri
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Sheng Fong
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Clinical and Translational Sciences PhD Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jan Gruber
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore 138527, Singapore
| | - Vincenzo Sorrentino
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism and Amsterdam Neuroscience Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Großbach A, Suderman MJ, Hüls A, Lussier AA, Smith AD, Walton E, Dunn EC, Simpkin AJ. Maximizing Insights from Longitudinal Epigenetic Age Data: Simulations, Applications, and Practical Guidance. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4482915. [PMID: 38947070 PMCID: PMC11213208 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4482915/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Epigenetic Age (EA) is an age estimate, developed using DNA methylation (DNAm) states of selected CpG sites across the genome. Although EA and chronological age are highly correlated, EA may not increase uniformly with time. Departures, known as epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), are common and have been linked to various traits and future disease risk. Limited by available data, most studies investigating these relationships have been cross-sectional - using a single EA measurement. However, the recent growth in longitudinal DNAm studies has led to analyses of associations with EA over time. These studies differ in (i) their choice of model; (ii) the primary outcome (EA vs. EAA); and (iii) in their use of chronological age or age-independent time variables to account for the temporal dynamic. We evaluated the robustness of each approach using simulations and tested our results in two real-world examples, using biological sex and birthweight as predictors of longitudinal EA. Results Our simulations showed most accurate effect sizes in a linear mixed model or generalized estimating equation, using chronological age as the time variable. The use of EA versus EAA as an outcome did not strongly impact estimates. Applying the optimal model in real-world data uncovered an accelerated EA rate in males and an advanced EA that decelerates over time in children with higher birthweight. Conclusion Our results can serve as a guide for forthcoming longitudinal EA studies, aiding in methodological decisions that may determine whether an association is accurately estimated, overestimated, or potentially overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Großbach
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland
- The SFI Centre for Research Training in Genomics Data Science, Ireland
| | - Matthew J. Suderman
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anke Hüls
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alexandre A. Lussier
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew D.A.C. Smith
- Mathematics and Statistics Research Group, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Esther Walton
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Erin C. Dunn
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew J. Simpkin
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland
- The SFI Centre for Research Training in Genomics Data Science, Ireland
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12
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Fong S, Pabis K, Latumalea D, Dugersuren N, Unfried M, Tolwinski N, Kennedy B, Gruber J. Principal component-based clinical aging clocks identify signatures of healthy aging and targets for clinical intervention. NATURE AGING 2024:10.1038/s43587-024-00646-8. [PMID: 38898237 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00646-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Clocks that measure biological age should predict all-cause mortality and give rise to actionable insights to promote healthy aging. Here we applied dimensionality reduction by principal component analysis to clinical data to generate a clinical aging clock (PCAge) identifying signatures (principal components) separating healthy and unhealthy aging trajectories. We found signatures of metabolic dysregulation, cardiac and renal dysfunction and inflammation that predict unsuccessful aging, and we demonstrate that these processes can be impacted using well-established drug interventions. Furthermore, we generated a streamlined aging clock (LinAge), based directly on PCAge, which maintains equivalent predictive power but relies on substantially fewer features. Finally, we demonstrate that our approach can be tailored to individual datasets, by re-training a custom clinical clock (CALinAge), for use in the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) study of caloric restriction. Our analysis of CALERIE participants suggests that 2 years of mild caloric restriction significantly reduces biological age. Altogether, we demonstrate that this dimensionality reduction approach, through integrating different biological markers, can provide targets for preventative medicine and the promotion of healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Fong
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Clinical and Translational Sciences PhD Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kamil Pabis
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Center for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Djakim Latumalea
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Center for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Maximilian Unfried
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Center for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Tolwinski
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brian Kennedy
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Center for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jan Gruber
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Center for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore.
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13
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Shan J, Mo J, An C, Xiang L, Qi J. β-Cyclocitral from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Exerts Anti-Aging Effects on Yeasts and Mammalian Cells via Telomere Protection, Antioxidative Stress, and Autophagy Activation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:715. [PMID: 38929154 PMCID: PMC11200722 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We used a replicative lifespan (RLS) experiment of K6001 yeast to screen for anti-aging compounds within lavender extract (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), leading to the discovery of β-cyclocitral (CYC) as a potential anti-aging compound. Concurrently, the chronological lifespan (CLS) of YOM36 yeast and mammalian cells confirmed the anti-aging effect of CYC. This molecule extended the yeast lifespan and inhibited etoposide (ETO)-induced cell senescence. To understand the mechanism of CYC, we analyzed its effects on telomeres, oxidative stress, and autophagy. CYC administration resulted in notable increases in the telomerase content, telomere length, and the expression of the telomeric shelterin protein components telomeric-repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) and repressor activator protein 1 (RAP1). More interestingly, CYC reversed H2O2-induced telomere damage and exhibited strong antioxidant capacity. Moreover, CYC improved the survival rate of BY4741 yeast under oxidative stress induced by 6.2 mM H2O2, increasing the antioxidant enzyme activity while reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Additionally, CYC enhanced autophagic flux and free green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in the YOM38-GFP-ATG8 yeast strain. However, CYC did not extend the RLS of K6001 yeast mutants, such as Δsod1, Δsod2, Δcat, Δgpx, Δatg2, and Δatg32, which lack antioxidant enzymes or autophagy-related genes. These findings reveal that CYC acts as an anti-aging agent by modifying telomeres, oxidative stress, and autophagy. It is a promising compound with potential anti-aging effects and warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lan Xiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Yu Hang Tang Road 866, Hangzhou 310058, China; (J.S.); (J.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Jianhua Qi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Yu Hang Tang Road 866, Hangzhou 310058, China; (J.S.); (J.M.); (C.A.)
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14
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Wang Y, Li H, Huang J, Jiang M, Tian S, Liu S, Zhang L, Wu S, Kan H, Gao X. Short-Term PM 2.5 Exposure and DNA Methylation Changes of Circadian Rhythm Genes: Evidence from Two Experimental Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9991-10000. [PMID: 38814053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The circadian rhythm regulates many crucial physiological processes, impacting human aging and aging-related outcomes. Observational evidence links circadian rhythm disturbance to PM2.5 exposure, yet the underlying DNA methylation mechanisms remain unclear due to limited PM2.5-dominated experimental settings. Therefore, we investigated the associations between short-term PM2.5 exposure and DNA methylation changes of 1188 CpG candidates across circadian genes among 32 young adults in the FDU study, with the validation in 26 individuals from the PKU study. Further mediation analyses tested whether DNA methylation of circadian genes could mediate the influence of PM2.5 on aging measured by three epigenetic ages: DNAmGrimAge, DunedinPoAm, and the mortality risk score. We identified three CpG sites associated with personal PM2.5 exposure: cg01248361 (CSNK2A2), cg17728065 (RORA), and cg22513396 (PRKAG2). Acute effects of PM2.5 on the three loci could be mediated by several circulating biomarkers, including MDA and EGF, with up to ∼30% of mediated proportions. Three loci further showed varying potentials in mediating the aging acceleration effect of PM2.5. Locus cg17728065 is the key site exhibiting a robust mediating effect (7.54-12.52%) on PM2.5-induced aging acceleration. Our findings demonstrated that PM2.5, even short-term peaks, could leave imprints on human aging via inducing aberrant temporal fluctuation in circadian homeostasis captured by DNA methylation profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huichu Li
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of the Ministry of Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Meijie Jiang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Sifan Tian
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shuzhen Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University and Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shaowei Wu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases in Ministry of Health, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
- Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Haidong Kan
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of the Ministry of Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- National Center for Children's Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xu Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing 100191, China
- Center for Healthy Aging, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100083, China
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15
