Biological Age Acceleration and Colonic Polyps in Persons under Age 50

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and aging research
• Gastroenterology and oncology
• Preventive medicine

Background:

• Accelerated aging, where biological age exceeds chronological age, is linked to cancer development.
• The role of accelerated aging in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) and its precursor lesions remains unclear.
• Preneoplastic polyps (PNPs) are key indicators for colorectal cancer risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between accelerated aging and the presence of preneoplastic polyps (PNPs) in individuals under 50.
• To explore the potential of biological age metrics in risk-stratifying for EOCRC screening.

Main Methods:

• DNA methylation analysis was used to determine biological age and age acceleration metrics (GrimAge) from peripheral blood samples.
• Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between age acceleration and PNPs.
• Study included 51 patients under age 50 undergoing colonoscopy.

Main Results:

• Each year of accelerated aging was associated with a 16% increase in the odds of harboring a PNP.
• Male sex was identified as the strongest risk factor for PNPs in this cohort.
• This study is among the first to examine accelerated aging and PNPs in young adults.

Conclusions:

• Accelerated aging, quantified by GrimAge, is associated with an increased risk of preneoplastic polyps in individuals under 50.
• Biological age calculations could be integrated into risk models for EOCRC screening.
• Understanding this association offers a pathway for developing risk-stratified screening strategies to combat rising EOCRC rates.