Epigenetic Age Acceleration Correlates with Increased Mortality
Epigenetic clocks are created using machine learning techniques applied to epigenetic data collected from individuals of different ages. DNA methylation changes occur with age, allowing for an estimation of biological age. Epigenetic age acceleration, where the epigenetic age surpasses chronological age, has been linked to a higher risk of age-related diseases and mortality.
We examined data from 2,105 individuals aged ≥50 years from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, tracking mortality until 2019. Epigenetic age accelerations (EAAs) from various epigenetic clocks were analyzed for their association with overall, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. Results showed Grim EAA had the strongest prediction for overall mortality, followed by other EAAs. Grim EAA also predicted cardiovascular mortality, while other EAAs were associated with cancer mortality. The pace of aging measured by DunedinPoAm was linked to overall and cardiovascular mortality.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.21.24312373