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Tamargo JA, Cruz-Almeida Y. Food insecurity and epigenetic aging in middle-aged and older adults. Soc Sci Med 2024; 350:116949. [PMID: 38723585 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116949] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity is recognized as a key social determinant of health for older adults. While food insecurity has been associated with morbidity and mortality, few studies have examined how it may contribute to accelerated biological aging. A potential mechanism by which food insecurity may contribute to aging is via epigenetic alterations. We examined the relationship between food insecurity and epigenetic aging, a novel measure of biological aging, in a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in the United States. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of adults 50 years of age and older from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Financial food insecurity was self-reported via two questions that ascertained having enough money for food or eating less than they felt they should. Epigenetic aging was measured via epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation patterns that predict aging correlates of morbidity and mortality. Linear regressions were performed to test for differences in the epigenetic clocks, adjusting for biological, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors. RESULTS The analysis consisted of 3875 adults with mean age of 68.5 years. A total of 8.1% reported food insecurity. Food insecurity was associated with several characteristics, including younger age, race/ethnic minority, lower income, total wealth, and educational attainment, higher BMI, and less physical activity. Food insecurity was associated with accelerated epigenetic aging compared to food security, as measured via second (Zhang, PhenoAge, GrimAge) and third (DunedinPoAm) generation epigenetic clocks. In particular, food insecurity remained significantly associated with accelerated Zhang (B = 0.09, SE = 0.03, p = 0.011) and GrimAge (B = 0.57, SE = 0.24, p = 0.022) in the fully adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity is associated with accelerated epigenetic aging among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. Food insecurity may contribute to DNA methylation alterations across the genome and biological age acceleration. These findings add to a growing understanding of the influence of socioeconomic status on the epigenome and health in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Tamargo
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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16
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Aronoff JE, Koning SM, Adair LS, Lee NR, Carba DB, Kuzawa CW, McDade TW. Intimate partner violence, depression, and chronic low-grade inflammation among middle-aged women in Cebu, Philippines. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24053. [PMID: 38353326 PMCID: PMC11144095 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24053] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent discussions in human biology have highlighted how local ecological contexts shape the relationship between social stressors and health across populations. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been proposed as a pathway linking social stressors to health, with evidence concentrated in high-income Western contexts. However, it remains unclear whether this is an important pathway in populations where prevalence is lower due to lower adiposity and greater infectious exposures. To investigate this further, we tested associations between multiple types of intimate partner violence (IPV), a highly prevalent stressor and health crisis globally, and C-reactive protein (CRP), a commonly used measure of chronic low-grade inflammation, in Cebu, Philippines. For reference, we compared results for CRP to depression, a well-established and consistently observed health outcome of IPV. METHODS Data came from 1601 currently partnered women (ages 35-69 years) as part of the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. IPV exposures included physical, emotional, and controlling behavior. Depression scores were measured using a modified version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale for this population, whereas plasma CRP was measured from overnight-fasted morning blood samples. RESULTS All three types of IPV were associated with a higher depression score. However, none of the IPV measures were associated with CRP. In a post hoc interaction test, emotional IPV became positively associated with CRP as waist circumference increased above the mean. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a complex relationship between social stressors and chronic low-grade inflammation, which is likely dependent on the population-specific context of lifestyle and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Aronoff
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Linda S Adair
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Delia B Carba
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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17
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Chang CJ, O’Brien KM, Kresovich JK, Nwanaji-Enwerem JC, Xu Z, Gaston SA, Jackson CL, Sandler DP, Taylor JA, White AJ. Associations between use of chemical hair products and epigenetic age: Findings from the Sister Study. Environ Epidemiol 2024; 8:e311. [PMID: 38799263 PMCID: PMC11115975 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hair products may be a source of harmful chemicals and have been linked to age-related health outcomes. We investigated whether the use of hair products is related to epigenetic age in a sample of Black (both Hispanic and non-Hispanic) and non-Hispanic White women. Methods In a subset of 4358 participants aged 35-74 years from the Sister Study, we estimated cross-sectional associations between self-reported use of four chemical hair products (permanent dye, semipermanent dye, straighteners/relaxers, and hair permanents/body waves) in the year before enrollment (2003-2009) and three DNA methylation-based measures of epigenetic age (DunedinPACE, GrimAge age acceleration [GrimAgeAccel], and PhenoAge age acceleration [PhenoAgeAccel]) using survey-weighted multivariable linear regressions. Associations were estimated both overall and by self-identified race and ethnicity, adjusting for chronological age, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, body mass index, menopausal status, and DNA methylation platform. Results Associations between the use of hair products and the three epigenetic age measures were largely null. Use of hair permanents/body waves was modestly associated with higher DunedinPACE among all participants (βever-never = 0.010; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.001, 0.019) and with lower PhenoAgeAccel among Black women (βever-never = -1.53; 95% CI = -2.84, -0.21). Conclusion In this US-based study, we found little evidence of associations between chemical hair product use and epigenetic age in Black and non-Hispanic White women. Observed associations were modest and largely not supported by dose-response relationships or were inconsistent across epigenetic age measures. Previously observed associations between chemical hair product use and aging-related health outcomes may not be explained by the biological aging pathways captured by DunedinPACE, GrimAgeAccel, or PhenoAgeAccel. Alternative biological pathways are worth investigating in racially diverse samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Jung Chang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Katie M. O’Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jacob K. Kresovich
- Departments of Cancer Epidemiology and Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jamaji C. Nwanaji-Enwerem
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Symielle A. Gaston
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Chandra L. Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Jack A. Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Alexandra J. White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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18
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Berg MT, Riley K, Lei MK, Simons RL. Incarceration Exposure, Biological Aging, and Depression Symptoms in an African American Sample of Older Adults. J Aging Health 2024:8982643241257065. [PMID: 38820596 DOI: 10.1177/08982643241257065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: The study draws upon perspectives on life-course stressors and health to assess whether lifetime incarceration exposure is a determinant of biological aging and self-reported depression. Methods: Using data from a sample of 460 African American participants (average age= 57) in the Family and Community Health Study, the study examined two epigenetic indices of biological aging, DunedinPoAm and GrimAge, as well as a self-reported measure of depression symptoms. Estimates were derived from multivariate regression models with adjustments for selection on observables and confounding factors. Results: Exposure to incarceration was a significant determinant of accelerated biological aging (GrimAge) and the pace of aging (DunedinPoAm) and depressive symptoms. Discussion: Among formerly incarcerated older adults, past experiences with the stressors of incarceration predict key biomarkers of physiological deterioration and depressive symptoms. Incarceration contributes to the mental and physical health burden of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Berg
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kendall Riley
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Man-Kit Lei
- Department of Sociology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ronald L Simons
- Department of Sociology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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Villa C, Combi R. Epigenetics in Alzheimer's Disease: A Critical Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5970. [PMID: 38892155 PMCID: PMC11173284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications have been implicated in a number of complex diseases as well as being a hallmark of organismal aging. Several reports have indicated an involvement of these changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and progression, most likely contributing to the dysregulation of AD-related gene expression measured by DNA methylation studies. Given that DNA methylation is tissue-specific and that AD is a brain disorder, the limitation of these studies is the ability to identify clinically useful biomarkers in a proxy tissue, reflective of the tissue of interest, that would be less invasive, more cost-effective, and easily obtainable. The age-related DNA methylation changes have also been used to develop different generations of epigenetic clocks devoted to measuring the aging in different tissues that sometimes suggests an age acceleration in AD patients. This review critically discusses epigenetic changes and aging measures as potential biomarkers for AD detection, prognosis, and progression. Given that epigenetic alterations are chemically reversible, treatments aiming at reversing these modifications will be also discussed as promising therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Romina Combi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
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20
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Sehgal R, Markov Y, Qin C, Meer M, Hadley C, Shadyab AH, Casanova R, Manson JE, Bhatti P, Crimmins EM, Hägg S, Assimes TL, Whitsel EA, Higgins-Chen AT, Levine M. Systems Age: A single blood methylation test to quantify aging heterogeneity across 11 physiological systems. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.13.548904. [PMID: 37503069 PMCID: PMC10370047 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.13.548904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Individuals, organs, tissues, and cells age in diverse ways throughout the lifespan. Epigenetic clocks attempt to quantify differential aging between individuals, but they typically summarize aging as a single measure, ignoring within-person heterogeneity. Our aim was to develop novel systems-based methylation clocks that, when assessed in blood, capture aging in distinct physiological systems. We combined supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods to link DNA methylation, system-specific clinical chemistry and functional measures, and mortality risk. This yielded a panel of 11 system-specific scores- Heart, Lung, Kidney, Liver, Brain, Immune, Inflammatory, Blood, Musculoskeletal, Hormone, and Metabolic. Each system score predicted a wide variety of outcomes, aging phenotypes, and conditions specific to the respective system. We also combined the system scores into a composite Systems Age clock that is predictive of aging across physiological systems in an unbiased manner. Finally, we showed that the system scores clustered individuals into unique aging subtypes that had different patterns of age-related disease and decline. Overall, our biological systems based epigenetic framework captures aging in multiple physiological systems using a single blood draw and assay and may inform the development of more personalized clinical approaches for improving age-related quality of life.
