Aging and DNA damage in humans: a meta‐analysis study
Abstract:
Age‐related DNA damage is regarded as one of the possible explanations of aging. Although a generalized idea about the accumulation of DNA damage with age exists, results found in the literature are inconsistent. To better understand the question of age‐related DNA damage in humans and to identify possible moderator variables, a metaanalysis was conducted. Electronic databases and bibliographies for studies published since 2004 were searched. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for age‐related DNA damage were calculated in a random‐effects model. A total of 76 correlations from 36 studies with 4676 participants were included. Based on our analysis, a correlation between age and DNA damage was found (r=0.230, p=0.000; 95% confidence interval=0.111‐0.342). The test for heterogeneity of variance indicates that the study´s results are significantly high (Q (75)=1754.831, p=0.000). Moderator variables such as smoking habits, technique used, and the tissue/sample analyzed, are shown to influence age‐related DNA damage (p=0.026; p=0.000; p=0.000, respectively). Nevertheless, sex did not show any influence on this relation (p=0.114). In conclusion, this meta‐analysis showed an association between age and DNA damage in humans. It was also found that smoking habits, the technique used, and tissue/sample analyzed, are important moderator variables in age‐related DNA damage.
Insights
This meta-analysis confirms a link between aging and DNA damage in humans. Factors like smoking and sample type significantly influence this relationship, while sex does not.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA damage is a proposed mechanism underlying the aging process.
- Existing research on age-related DNA damage in humans presents inconsistent findings.
- Understanding this relationship and its influencing factors is crucial for aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis to clarify the association between age and DNA damage in humans.
- To identify potential moderator variables that influence age-related DNA damage.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of electronic databases and bibliographies for studies published since 2004.
- Meta-analysis using a random-effects model to calculate summary odds ratios and confidence intervals.
- Inclusion of 76 correlations from 36 studies involving 4676 participants.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant positive correlation was found between age and DNA damage (r=0.230, p=0.000).
- High heterogeneity among study results was observed (Q (75)=1754.831, p=0.000).
- Smoking habits, analytical technique, and tissue/sample type were identified as significant moderators (p=0.026, p=0.000, p=0.000).
- Sex was not found to be a significant moderator (p=0.114).
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis provides evidence for an association between aging and DNA damage in humans.
- Smoking status, the methodology employed, and the biological sample analyzed are key factors modulating age-related DNA damage.
- Further research may benefit from considering these identified moderator variables.
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