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Heatwave Exposure Accelerates Biological Aging via Metabolic Dysregulation.
Dengyong Xu1, Duanbin Li2, Yao Chen3
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, PR China.
Cyborg and Bionic Systems (Washington, D.C.)
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Recurrent heatwave (HW) exposure accelerates biological aging in adults. This climate change impact may disrupt metabolism, increasing health risks for aging populations and necessitating adaptive strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Gerontology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Climate change is increasing heatwave (HW) frequency and intensity.
- The impact of HWs on biological aging and its mechanisms are not well understood.
- Aging populations are particularly vulnerable to thermal stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HW exposure and accelerated biological aging in middle-aged and older adults.
- To explore potential biological mechanisms underlying this association.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).
- Calculated biological age (BA) and biological age acceleration (BAA) using the Klemera-Doubal method (KDM).
- Employed a difference-in-differences design to assess longitudinal associations between HW exposure and BAA.
- Conducted transcriptomic profiling in aged mice exposed to HW conditions.
Main Results:
- Greater HW exposure was significantly associated with higher BAA in 2,318 participants.
- Each additional HW event (≥4 days above 97.5th percentile) increased BAA by 0.531 years.
- Associations were stronger in individuals with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m², urban residents, and those in southern/subtropical regions.
- HW exposure linked to elevated total cholesterol and HbA1c levels.
- Mouse models showed HW-induced gene expression changes in lipid metabolism and insulin resistance pathways.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent heatwave exposure may accelerate biological aging, potentially via metabolic disruption.
- Highlights the vulnerability of aging populations to climate-related thermal stress.
- Underscores the need for targeted climate-adaptation strategies to protect public health.
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