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21
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Qiao X, Straight B, Ngo D, Hilton CE, Owuor Olungah C, Naugle A, Lalancette C, Needham BL. Severe drought exposure in utero associates to children's epigenetic age acceleration in a global climate change hot spot. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4140. [PMID: 38755138 PMCID: PMC11099019 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48426-7] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study is to examine the association between in utero drought exposure and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) in a global climate change hot spot. Calculations of EAA in adults using DNA methylation have been found to accurately predict chronic disease and longevity. However, fewer studies have examined EAA in children, and drought exposure in utero has not been investigated. Additionally, studies of EAA in low-income countries with diverse populations are rare. We assess EAA using epigenetic clocks and two DNAm-based pace-of-aging measurements from whole saliva samples in 104 drought-exposed children and 109 same-sex sibling controls in northern Kenya. We find a positive association between in utero drought exposure and EAA in two epigenetic clocks (Hannum's and GrimAge) and a negative association in the DNAm based telomere length (DNAmTL) clock. The combined impact of drought's multiple deleterious stressors may reduce overall life expectancy through accelerated epigenetic aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Qiao
- Department of Statistics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Bilinda Straight
- School of Environment, Geography, & Sustainability, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA.
| | - Duy Ngo
- Department of Statistics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Charles E Hilton
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Charles Owuor Olungah
- Department of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Amy Naugle
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | | | - Belinda L Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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22
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Tao X, Zhu Z, Wang L, Li C, Sun L, Wang W, Gong W. Biomarkers of Aging and Relevant Evaluation Techniques: A Comprehensive Review. Aging Dis 2024; 15:977-1005. [PMID: 37611906 PMCID: PMC11081160 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.00808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of developing chronic illnesses and disabilities is increasing with age. To predict and prevent aging, biomarkers relevant to the aging process must be identified. This paper reviews the known molecular, cellular, and physiological biomarkers of aging. Moreover, we discuss the currently available technologies for identifying these biomarkers, and their applications and potential in aging research. We hope that this review will stimulate further research and innovation in this emerging and fast-growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Tao
- Department of Research, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ziman Zhu
- Beijing Rehabilitation Medicine Academy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Liguo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Chunlin Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Liwei Sun
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Radiology, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Weijun Gong
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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23
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Shi W, Fang J, Ren H, Sun P, Liu J, Deng F, Zhang S, Wang Q, Wang J, Tong S, Tang S, Shi X. Association between exposure to chemical mixtures and epigenetic ageing biomarkers: Modifying effects of thyroid hormones and physical activity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134009. [PMID: 38492399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Evidence on the effects of internal chemical mixture exposures on biological age is limited. It also remains unclear whether hormone homeostasis and lifestyle factors can modify such a relationship. Based on the Biomarkers for Air Pollutants Exposure (BAPE) study, which involved healthy older adults aged 60-69 years in China, we found that chemical mixture exposures, including metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phthalates (PAEs), and organophosphate esters (OPEs), were significantly associated with shortened DNAmTL and accelerated SkinBloodClock, in which PFASs and OPEs in blood were the primary contributors to DNAmTL, while metals and PAEs had relatively higher contributions in urine. Furthermore, lower levels of thyroxin appeared to exacerbate the adverse effects of environmental chemicals on epigenetic ageing but relatively higher levels of physical activity had the beneficial impact. These findings may have important implications for the development of healthy ageing strategy and aged care policy, particularly in light of the global acceleration of population ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, and Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing 100069, China; China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jianlong Fang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Huimin Ren
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Peijie Sun
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Juan Liu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Fuchang Deng
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shuyi Zhang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jiaonan Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shilu Tong
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4001, Australia
| | - Song Tang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.
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24
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Holland P, Istre M, Ali MM, Gedde‐Dahl T, Buechner J, Wildhagen M, Brunvoll SH, Horvath S, Matsuyama S, Dahl JA, Stölzel F, Søraas A. Epigenetic aging of human blood cells is influenced by the age of the host body. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14112. [PMID: 38439206 PMCID: PMC11113269 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14112] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a therapeutic procedure performed over a wide range of donor and recipient age combinations, representing natural experiments of how the age of the recipient affects aging in transplanted donor cells in vivo. We measured DNA methylation and epigenetic aging in donors and recipients and found that biological epigenetic clocks are accelerated in cells transplanted into an older body and decelerated in a younger body. This is the first evidence that the age of the circulating environment influences human epigenetic aging in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petter Holland
- Department of MicrobiologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Mette Istre
- Department of MicrobiologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Maryan M. Ali
- Department of Internal medisinBærum HospitalDrammenNorway
| | | | - Jochen Buechner
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and OncologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Mari Wildhagen
- Department of MicrobiologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | | | | | - Shigemi Matsuyama
- Department of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - John Arne Dahl
- Department of MicrobiologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Friedrich Stölzel
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Internal Medicine IIUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein Kiel, Kiel UniversityKielGermany
- Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav CarusTUD Dresden University of TechnologyDresdenGermany
| | - Arne Søraas
- Department of MicrobiologyOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
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25
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Castagnola MJ, Medina-Paz F, Zapico SC. Uncovering Forensic Evidence: A Path to Age Estimation through DNA Methylation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4917. [PMID: 38732129 PMCID: PMC11084977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Age estimation is a critical aspect of reconstructing a biological profile in forensic sciences. Diverse biochemical processes have been studied in their correlation with age, and the results have driven DNA methylation to the forefront as a promising biomarker. DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, has been extensively studied in recent years for developing age estimation models in criminalistics and forensic anthropology. Epigenetic clocks, which analyze DNA sites undergoing hypermethylation or hypomethylation as individuals age, have paved the way for improved prediction models. A wide range of biomarkers and methods for DNA methylation analysis have been proposed, achieving different accuracies across samples and cell types. This review extensively explores literature from the past 5 years, showing scientific efforts toward the ultimate goal: applying age prediction models to assist in human identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Josefina Castagnola
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tiernan Hall 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.C.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - Francisco Medina-Paz
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tiernan Hall 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.C.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - Sara C. Zapico
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tiernan Hall 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.C.); (F.M.-P.)
- Department of Anthropology and Laboratories of Analytical Biology, National Museum of Natural History, MRC 112, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
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26
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Balachandran A, Pei H, Beard J, Caspi A, Cohen A, Domingue BW, Eckstein Indik C, Ferrucci L, Furuya A, Kothari M, Moffitt TE, Ryan C, Skirbekk V, Zhang Y, Belsky DW. Pace of Aging in older adults matters for healthspan and lifespan. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.25.24306359. [PMID: 38712264 PMCID: PMC11071564 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.25.24306359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
As societies age, policy makers need tools to understand how demographic aging will affect population health and to develop programs to increase healthspan. The current metrics used for policy analysis do not distinguish differences caused by early-life factors, such as prenatal care and nutrition, from those caused by ongoing changes in people's bodies due to aging. Here we introduce an adapted Pace of Aging method designed to quantify differences between individuals and populations in the speed of aging-related health declines. The adapted Pace of Aging method, implemented in data from N=13,626 older adults in the US Health and Retirement Study, integrates longitudinal data on blood biomarkers, physical measurements, and functional tests. It reveals stark differences in rates of aging between population subgroups and demonstrates strong and consistent prospective associations with incident morbidity, disability, and mortality. Pace of Aging can advance the population science of healthy longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Balachandran
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - H Pei
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Beard
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Caspi
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, University of London, London, UK
| | - A Cohen
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - BW Domingue
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - C Eckstein Indik
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Ferrucci
- National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - A Furuya
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Kothari
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - TE Moffitt
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Ryan
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - V Skirbekk
- Norwegian Institute for Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Y Zhang
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - DW Belsky
- Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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27
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Holuka C, Menta G, Caro JC, Vögele C, D'Ambrosio C, Turner JD. Developmental epigenomic effects of maternal financial problems. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38654405 DOI: 10.1017/s095457942400083x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Early-life adversity as neglect or low socioeconomic status is associated with negative physical/mental health outcomes and plays an important role in health trajectories through life. The early-life environment has been shown to be encoded as changes in epigenetic markers that are retained for many years.We investigated the effect of maternal major financial problems (MFP) and material deprivation (MD) on their children's epigenome in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort. Epigenetic aging, measured with epigenetic clocks, was weakly accelerated with increased MFP. In subsequent EWAS, MFP, and MD showed strong, independent programing effects on children's genomes. MFP in the period from birth to age seven was associated with genome-wide epigenetic modifications on children's genome visible at age 7 and partially remaining at age 15.These results support the hypothesis that physiological processes at least partially explain associations between early-life adversity and health problems later in life. Both maternal stressors (MFP/MD) had similar effects on biological pathways, providing preliminary evidence for the mechanisms underlying the effects of low socioeconomic status in early life and disease outcomes later in life. Understanding these associations is essential to explain disease susceptibility, overall life trajectories and the transition from health to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrielle Holuka
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Giorgia Menta
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Juan Carlos Caro
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Universidad de Concepcion, Talcahuano, Chile
| | - Claus Vögele
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Conchita D'Ambrosio
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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28
