Age-Related Human Adaptation to Extreme Climatic Factors and Environmental Conditions

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Gerontology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• The exposome, encompassing lifetime environmental exposures, significantly influences health and aging.
• Mechanisms linking environmental factors like urbanization and climate to physiological adaptation and longevity are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify aging-associated biomarkers influenced by environmental exposures.
• To investigate the impact of climate and urbanization on biological aging.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters in 445 individuals.
• Utilized the Levine PhenoAge model and machine learning algorithms.
• Compared residents from extreme cold and milder urban climates.

Main Results:

• Extreme climatic conditions were associated with accelerated aging and decreased blood albumin levels.
• Age acceleration showed a positive correlation with erythrocyte RDW-CV across climatic zones.
• Slower age acceleration was observed in small towns within temperate zones, indicating urbanization as an aging driver.

Conclusions:

• Environmental exposures, particularly extreme climates and urbanization, significantly influence biological aging.
• Specific biomarkers like blood albumin and RDW-CV are linked to exposome-driven age acceleration.
• Findings can inform strategies for promoting healthy aging tailored to environmental contexts.