Evaluation of short-term epigenetic age fluctuation
Shohei Komaki1, Hideki Ohmomo1,2, Tsuyoshi Hachiya1
1Division of Biomedical Information Analysis, Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Disaster Reconstruction Center, Iwate Medical University, 1-1-1, Idaidori, Yahaba, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan.
Clinical Epigenetics
|June 10, 2022
Summary
Epigenetic age, a measure of biological aging, shows significant daily and monthly fluctuations in healthy individuals. These age variations, even after cell correction, highlight the need for personalized clinical applications in aging research.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Aging Biology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Epigenetic age estimation is a key area of aging research.
- Understanding epigenetic age stability is crucial for its clinical application.
- Previous studies have focused on interventions to lower epigenetic age, not its natural variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of epigenetic age fluctuation in healthy individuals under normal conditions.
- To determine if cell-type composition correction affects observed epigenetic age variability.
- To assess the implications of epigenetic age variability for personalized medicine.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA methylation data from monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
- Longitudinal monitoring of epigenetic age over a 3-month period.
- Application of different epigenetic age clocks (Pan-tissue, Skin and blood, DNAm PhenoAge).
- Statistical analysis to quantify daily and monthly age ranges and changes.
- Correction for cell-type composition in the analyzed blood samples.
Main Results:
- Significant fluctuations in epigenetic age were observed over 3 months (ranges up to 8.23 years).
- Substantial daily variations in epigenetic age were detected (maximum daily changes up to 6.53 years).
- These fluctuations persisted even after correcting for cell-type composition.
- The observed age variability was independent of the specific epigenetic clock used.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic age exhibits non-negligible natural fluctuations in healthy individuals.
- Cell-type composition does not fully explain these observed age variations.
- The inherent variability of epigenetic age needs consideration for accurate interpretation in clinical settings.
- Findings suggest a need for dynamic monitoring and personalized approaches in aging interventions.