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Noroozi R, Rudnicka J, Pisarek A, Wysocka B, Masny A, Boroń M, Migacz-Gruszka K, Pruszkowska-Przybylska P, Kobus M, Lisman D, Zielińska G, Iljin A, Wiktorska JA, Michalczyk M, Kaczka P, Krzysztofik M, Sitek A, Ossowski A, Spólnicka M, Branicki W, Pośpiech E. Analysis of epigenetic clocks links yoga, sleep, education, reduced meat intake, coffee, and a SOCS2 gene variant to slower epigenetic aging. GeroScience 2024; 46:2583-2604. [PMID: 38103096 PMCID: PMC10828238 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-01029-4] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) clocks hold promise for measuring biological age, useful for guiding clinical interventions and forensic identification. This study compared the commonly used DNAm clocks, using DNA methylation and SNP data generated from nearly 1000 human blood or buccal swab samples. We evaluated different preprocessing methods for age estimation, investigated the association of epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) with various lifestyle and sociodemographic factors, and undertook a series of novel genome-wide association analyses for different EAA measures to find associated genetic variants. Our results highlighted the Skin&Blood clock with ssNoob normalization as the most accurate predictor of chronological age. We provided novel evidence for an association between the practice of yoga and a reduction in the pace of aging (DunedinPACE). Increased sleep and physical activity were associated with lower mortality risk score (MRS) in our dataset. University degree, vegetable consumption, and coffee intake were associated with reduced levels of epigenetic aging, whereas smoking, higher BMI, meat consumption, and manual occupation correlated well with faster epigenetic aging, with FitAge, GrimAge, and DunedinPACE clocks showing the most robust associations. In addition, we found a novel association signal for SOCS2 rs73218878 (p = 2.87 × 10-8) and accelerated GrimAge. Our study emphasizes the importance of an optimized DNAm analysis workflow for accurate estimation of epigenetic age, which may influence downstream analyses. The results support the influence of genetic background on EAA. The associated SOCS2 is a member of the suppressor of cytokine signaling family known for its role in human longevity. The reported association between various risk factors and EAA has practical implications for the development of health programs to improve quality of life and reduce premature mortality associated with age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezvan Noroozi
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joanna Rudnicka
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Pisarek
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research of the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bożena Wysocka
- Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Michał Boroń
- Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Magdalena Kobus
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Lisman
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Zielińska
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Iljin
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Małgorzata Michalczyk
- Department of Sport Nutrition, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr Kaczka
- Department of Sport Nutrition, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Michał Krzysztofik
- Department of Sport Nutrition, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Aneta Sitek
- Department of Anthropology, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ossowski
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Branicki
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research of the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Institute of Forensic Research, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Pośpiech
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.
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29
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Prattichizzo F, Frigé C, Pellegrini V, Scisciola L, Santoro A, Monti D, Rippo MR, Ivanchenko M, Olivieri F, Franceschi C. Organ-specific biological clocks: Ageotyping for personalized anti-aging medicine. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102253. [PMID: 38447609 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Aging is a complex multidimensional, progressive remodeling process affecting multiple organ systems. While many studies have focused on studying aging across multiple organs, assessment of the contribution of individual organs to overall aging processes is a cutting-edge issue. An organ's biological age might influence the aging of other organs, revealing a multiorgan aging network. Recent data demonstrated a similar yet asynchronous inter-organs and inter-individuals progression of aging, thereby providing a foundation to track sources of declining health in old age. The integration of multiple omics with common clinical parameters through artificial intelligence has allowed the building of organ-specific aging clocks, which can predict the development of specific age-related diseases at high resolution. The peculiar individual aging-trajectory, referred to as ageotype, might provide a novel tool for a personalized anti-aging, preventive medicine. Here, we review data relative to biological aging clocks and omics-based data, suggesting different organ-specific aging rates. Additional research on longitudinal data, including young subjects and analyzing sex-related differences, should be encouraged to apply ageotyping analysis for preventive purposes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lucia Scisciola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Aurelia Santoro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Monti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical, Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio" University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Rippo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mikhail Ivanchenko
- Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, and Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, and Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia
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30
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Le Couteur DG, Raubenheimer D, Solon-Biet S, de Cabo R, Simpson SJ. Does diet influence aging? Evidence from animal studies. J Intern Med 2024; 295:400-415. [PMID: 35701180 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nutrition profoundly influences the risk for many age-related diseases. Whether nutrition influences human aging biology directly is less clear. Studies in different animal species indicate that reducing food intake ("caloric restriction" [CR]) can increase lifespan and delay the onset of diseases and the biological hallmarks of aging. Obesity has been described as "accelerated aging" and therefore the lifespan and health benefits generated by CR in both aging and obesity may occur via similar mechanisms. Beyond calorie intake, studies based on nutritional geometry have shown that protein intake and the interaction between dietary protein and carbohydrates influence age-related health and lifespan. Studies where animals are calorically restricted by providing free access to diluted diets have had less impact on lifespan than those studies where animals are given a reduced aliquot of food each day and are fasting between meals. This has drawn attention to the role of fasting in health and aging, and exploration of the health effects of various fasting regimes. Although definitive human clinical trials of nutrition and aging would need to be unfeasibly long and unrealistically controlled, there is good evidence from animal experiments that some nutritional interventions based on CR, manipulating dietary macronutrients, and fasting can influence aging biology and lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Le Couteur
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- ANZAC Research Institute, The Concord Hospital, Concord, Australia
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Samantha Solon-Biet
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging (NIH), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen J Simpson
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Dohm-Hansen S, English JA, Lavelle A, Fitzsimons CP, Lucassen PJ, Nolan YM. The 'middle-aging' brain. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:259-272. [PMID: 38508906 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Middle age has historically been an understudied period of life compared to older age, when cognitive and brain health decline are most pronounced, but the scope for intervention may be limited. However, recent research suggests that middle age could mark a shift in brain aging. We review emerging evidence on multiple levels of analysis indicating that midlife is a period defined by unique central and peripheral processes that shape future cognitive trajectories and brain health. Informed by recent developments in aging research and lifespan studies in humans and animal models, we highlight the utility of modeling non-linear changes in study samples with wide subject age ranges to distinguish life stage-specific processes from those acting linearly throughout the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dohm-Hansen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jane A English
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aonghus Lavelle
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne M Nolan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Meng D, Zhang S, Huang Y, Mao K, Han JDJ. Application of AI in biological age prediction. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 85:102777. [PMID: 38310737 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The development of anti-aging interventions requires quantitative measurement of biological age. Machine learning models, known as "aging clocks," are built by leveraging diverse aging biomarkers that vary across lifespan to predict biological age. In addition to traditional aging clocks harnessing epigenetic signatures derived from bulk samples, emerging technologies allow the biological age estimating at single-cell level to dissect cellular diversity in aging tissues. Moreover, imaging-based aging clocks are increasingly employed with the advantage of non-invasive measurement, making it suitable for large-scale human cohort studies. To fully capture the features in the ever-growing multi-modal and high-dimensional aging-related data and uncover disease associations, deep-learning based approaches, which are effective to learn complex and non-linear relationships without relying on pre-defined features, are increasingly applied. The use of big data and AI-based aging clocks has achieved high accuracy, interpretability and generalizability, guiding clinical applications to delay age-related diseases and extend healthy lifespans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Meng
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB), Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shiqiang Zhang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB), Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuanfang Huang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB), Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kehang Mao
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB), Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jing-Dong J Han
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Quantitative Biology (CQB), Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Harris KM, Levitt B, Gaydosh L, Martin C, Meyer JM, Mishra AA, Kelly AL, Aiello AE. The Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Correlates of Epigenetic Aging in a Nationally Representative U.S. Study of Younger Adults. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.21.585983. [PMID: 38585956 PMCID: PMC10996523 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.21.585983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Importance Epigenetic clocks represent molecular evidence of disease risk and aging processes and have been used to identify how social and lifestyle characteristics are associated with accelerated biological aging. However, most of this research is based on older adult samples who already have measurable chronic disease. Objective To investigate whether and how sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics are related to biological aging in a younger adult sample across a wide array of epigenetic clock measures. Design Nationally representative prospective cohort study. Setting United States (U.S.). Participants Data come from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a national cohort of adolescents in grades 7-12 in U.S. in 1994 followed for 25 years over five interview waves. Our analytic sample includes participants followed-up through Wave V in 2016-18 who provided blood samples for DNA methylation (DNAm) testing (n=4237) at Wave V. Exposure Sociodemographic (sex, race/ethnicity, immigrant status, socioeconomic status, geographic location) and lifestyle (obesity status, exercise, tobacco, and alcohol use) characteristics. Main Outcome Biological aging assessed from blood DNAm using 16 epigenetic clocks when the cohort was aged 33-44 in Wave V. Results While there is considerable variation in the mean and distribution of epigenetic clock estimates and in the correlations among the clocks, we found sociodemographic and lifestyle factors are more often associated with biological aging in clocks trained to predict current or dynamic phenotypes (e.g., PhenoAge, GrimAge and DunedinPACE) as opposed to clocks trained to predict chronological age alone (e.g., Horvath). Consistent and strong associations of faster biological aging were found for those with lower levels of education and income, and those with severe obesity, no weekly exercise, and tobacco use. Conclusions and Relevance Our study found important social and lifestyle factors associated with biological aging in a nationally representative cohort of younger-aged adults. These findings indicate that molecular processes underlying disease risk can be identified in adults entering midlife before disease is manifest and represent useful targets for interventions to reduce social inequalities in heathy aging and longevity. Key Points Question: Are epigenetic clocks, measures of biological aging developed mainly on older-adult samples, meaningful for younger adults and associated with sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics in expected patterns found in prior aging research?Findings: Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were associated with biological aging in clocks trained to predict morbidity and mortality showing accelerated aging among those with lower levels of education and income, and those with severe obesity, no weekly exercise, and tobacco use.Meaning: Age-related molecular processes can be identified in younger-aged adults before disease manifests and represent potential interventions to reduce social inequalities in heathy aging and longevity.
