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Published on: July 12, 2012
Greenspace Exposure and DNA Methylation Age Acceleration: A Systematic Review and Molecular Pathway Analysis
Manuel Antonio Abarca Zaquinaula1, Carina Alexandra Serpa Andrade2, Rosa Marianela Salamea Nieto3
1Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Technical University of Cotopaxi, Latacunga 050101, Ecuador.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Living in greener areas slows biological aging, evidenced by reduced epigenetic age acceleration. This suggests green space acts as an epigenomic resilience factor, impacting key aging pathways.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epigenetics
- Aging Research
Background:
- Residential greenness is linked to health benefits, but molecular mechanisms are unclear.
- Epigenetic clocks (DNA methylation) are biomarkers for biological aging and environmental impacts.
- Understanding greenspace's molecular effects on aging is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review human evidence on greenspace exposure and epigenetic aging.
- To investigate associations between greenspace and DNA methylation changes.
- To identify molecular pathways influenced by greenspace.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Searched Scopus and Web of Science databases (inception to May 2026).
- Included 14 studies assessing greenspace exposure and DNA methylation aging biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Higher greenspace exposure correlated with slower GrimAge acceleration (1.0-1.6 years deceleration per IQR increase).
- Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) linked to greenspace were enriched in neurodevelopment, immune regulation, stress response, and matrix remodeling genes.
- Consistent association between greenspace and slower epigenetic aging.
Conclusions:
- Greenspace exposure is associated with slower epigenetic aging and specific DNA methylation patterns.
- Greenspace may act as an epigenomic resilience factor.
- Potential role of greenspace in modulating molecular aging mechanisms.
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01:46Epigenetic Regulation
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