Accelerated Epigenetic Aging Is Associated with Faster Glaucoma Progression: A DNA Methylation Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Epigenetics
• Aging Research

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Understanding factors influencing glaucoma progression is crucial for early intervention.
• Epigenetic age, reflecting biological aging, is a novel area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between epigenetic age acceleration and the rate of glaucoma progression.
• To determine if epigenetic age can serve as a prognostic biomarker for glaucoma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 200 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
• Patients categorized into fast and slow progression groups based on visual field and retinal nerve fiber layer changes.
• Epigenetic age calculated using DNA methylation profiles (Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge clocks).
• Age acceleration defined as deviation of epigenetic age from chronological age.

Main Results:

• Fast glaucoma progressors exhibited significantly higher epigenetic age acceleration across multiple clocks (Horvath, Hannum).
• Each year of accelerated epigenetic aging (Horvath clock) increased the odds of fast progression by 15%.
• Associations were observed with Hannum and GrimAge clocks, and were stronger with lower intraocular pressure.

Conclusions:

• Accelerated epigenetic aging is significantly associated with faster glaucoma progression.
• These findings suggest that biological aging, as indicated by DNA methylation, may influence optic nerve susceptibility to damage.
• Epigenetic age acceleration emerges as a potential prognostic biomarker for glaucoma progression.