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Dowrey TW, Cranston SF, Skvir N, Lok Y, Gould B, Petrowitz B, Villar D, Shan J, James M, Dodge M, Belkina AC, Giadone RM, Sebastiani P, Perls TT, Andersen SL, Murphy GJ. A longevity-specific bank of induced pluripotent stem cells from centenarians and their offspring. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.12.584663. [PMID: 38559230 PMCID: PMC10979955 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.12.584663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Centenarians provide a unique lens through which to study longevity, healthy aging, and resiliency. Moreover, models of human aging and resilience to disease that allow for the testing of potential interventions are virtually non-existent. We obtained and characterized over 50 centenarian and offspring peripheral blood samples including those connected to functional independence data highlighting resistance to disability and cognitive impairment. Targeted methylation arrays were used in molecular aging clocks to compare and contrast differences between biological and chronological age in these specialized subjects. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were then successfully reprogrammed into high-quality induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines which were functionally characterized for pluripotency, genomic stability, and the ability to undergo directed differentiation. The result of this work is a one-of-a-kind resource for studies of human longevity and resilience that can fuel the discovery and validation of novel therapeutics for aging-related disease.
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Sluiskes MH, Goeman JJ, Beekman M, Slagboom PE, Putter H, Rodríguez-Girondo M. Clarifying the biological and statistical assumptions of cross-sectional biological age predictors: an elaborate illustration using synthetic and real data. BMC Med Res Methodol 2024; 24:58. [PMID: 38459475 PMCID: PMC10921716 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-024-02181-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is divergence in the rate at which people age. The concept of biological age is postulated to capture this variability, and hence to better represent an individual's true global physiological state than chronological age. Biological age predictors are often generated based on cross-sectional data, using biochemical or molecular markers as predictor variables. It is assumed that the difference between chronological and predicted biological age is informative of one's chronological age-independent aging divergence ∆. METHODS We investigated the statistical assumptions underlying the most popular cross-sectional biological age predictors, based on multiple linear regression, the Klemera-Doubal method or principal component analysis. We used synthetic and real data to illustrate the consequences if this assumption does not hold. RESULTS The most popular cross-sectional biological age predictors all use the same strong underlying assumption, namely that a candidate marker of aging's association with chronological age is directly informative of its association with the aging rate ∆. We called this the identical-association assumption and proved that it is untestable in a cross-sectional setting. If this assumption does not hold, weights assigned to candidate markers of aging are uninformative, and no more signal may be captured than if markers would have been assigned weights at random. CONCLUSIONS Cross-sectional methods for predicting biological age commonly use the untestable identical-association assumption, which previous literature in the field had never explicitly acknowledged. These methods have inherent limitations and may provide uninformative results, highlighting the importance of researchers exercising caution in the development and interpretation of cross-sectional biological age predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije H Sluiskes
- Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Jelle J Goeman
- Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Beekman
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - P Eline Slagboom
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Max Planck Institute for the Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hein Putter
- Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mar Rodríguez-Girondo
- Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Sala C, Di Lena P, Fernandes Durso D, Faria do Valle I, Bacalini MG, Dall’Olio D, Franceschi C, Castellani G, Garagnani P, Nardini C. Where are we in the implementation of tissue-specific epigenetic clocks? FRONTIERS IN BIOINFORMATICS 2024; 4:1306244. [PMID: 38501111 PMCID: PMC10944965 DOI: 10.3389/fbinf.2024.1306244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: DNA methylation clocks presents advantageous characteristics with respect to the ambitious goal of identifying very early markers of disease, based on the concept that accelerated ageing is a reliable predictor in this sense. Methods: Such tools, being epigenomic based, are expected to be conditioned by sex and tissue specificities, and this work is about quantifying this dependency as well as that from the regression model and the size of the training set. Results: Our quantitative results indicate that elastic-net penalization is the best performing strategy, and better so when-unsurprisingly-the data set is bigger; sex does not appear to condition clocks performances and tissue specific clocks appear to perform better than generic blood clocks. Finally, when considering all trained clocks, we identified a subset of genes that, to the best of our knowledge, have not been presented yet and might deserve further investigation: CPT1A, MMP15, SHROOM3, SLIT3, and SYNGR. Conclusion: These factual starting points can be useful for the future medical translation of clocks and in particular in the debate between multi-tissue clocks, generally trained on a large majority of blood samples, and tissue-specific clocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sala
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Di Lena
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Danielle Fernandes Durso
- National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq), Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MCTI), Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniele Dall’Olio
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Gastone Castellani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christine Nardini
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo “Mauro Picone”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Roma, Italy
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Graf GHJ, Aiello AE, Caspi A, Kothari M, Liu H, Moffitt TE, Muennig PA, Ryan CP, Sugden K, Belsky DW. Educational Mobility, Pace of Aging, and Lifespan Among Participants in the Framingham Heart Study. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240655. [PMID: 38427354 PMCID: PMC10907927 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance People who complete more education live longer lives with better health. New evidence suggests that these benefits operate through a slowed pace of biological aging. If so, measurements of the pace of biological aging could offer intermediate end points for studies of how interventions to promote education will affect healthy longevity. Objective To test the hypothesis that upward educational mobility is associated with a slower pace of biological aging and increased longevity. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study analyzed data from 3 generations of participants in the Framingham Heart Study: (1) the original cohort, enrolled beginning in 1948; (2) the Offspring cohort, enrolled beginning in 1971; and (3) the Gen3 cohort, enrolled beginning in 2002. A 3-generation database was constructed to quantify intergenerational educational mobility. Mobility data were linked with blood DNA-methylation data collected from the Offspring cohort in 2005 to 2008 (n = 1652) and the Gen3 cohort in 2009 to 2011 (n = 1449). Follow-up is ongoing. Data analysis was conducted from June 2022 to November 2023 using data obtained from the National Institutes of Health database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP). Exposure Educational mobility was measured by comparing participants' educational outcomes with those of their parents. Main Outcomes and Measures The pace of biological aging was measured from whole-blood DNA-methylation data using the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock. For comparison purposes, the analysis was repeated using 4 other epigenetic clocks. Survival follow-up was conducted through 2019. Results This study analyzed data from 3101 participants from the Framingham Heart Study; 1652 were in the Offspring cohort (mean [SD] age, 65.57 [9.22] years; 764 [46.2%] male) and 1449 were in the Gen3 cohort (mean [SD] age, 45.38 [7.83] years; 691 [47.7%] male). Participants who were upwardly mobile in educational terms tended to have slower pace of aging in later life (r = -0.18 [95% CI, -0.23 to -0.13]; P < .001). This pattern of association was similar across generations and held in within-family sibling comparisons. There were 402 Offspring cohort participants who died over the follow-up period. Upward educational mobility was associated with lower mortality risk (hazard ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81 to 0.98]; P = .01). Slower pace of aging accounted for approximately half of this association. Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study's findings support the hypothesis that interventions to promote educational attainment may slow the pace of biological aging and promote longevity. Epigenetic clocks have potential as near-term outcome measures of intervention effects on healthy aging. Experimental evidence is needed to confirm findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria H. J. Graf
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, New York, New York
| | - Allison E. Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, New York, New York
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- PROMENTA, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meeraj Kothari
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, New York, New York
| | - Hexuan Liu
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Terrie E. Moffitt
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- PROMENTA, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter A. Muennig
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Calen P. Ryan
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, New York, New York
| | - Karen Sugden
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Daniel W. Belsky
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
- Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, New York, New York
