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Last Posted: Apr 20, 2023
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Refining epigenetic prediction of chronological and biological age
E Bernabeau et al, Genome Medicine, February 28, 2023

Epigenetic clocks can track both chronological age (cAge) and biological age (bAge). The latter is typically defined by physiological biomarkers and risk of adverse health outcomes, including all-cause mortality. As cohort sample sizes increase, estimates of cAge and bAge become more precise. Here, we aim to develop accurate epigenetic predictors of cAge and bAge, while improving our understanding of their epigenomic architecture.

Analysis of Pregnancy Complications and Epigenetic Gestational Age of Newborns
CL Acosta et al, JAMA Network Open, February 24, 2023

Is exposure to gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia associated with biological gestational age, measured via epigenetic clocks, in newborns? In this national multisite cohort study of 1801 children, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes were significantly associated with decelerated gestational age in exposed offspring at birth vs unexposed offspring (ie, they were estimated to be biologically younger than their chronological gestational age), and these associations were more pronounced in female offspring. No associations were observed for gestational hypertension and accelerated or decelerated biological age.

Effect of long-term caloric restriction on DNA methylation measures of biological aging in healthy adults from the CALERIE trial
R Waziry et al, Nature Aging, February 9, 2023

Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) trial, a randomized controlled trial in which n?=?220 adults without obesity were randomized to 25% CR or ad libitum control diet for 2?yr (ref. 10). We found that CALERIE intervention slowed the pace of aging, as measured by the DunedinPACE DNAm algorithm, but did not lead to significant changes in biological age estimates measured by various DNAm clocks including PhenoAge and GrimAge. Treatment effect sizes were small. Nevertheless, modest slowing of the pace of aging can have profound effects on population health.

Use of incorrect and correct methods to account for age in studies on epigenetic accelerated aging: implications and recommendations for best practices.
Nancy Krieger et al. American journal of epidemiology 2023 2

Motivated by our conduct of a literature review on social exposures and accelerated aging as measured by a growing number of epigenetic “clocks” (which estimate age via DNA methylation patterns (DNAm)), we report on three different approaches – 1 incorrect and 2 correct – in the epidemiologic literature on treatment of age in these and other studies using other common exposures (i.e., body mass index and alcohol consumption).

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Disclaimer: Articles listed in the Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base are selected by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics to provide current awareness of the literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the update, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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