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Perinatal complications and aging indicators by midlife
Idan Shalev1, Avshalom Caspi2, Antony Ambler3
1Department of Biobehavioral Health and The Network on Child Protection and Well-Being, Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania; ius14@psu.edu.
Pediatrics
|October 29, 2014
Summary
Perinatal complications at birth predict accelerated aging by midlife, affecting both cellular aging (leukocyte telomere length) and perceived age. This supports the developmental origins of health and disease theory.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Perinatal complications are linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
- The developmental origins of health and disease theory suggests early-life events impact adult health.
- Mechanisms linking perinatal complications to long-term health outcomes require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that perinatal complications predict indicators of accelerated aging by midlife.
- To explore the long-term effects of early-life health events on aging.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study of 1037 individuals from birth to age 38 (Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study).
- Assessment of perinatal complications (maternal and neonatal).
- Measurement of aging indicators at age 38: leukocyte telomere length (cellular aging) and perceived facial age (tissue integrity).
Main Results:
- Perinatal complications significantly predicted shorter leukocyte telomere length (cellular aging).
- Perinatal complications also predicted older perceived facial age (external aging).
- These associations persisted even after controlling for family history, social risk, and intermediate health measures.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the concept of early-life developmental programming impacting adult aging.
- Perinatal complications are associated with accelerated "internal" (cellular) and "external" (perceived) aging.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of perinatal programming on adult aging.
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