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Kusters CDJ, Paul KC, Lu AT, Ferruci L, Ritz BR, Binder AM, Horvath S. Higher testosterone and testosterone/estradiol ratio in men are associated with decreased Pheno-/GrimAge and DNA-methylation based PAI1. GeroScience 2024; 46:1053-1069. [PMID: 37369886 PMCID: PMC10828310 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00832-3] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones are hypothesized to drive sex-specific health disparities. Here, we study the association between sex steroid hormones and DNA methylation-based (DNAm) biomarkers of age and mortality risk including Pheno Age Acceleration (AA), Grim AA, and DNAm-based estimators of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI1), and leptin concentrations. We pooled data from three population-based cohorts, the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort, the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, and the InCHIANTI Study, including 1,062 postmenopausal women without hormone therapy and 1,612 men of European descent. Sex-stratified analyses using a linear mixed regression were performed, with a Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) adjustment for multiple testing. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) was associated with a decrease in DNAm PAI1 among men (per 1 standard deviation (SD): -478 pg/mL; 95%CI: -614 to -343; P:1e-11; BH-P: 1e-10), and women (-434 pg/mL; 95%CI: -589 to -279; P:1e-7; BH-P:2e-6). The testosterone/estradiol (TE) ratio was associated with a decrease in Pheno AA (-0.41 years; 95%CI: -0.70 to -0.12; P:0.01; BH-P: 0.04), and DNAm PAI1 (-351 pg/mL; 95%CI: -486 to -217; P:4e-7; BH-P:3e-6) among men. In men, testosterone was associated with a decrease in DNAm PAI1 (-481 pg/mL; 95%CI: -613 to -349; P:2e-12; BH-P:6e-11). SHBG was associated with lower DNAm PAI1 among men and women. Higher testosterone and testosterone/estradiol ratio were associated with lower DNAm PAI and a younger epigenetic age in men. A decrease in DNAm PAI1 is associated with lower mortality and morbidity risk indicating a potential protective effect of testosterone on lifespan and conceivably cardiovascular health via DNAm PAI1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia D J Kusters
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA, Box 708822, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, CA, 90095-7088, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Kimberly C Paul
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ake T Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, USA
| | - Luigi Ferruci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute On Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Beate R Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra M Binder
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Population Sciences in the Pacific Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Cao B, Xue Y, Liu D. The association between methylmalonic acid, a biomarker of mitochondria dysfunction, and phenotypic age acceleration: A population-based study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 117:105176. [PMID: 37713936 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic age acceleration (PAA) is a sensitive marker of biological aging. Circulating methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a novel biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction and has been associated with age-related disorders. Our study aimed to investigate to what extent circulating MMA was associated with PAA, and whether the association was independent of vitamin B12 status and renal function in the general population. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 13,023 participants across a wide age range (mean age: 38.9 years, range: 12 - 85 years, 51.1% women) from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PAA was calculated based on the published algorithm. Linear regression models were performed to assess the association between circulating MAA and PAA. Only 31% of the variation in MMA levels was explained by age, sex, race/ethnicity, social economic status, vitamin B12 status, and renal function. Per unit increase in circulating MAA (1.0 nmol/L) was associated with 1.59 years increase in PAA (β = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.00, p < 0.001) after adjusting for multiple confounders. Importantly, PAA increased with circulating MMA levels independent of vitamin B12, creatine, and homocysteine levels. The association was more pronounced in subgroups of age ≥ 65 years, women, underweight, vitamin B12 < 400 μmol/L, and homocysteine ≥ 10 μmol/L. The association was much stronger among participants with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) than without CVDs. In conclusion, our current population-based study showed that mitochondria-derived circulating MMA was associated with increased phenotypic age acceleration in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Cao
- School of Psychology and Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Population Health Sciences, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.
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He Y, Li Z, Niu Y, Duan Y, Wang Q, Liu X, Dong Z, Zheng Y, Chen Y, Wang Y, Zhao D, Sun X, Cai G, Feng Z, Zhang W, Chen X. Progress in the study of aging marker criteria in human populations. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1305303. [PMID: 38327568 PMCID: PMC10847233 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1305303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of human aging markers, which are physiological, biochemical and molecular indicators of structural or functional degeneration associated with aging, is the fundamental basis of individualized aging assessments. Identifying methods for selecting markers has become a primary and vital aspect of aging research. However, there is no clear consensus or uniform principle on the criteria for screening aging markers. Therefore, we combine previous research from our center and summarize the criteria for screening aging markers in previous population studies, which are discussed in three aspects: functional perspective, operational implementation perspective and methodological perspective. Finally, an evaluation framework has been established, and the criteria are categorized into three levels based on their importance, which can help assess the extent to which a candidate biomarker may be feasible, valid, and useful for a specific use context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yue Niu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Duan
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zheyi Dong
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhi Chen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Hainan Province Academician Team Innovation Center, Sanya, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Delong Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Sun
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyan Cai
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Weiguang Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
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Reynolds LM, Houston DK, Skiba MB, Whitsel EA, Stewart JD, Li Y, Zannas AS, Assimes TL, Horvath S, Bhatti P, Baccarelli AA, Tooze JA, Vitolins MZ. Diet Quality and Epigenetic Aging in the Women's Health Initiative. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024:S2212-2672(24)00002-9. [PMID: 38215906 PMCID: PMC11236955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher diet quality scores are associated with a lower risk for many chronic diseases and all-cause mortality; however, it is unclear if diet quality is associated with aging biology. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between diet quality and a measure of biological aging known as epigenetic aging. DESIGN A cross-sectional data analysis was used to examine the association between three diet quality scores based on self-reported food frequency questionnaire data and five measures of epigenetic aging based on DNA methylation (DNAm) data from peripheral blood. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING This study included 4,500 postmenopausal women recruited from multiple sites across the United States (1993-98), aged 50 to 79 years, with food frequency questionnaire and DNAm data available from the Women's Health Initiative baseline visit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Five established epigenetic aging measures were generated from HumanMethylation450 Beadchip DNAm data, including AgeAccelHannum, AgeAccelHorvath, AgeAccelPheno, AgeAccelGrim, and DunedinPACE. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Linear mixed models were used to test for associations between three diet quality scores (Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and alternate Mediterranean diet scores) and epigenetic aging measures, adjusted for age, race and ethnicity, education, tobacco smoking, physical activity, Women's Health Initiative substudy from which DNAm data were obtained, and DNAm-based estimates of leukocyte proportions. RESULTS Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and alternate Mediterranean diet scores were all inversely associated with AgeAccelPheno, AgeAccelGrim, and DunedinPACE (P < 0.05), with the largest effects with DunedinPACE. A one standard deviation increment in diet quality scores was associated with a decrement (β ± SE) in DunedinPACE z score of -0.097 ± 0.014 (P = 9.70 x 10-13) for Healthy Eating Index, -0.107 ± 0.014 (P = 1.53 x 10-14) for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and -0.068 ± 0.013 (P = 2.31 x 10-07) for the alternate Mediterranean diet. CONCLUSIONS In postmenopausal women, diet quality scores were inversely associated with DNAm-based measures of biological aging, particularly DunedinPACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Reynolds
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
| | - Denise K Houston
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Meghan B Skiba
- Division of Biobehavioral Health Science, University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Eric A Whitsel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - James D Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anthony S Zannas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Themistocles L Assimes
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Altos Labs, San Diego, California
| | - Parveen Bhatti
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Janet A Tooze
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Mara Z Vitolins
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Bourassa KJ, Garrett ME, Caspi A, Dennis M, Hall KS, Moffitt TE, Taylor GA, Ashley-Koch AE, Beckham JC, Kimbrel NA. Posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma, and accelerated biological aging among post-9/11 veterans. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:4. [PMID: 38184702 PMCID: PMC10771513 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02704-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
People who experience trauma and develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for poor health. One mechanism that could explain this risk is accelerated biological aging, which is associated with the accumulation of chronic diseases, disability, and premature mortality. Using data from 2309 post-9/11 United States military veterans who participated in the VISN 6 MIRECC's Post-Deployment Mental Health Study, we tested whether PTSD and trauma exposure were associated with accelerated rate of biological aging, assessed using a validated DNA methylation (DNAm) measure of epigenetic aging-DunedinPACE. Veterans with current PTSD were aging faster than those who did not have current PTSD, β = 0.18, 95% CI [0.11, 0.27], p < .001. This effect represented an additional 0.4 months of biological aging each year. Veterans were also aging faster if they reported more PTSD symptoms, β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.09, 0.16], p < 0.001, or higher levels of trauma exposure, β = 0.09, 95% CI [0.05, 0.13], p < 0.001. Notably, veterans with past PTSD were aging more slowly than those with current PTSD, β = -0.21, 95% CI [-0.35, -0.07], p = .003. All reported results accounted for age, gender, self-reported race/ethnicity, and education, and remained when controlling for smoking. Our findings suggest that an accelerated rate of biological aging could help explain how PTSD contributes to poor health and highlights the potential benefits of providing efficacious treatment to populations at increased risk of trauma and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Bourassa
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA.
