Epigenetic Testing Predicts Aging, Mortality

Epigenetic changes, measured by DNA methylation, may be a predictor of biological age, according to a study published in the September issue of Aging. The multicenter study found that epigenetic age predicts all-cause mortality above and beyond chronological age and traditional risk factors. The meta-analysis included 13 different cohorts, including large studies like the Framingham Heart Study and the Women’s Health Initiative, for a total sample size of 13,089 individuals, (non- Hispanic whites, n=9,215; Hispanics, n=431; and Blacks n=3,443). Epigenetic age was measured using two methods—relying upon markers assessing methylation of cytosine linked to guanine by a phosphate group (CpGs). Additionally, the researchers examined whether incorporating information on blood cell composition, which changes during aging, into the epigenetic age metrics improves predictive power for identifying mortality risk. Chronological age was compared to the blood’s biological age, creating an epigenetic clock (AgeAccel) to predict each person’s life expectancy. A positive value of AgeAccel indicated that the epigenetic age was higher than expected, based on chronological age. The researchers found that measures of epigenetic age acceleration were significantly predictive of mortality, independent of chronological age and traditional risk factors (e.g. smoking status, physical activity status, or major chronic diseases), across all racial […]