Accelerated epigenetic clock aging in maternal peripheral blood and preterm birth

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and aging research
• Reproductive health and obstetrics

Background:

• Epigenetic clocks, utilizing DNA methylation, estimate biological age, with acceleration linked to adverse health outcomes.
• Accelerated biological aging is associated with diseases and reduced lifespan.
• Limited research exists on DNA methylation age and pregnancy outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maternal biological aging, quantified by the AgeAccelGrim epigenetic clock, and the incidence of early preterm birth.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study included high-risk singleton pregnancies delivering at <28 weeks gestation.
• Genome-wide CpG methylation was analyzed from maternal blood using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip.
• AgeAccelGrim was calculated, and its association with preterm birth (<34, <37, <28 weeks) was assessed using logistic regression and survival analyses.

Main Results:

• Accelerated biological aging (higher AgeAccelGrim) was significantly associated with increased risk and earlier timing of preterm birth.
• Each 1-year increase in AgeAccelGrim elevated preterm birth odds by 11-18% depending on gestational age.
• Individuals in the highest AgeAccelGrim quartile had over double the odds of preterm birth at <34 weeks and triple the odds at <28 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Accelerated maternal biological aging is a significant risk factor for preterm birth in high-risk pregnancies.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore interventions to slow biological aging for improved birth outcomes.