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA.
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA.
| | | | - Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, US
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, USA
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Center for the Study of Population Health & Aging, Duke University Population Research Institute, Durham, USA
| | - Michelle Dennis
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, US
| | - Katherine S Hall
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Terrie E Moffitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, US
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, USA
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Center for the Study of Population Health & Aging, Duke University Population Research Institute, Durham, USA
| | - Gregory A Taylor
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | | | - Jean C Beckham
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, US
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, US
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, USA
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Petry SE, Thompson AD, Hauser ER, Lynch SM, Boyle SH, Upchurch J, Press A, Sims KJ, Williams CD, Gifford EJ. Characterizing Deficit Accumulation Among Gulf War Era Veterans. J Frailty Aging 2024; 13:300-306. [PMID: 39082776 PMCID: PMC11292038 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2024.44] [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] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterans of the first Gulf War (1990-1991) are reaching middle and older adulthood in differing degrees of health and biological age. Many Gulf War veterans report myriad negative symptoms classified as Gulf War illness (GWI), a chronic multi-symptom illness. OBJECTIVES To describe and analyze deficit accumulation, among veterans with Severe GWI (SGWI+) and those without Severe GWI (SGWI-), to assess the association between a medically unexplained illness and aging. DESIGN This study uses a retrospective cohort design with quasi-longitudinal data. SETTING The recruitment sample included 10,042 Gulf War era veterans across all four US Census regions. PARTICIPANTS The analytic sample included 1,054 participants of the GWECB for whom SGWI case status could be determined and who had valid responses for at least 90% of the deficits included in the deficit accumulation index. MEASUREMENTS Chronic health conditions were retroactively reported, including year of diagnosis, enabling us to create a longitudinal measure of deficit accumulation. This deficit accumulation index (DAI) ranged from 0-1 for each respondent in each year between 1991-2013. We compare veterans with SGWI+ to those with SGWI- using the CDC case definition. RESULTS Most veterans in our sample could expect to spend more years with moderate or substantial deficits than without deficits. SGWI+ was associated with spending more years with substantial deficits than those with SGWI-. Veterans in middle age (age 35-65) experienced more years with substantial deficits than younger veterans. Individuals with SGWI+ had 13 times the hazard of accumulating substantial deficits than those without. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that veterans with SGWI+, even those in midlife, experienced aging as measured by accumulating deficits. Practitioners should consider patients with multi-symptom illnesses as at risk of accelerated aging, tailoring treatments to address patients' holistic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Petry
- Sarah E. Petry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA,
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Voisin S, Seale K, Jacques M, Landen S, Harvey NR, Haupt LM, Griffiths LR, Ashton KJ, Coffey VG, Thompson JM, Doering TM, Lindholm ME, Walsh C, Davison G, Irwin R, McBride C, Hansson O, Asplund O, Heikkinen AE, Piirilä P, Pietiläinen KH, Ollikainen M, Blocquiaux S, Thomis M, Coletta DK, Sharples AP, Eynon N. Exercise is associated with younger methylome and transcriptome profiles in human skeletal muscle. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e13859. [PMID: 37128843 PMCID: PMC10776126 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise training prevents age-related decline in muscle function. Targeting epigenetic aging is a promising actionable mechanism and late-life exercise mitigates epigenetic aging in rodent muscle. Whether exercise training can decelerate, or reverse epigenetic aging in humans is unknown. Here, we performed a powerful meta-analysis of the methylome and transcriptome of an unprecedented number of human skeletal muscle samples (n = 3176). We show that: (1) individuals with higher baseline aerobic fitness have younger epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles, (2) exercise training leads to significant shifts of epigenetic and transcriptomic patterns toward a younger profile, and (3) muscle disuse "ages" the transcriptome. Higher fitness levels were associated with attenuated differential methylation and transcription during aging. Furthermore, both epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles shifted toward a younger state after exercise training interventions, while the transcriptome shifted toward an older state after forced muscle disuse. We demonstrate that exercise training targets many of the age-related transcripts and DNA methylation loci to maintain younger methylome and transcriptome profiles, specifically in genes related to muscle structure, metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Our comprehensive analysis will inform future studies aiming to identify the best combination of therapeutics and exercise regimes to optimize longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Voisin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS)Victoria UniversityFootscrayVictoriaAustralia
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Kirsten Seale
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS)Victoria UniversityFootscrayVictoriaAustralia
| | - Macsue Jacques
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS)Victoria UniversityFootscrayVictoriaAustralia
| | - Shanie Landen
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS)Victoria UniversityFootscrayVictoriaAustralia
| | - Nicholas R. Harvey
- Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineBond UniversityGold CoastQueenslandAustralia
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Larisa M. Haupt
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering TechnologiesQueensland University of Technology (QUT)BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Max Planck Queensland Centre for the Materials Sciences of Extracellular MatricesBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Lyn R. Griffiths
- Genomics Research Centre, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Kevin J. Ashton
- Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineBond UniversityGold CoastQueenslandAustralia
| | - Vernon G. Coffey
- Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineBond UniversityGold CoastQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - Thomas M. Doering
- School of Health, Medical and Applied SciencesCentral Queensland UniversityRockhamptonQueenslandAustralia
| | - Malene E. Lindholm
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Colum Walsh
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - Gareth Davison
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research InstituteUlster UniversityBelfastUK
| | - Rachelle Irwin
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - Catherine McBride
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research InstituteUlster UniversityBelfastUK
| | - Ola Hansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Genomics, Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit, Lund University Diabetes CenterLund UniversityLundSweden
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM)Helsinki UniversityHelsinkiFinland
| | - Olof Asplund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Genomics, Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit, Lund University Diabetes CenterLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Aino E. Heikkinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM)Helsinki UniversityHelsinkiFinland
| | - Päivi Piirilä
- Unit of Clinical PhysiologyHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Kirsi H. Pietiläinen
- Obesity Research Unit, Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- HealthyWeightHub, Endocrinology, Abdominal CenterHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Miina Ollikainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM)Helsinki UniversityHelsinkiFinland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical ResearchHelsinkiFinland
| | - Sara Blocquiaux
- Department of Movement Sciences, Physical Activity, Sports and Health Research GroupKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Martine Thomis
- Department of Movement Sciences, Physical Activity, Sports and Health Research GroupKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Dawn K. Coletta
- Department of Medicine, Division of EndocrinologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- UA Center for Disparities in Diabetes Obesity and MetabolismUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Adam P. Sharples
- Institute of Physical PerformanceNorwegian School of Sport SciencesOsloNorway
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS)Victoria UniversityFootscrayVictoriaAustralia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
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Langevin HM, Weber W, Chen W. Integrated multicomponent interventions to support healthy aging of the whole person. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14001. [PMID: 37840416 PMCID: PMC10776112 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthy aging is an integrated "whole person" process that involves an individual's biology, behavior, and social/physical environment. With the recent development of antiaging drugs, careful consideration of the respective roles of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to both health and aging is in order. Recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging are providing new measures that can be used as clinical outcomes in studying the impact of antiaging interventions in humans. This paper outlines the strategic interest of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) in supporting the development, testing, and implementation of effective, scalable, and integrated multicomponent interventions to support healthy aging of the whole person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene M. Langevin
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Wendy Weber
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Wen Chen
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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Dutta S, Goodrich JM, Dolinoy DC, Ruden DM. Biological Aging Acceleration Due to Environmental Exposures: An Exciting New Direction in Toxicogenomics Research. Genes (Basel) 2023; 15:16. [PMID: 38275598 PMCID: PMC10815440 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010016] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological clock technologies are designed to assess the acceleration of biological age (B-age) in diverse cell types, offering a distinctive opportunity in toxicogenomic research to explore the impact of environmental stressors, social challenges, and unhealthy lifestyles on health impairment. These clocks also play a role in identifying factors that can hinder aging and promote a healthy lifestyle. Over the past decade, researchers in epigenetics have developed testing methods that predict the chronological and biological age of organisms. These methods rely on assessing DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at specific CpG sites, RNA levels, and various biomolecules across multiple cell types, tissues, and entire organisms. Commonly known as 'biological clocks' (B-clocks), these estimators hold promise for gaining deeper insights into the pathways contributing to the development of age-related disorders. They also provide a foundation for devising biomedical or social interventions to prevent, reverse, or mitigate these disorders. This review article provides a concise overview of various epigenetic clocks and explores their susceptibility to environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Dutta
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Jaclyn M. Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.G.); (D.C.D.)
| | - Dana C. Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.G.); (D.C.D.)
