Ageing Biomarker – Understanding Biological Age
Ageing biomarkers are measurable biological parameters that reflect the ageing process of the body and help determine a person´s biological age.
Things worth knowing about "Ageing Biomarker"
Ageing biomarkers are measurable biological parameters that reflect the ageing process of the body and help determine a person´s biological age.
What Are Ageing Biomarkers?
Ageing biomarkers (also referred to as aging biomarkers or biological age markers) are measurable biological parameters that indicate changes in the body associated with the ageing process. They allow scientists and clinicians to determine a person´s biological age – the true age of the body at the cellular level – as distinct from chronological age (years lived). A person may be 50 years old chronologically but appear significantly younger or older biologically, depending on lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors.
Types of Ageing Biomarkers
Epigenetic Clocks
Among the most well-known ageing biomarkers are epigenetic clocks, such as the Horvath clock. These measure DNA methylation patterns – chemical modifications that regulate gene expression – and allow precise estimation of biological age. Newer generations of epigenetic clocks, such as GrimAge and PhenoAge, show strong correlations with age-related diseases and life expectancy.
Telomere Length
Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Shortened telomere length is an established marker of cellular ageing and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other age-related conditions.
Inflammaging Markers
The term inflammaging describes the chronic, low-grade inflammation that typically accompanies ageing. Inflammatory markers such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) serve as indicators of this process.
Senescence Markers
Cellular senescence refers to the state in which cells stop dividing but do not die. Senescent cells secrete pro-inflammatory substances, a phenomenon known as the SASP (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype). Markers such as p16INK4a are considered direct indicators of cellular ageing.
Metabolic and Clinical Biomarkers
Classical laboratory values such as fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, blood lipid levels, and creatinine (as a measure of kidney function), as well as physical parameters like grip strength, walking speed, and lung function, are also used as functional ageing biomarkers.
Clinical Relevance
Ageing biomarkers have gained increasing importance in modern medicine, particularly in longevity medicine and preventive medicine. They help to:
- identify individual ageing risks at an early stage
- better predict age-related diseases such as dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
- objectively measure the success of anti-ageing interventions (e.g., dietary changes, exercise, sleep optimization)
- guide personalized treatment decisions
Measurement and Testing
Ageing biomarkers are determined through various diagnostic methods. Blood tests provide information on inflammatory markers, hormones, and metabolic values. Specialized genetic tests analyze epigenetic patterns and telomere lengths. Physical function tests complement the overall picture. Commercial biological age tests are increasingly available today but should be critically evaluated and ideally interpreted in the context of medical supervision.
Factors Influencing Ageing Biomarkers
Numerous factors influence how quickly or slowly biological ageing processes progress:
- Diet: A Mediterranean or calorie-restricted diet can positively influence biological ageing markers.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise has been shown to slow telomere shortening and reduce inflammatory markers.
- Sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation accelerates epigenetic ageing.
- Stress: Psychosocial stress increases inflammaging markers.
- Smoking and alcohol: Both factors measurably accelerate biological ageing.
- Genetics: Genetic predisposition also plays a significant role.
References
- Lopez-Otin C. et al. - The Hallmarks of Aging. Cell, 2013; 153(6):1194-1217. PubMed.
- Horvath S. - DNA methylation age of human tissues and cell types. Genome Biology, 2013; 14(10):R115. PubMed.
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Ageing and Health. Fact Sheet. Geneva, 2022. who.int.
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