Stress Temporarily Increases Epigenetic Age
Physiological and other forms of stress can impact the immune system, affecting the assessment of epigenetic age measured from a blood sample. However, results may differ when assessing epigenetic age from tissue biopsies.
A study utilized DNA methylation (DNAm)-based aging clocks to measure changes in biological age in response to various forms of stress. They found that biological age is malleable and potentially reversible, as indicated by DNAm aging clocks.
Further examination of blood samples from individuals who experienced stress from surgery, pregnancy, or severe COVID-19 showed temporary increases in biological age, which returned to pre-stress levels after recovery.
Link: Stress-Induced Increases in Biological Age are Reversible