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Douglas M. Ruden
- C. S. Mott Center for Human Health and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Clair A, Baker E, Kumari M. Are housing circumstances associated with faster epigenetic ageing? J Epidemiol Community Health 2023; 78:40-46. [PMID: 37816534 PMCID: PMC10715511 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-220523] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous aspects of housing are associated with health. However, the pathways between housing and health, particularly the psychosocial elements of housing, are less well understood. Epigenetic information alongside social survey data offers an opportunity to explore biological ageing, measured using DNA methylation, as a potential pathway through which housing affects health. METHODS We use data on housing and DNA methylation from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, linked with prior survey responses from the British Household Panel Survey, covering adults in Great Britain. We explore the association between epigenetic ageing and housing circumstances, both contemporary and historical, using hierarchical regression. RESULTS We find that living in a privately rented home is related to faster biological ageing. Importantly, the impact of private renting (coefficient (SE) 0.046 years (0.011) vs owned outright, p<0.001) is greater than the impact of experiencing unemployment (coefficient 0.027 years (0.012) vs employed, p<0.05) or being a former smoker (coefficient 0.021 years (0.005) vs never smoker, p<0.001). When we include historical housing circumstances in the analysis, we find that repeated housing arrears and exposure to pollution/environmental problems are also associated with faster biological ageing. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that challenging housing circumstances negatively affect health through faster biological ageing. However, biological ageing is reversible, highlighting the significant potential for housing policy changes to improve health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Clair
- Australian Centre for Housing Research, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Emma Baker
- Australian Centre for Housing Research, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Meena Kumari
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
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Jiang EX, Domingo-Relloso A, Abuawad A, Haack K, Tellez-Plaza M, Fallin MD, Umans JG, Best LG, Zhang Y, Kupsco A, Belsky DW, Cole SA, Navas-Acien A. Arsenic Exposure and Epigenetic Aging: The Association with Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality in the Strong Heart Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127016. [PMID: 38133959 PMCID: PMC10743589 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inorganic arsenic (As) may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality through accelerated aging, which can be estimated using epigenetic-based measures. OBJECTIVES We evaluated three DNA methylation-based aging measures (PhenoAge, GrimAge, DunedinPACE) (epigenetic aging measures) as potential mediators of the previously reported association of As exposure with CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality in the Strong Heart Study (SHS), an epidemiological cohort of American Indian adults. METHODS Blood DNA methylation and urinary As levels were measured in 2,323 SHS participants (41.5% men, mean age of 55 years old). PhenoAge and GrimAge values were calculated using a residual-based method. We tested the association of urinary As with epigenetic aging measures using linear regression, the association of epigenetic aging measures with the three health outcomes using additive hazards models, and the mediation of As-related CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality by epigenetic aging measures using the product of coefficients method. RESULTS SHS participants with higher vs. lower urinary As levels had similar PhenoAge age, older GrimAge age, and faster DunedinPACE. An interquartile range increase in urinary As was associated with higher of PhenoAge age acceleration [mean difference ( 95 % confidence interval ) = 0.48 (0.17, 0.80) years], GrimAge age acceleration [0.80 (0.60, 1.00) years], and DunedinPACE [0.011 (0.005, 0.018)], after adjusting for age, sex, center location, genetic components, smoking status, and body mass index. Of the 347 incident CVD events per 100,000 person-years associated with a doubling in As exposure, 21.3% (9.1, 57.1) and 22.6% (9.5, 56.9), were attributable to differences in GrimAge and DunedinPACE, respectively. DISCUSSION Arsenic exposure was associated with older GrimAge and faster DunedinPACE measures of biological age. Furthermore, accelerated biological aging measured from DNA methylation accounted for a relevant fraction of As-associated risk for CVD, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality in the SHS, supporting the role of As in accelerated aging. Research of the biological underpinnings can contribute to a better understanding of the role of aging in arsenic-related disease. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11981.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch X. Jiang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Arce Domingo-Relloso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
- Integrative Epidemiology Group, Department of Chronic Diseases Epidemiology, National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ahlam Abuawad
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karin Haack
- Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Maria Tellez-Plaza
- Integrative Epidemiology Group, Department of Chronic Diseases Epidemiology, National Center for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Danielle Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason G. Umans
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, Georgetown/Howard Universities, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lyle G. Best
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, USA
| | - Ying Zhang
- Center for American Indian Health Research, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Allison Kupsco
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel W. Belsky
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Shelley A. Cole
- Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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Silva N, Rajado AT, Esteves F, Brito D, Apolónio J, Roberto VP, Binnie A, Araújo I, Nóbrega C, Bragança J, Castelo-Branco P. Measuring healthy ageing: current and future tools. Biogerontology 2023; 24:845-866. [PMID: 37439885 PMCID: PMC10615962 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10041-2] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Human ageing is a complex, multifactorial process characterised by physiological damage, increased risk of age-related diseases and inevitable functional deterioration. As the population of the world grows older, placing significant strain on social and healthcare resources, there is a growing need to identify reliable and easy-to-employ markers of healthy ageing for early detection of ageing trajectories and disease risk. Such markers would allow for the targeted implementation of strategies or treatments that can lessen suffering, disability, and dependence in old age. In this review, we summarise the healthy ageing scores reported in the literature, with a focus on the past 5 years, and compare and contrast the variables employed. The use of approaches to determine biological age, molecular biomarkers, ageing trajectories, and multi-omics ageing scores are reviewed. We conclude that the ideal healthy ageing score is multisystemic and able to encompass all of the potential alterations associated with ageing. It should also be longitudinal and able to accurately predict ageing complications at an early stage in order to maximize the chances of successful early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Rajado
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Filipa Esteves
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - David Brito
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Joana Apolónio
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Vânia Palma Roberto
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735, Loulé, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Binnie
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Department of Critical Care, William Osler Health System, Etobicoke, ON, Canada
| | - Inês Araújo
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735, Loulé, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735, Loulé, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735, Loulé, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Castelo-Branco
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735, Loulé, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Hoang CT, Kohler IV, Amin V, Behrman JR, Kohler HP. Resilience, Accelerated Aging and Persistently Poor Health: Diverse Trajectories of Health in Malawi. POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 2023; 49:771-800. [PMID: 38605849 PMCID: PMC11005366 DOI: 10.1111/padr.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Individuals age at vastly different rates resulting in significant within-population heterogeneity in health and aging outcomes. This diversity in health and aging trajectories has rarely been investigated among low-income aging populations that have experienced substantial hardships throughout their lifecourses. Utilizing 2006-2018 data from the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH) and estimating group-based trajectory models (GBTM), our analyses identified three distinct lifecourse health trajectories: (1) comparatively good initial mental and physical health that persisted throughout the lifecourse ("resilient aging"); (2) relatively good initial mental and physical health that started to deteriorate during mid-adulthood ("accelerated aging"); and (3) poor initial mental and physical health that further declined over the lifecourse ("aging with persistently poor health"). For both physical and mental health, men were more likely to enjoy resilient aging than women. Predictors other than gender of trajectory membership sometimes confirmed, and sometimes contradicted, hypotheses derived from high-income country studies. Our analyses highlight the long arm of early life conditions and gender in determining aging trajectories and show that a non-trivial sub-population is characterized by aging with persistently poor health. The study uncovers widening gaps in health outcomes between those who age with resilience and those who experience accelerated aging.
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