Different epigenetic clocks reflect distinct pathophysiological features of multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics
• Immunology
• Neurology

Background:

• Epigenetic age is associated with various diseases and age-related conditions.
• The relationship between epigenetic age and multiple sclerosis (MS) remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between epigenetic age acceleration measures and multiple sclerosis.
• To determine if different epigenetic age acceleration measures are influenced by phenotypic factors in MS.

Main Methods:

• Epigenetic age acceleration was estimated using DNA methylation data from blood and sorted blood cell types.
• Analysis included patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Sex and MS status significantly explained variation in epigenetic age acceleration in blood.
• Intrinsic and extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration were associated with sex, while PhenoAge Acceleration showed a positive association with MS.
• Isolated blood cell types exhibited distinct epigenetic ages.

Conclusions:

• Different epigenetic age acceleration measures are influenced by distinct phenotypic factors.
• These measures may reflect separate pathophysiological aspects of multiple sclerosis.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific roles of these epigenetic markers in MS.