As we age, our cells undergo significant epigenetic changes, altering gene expression via DNA and histone modifications, potentially impacting aging-related issues like genomic instability. These changes aren’t fixed; they’re influenced by factors such as diet and environment, highlighting the crucial role of epigenetics in lifespan and therapeutic interventions.
Epigenetic clocks use DNA methylation levels at specific sites to accurately determine a person’s age.
What is the Epigenetic Age?
Epigenetic age refers to an individual’s biological age, determined by patterns of DNA methylation rather than the passage of time alone. These epigenetic markers of aging provide crucial insights into how our lifestyle and environment influence the aging process at a cellular level.
Biological markers used to determine epigenetic age are:
- DNA methylation
- Histone modifications
- Non-coding RNAs
What are Epigenetic Aging Clocks?
Epigenetic aging clocks are like virtual timekeepers developed using large DNA datasets. They look at patterns of DNA methylation to estimate how old someone is biologically, which can differ from their actual age.
Here are some examples of epigenetic clocks:
- Horvath Clock
- GrimAge Clock
- EpiTOC Clock
Top 5 Epigenetic Age Tests
Epigenetic tests provide personalized insights into biological age and aging rate, revolutionizing our approach to aging and enabling tailored interventions. One such test is the epigenetic age test, which analyzes DNA methylation patterns to provide a precise measure of biological age.
Top 5 Epigenetic Age Tests:
- TruAge Explorer test
- Novos Age
- Index by Elysium Health
- myDNAge
- TallAge Test
TruAge Explorer
The TruAge Explorer measures changes in biomarkers to provide a highly accurate assessment of your true age, empowering you to make informed health and lifestyle decisions that align with your aging process, leading to a healthier life journey that improves overall health and longevity. For the TruAge Explorer test, you’ll provide a sample of your saliva.
The test aims to provide insights into various aspects of aging, including:
- Cellular aging
- Physiological changes
- Potential age-related health risks
Novos Age
At its core is the DunedinPACE Rate of Aging Clock, an epigenetic clock developed by biological clock scientists from Columbia University and Duke University.
The primary health markers analyzed by the NOVOS Age test include rate of aging, biological age, and telomere length.
Index by Elysium Health
The Index test from Elysium Health uses epigenetics technology to measure biological age and rate of aging from a saliva sample. It evaluates the biological age of nine body systems, offering precise insights into aging. Developed with Dr. Morgan Levine from Yale University, it employs a unique machine-learning solution for accuracy and reliability.
Some of its unique selling points include:
- Index employs unique machine learning for precision
- It assesses the biological age of nine body systems.
- Results offer actionable insights into aging
myDNAge
The myDNAge test uses Dr. Horvath’s epigenetic aging clock to determine your biological age. It analyzes DNA methylation patterns at over 2,000 spots on your genome using SWARM™ technology, providing quick and accurate predictions.
The new myDNAge report evaluates several biomarkers, including:
- Epimetabolic index ― provides insights into your metabolic health and its impact on your biological age
- APOE ― this biomarker assesses your genetics and indicates potential risk factors for age-related diseases
- MTHFR ― this biomarker offers unique information about enzyme activity within your body
TallAge Test
The TallAge Test measures epigenetic age by quantifying telomere length, a key aging biomarker. Telomeres shorten with each cell cycle, providing a biological perspective on aging. However, environmental and genetic factors can affect its reliability.
Clinical Trials for Epigenetic Aging
Clinical trials on reversing epigenetic changes are crucial for extending health span, preventing disease, and advancing personalized medicine. They explore reversal pathways and improve age biomarkers, providing insights into age-related changes and epigenetic interventions.
Clinical trials focused on reversing epigenetic changes carry several significant implications:
- Healthspan extension
- Disease prevention
- Personalized medicine
Can You Reverse Epigenetic Changes?
Epigenetic changes can be reversible to some extent. Tools like the frailty index help assess overall health and the potential benefits of these interventions on biological age.
While some epigenetic modifications were traditionally thought to be relatively stable, evolving research suggests that they can be regulated and potentially reversed by various factors, including:
- Lifestyle changes
- Drugs targeting epigenetic enzymes
- Environmental exposures
- Psychotherapy
Inheritance of Epigenetic Changes
Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic information, or ‘epimutations,’ can be inherited across generations, contributing to phenotypic variation and evolution. These are transmitted through mechanisms like direct replication.
Reversing inherited epigenetic changes is challenging due to their stability across generations. However, several potential strategies are being explored:
- Lifestyle changes
- Epigenome-editing technologies, such as CRISPR-based tools
- Reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells
How Can Your Epigenetics Change?
Environmental exposures, lifestyle, nutrition, stress, early-life experiences, and aging alter epigenetic profiles, affecting DNA methylation, histone modifications, and health.
Factors influencing your epigenetic profile:
- Environmental exposures
- Lifestyle factors
- Stress
- Microbiome composition
- Physical activity
How Does Epigenetic Age Correlate with Chronological Age?
Chronological age signifies time elapsed since birth, while biological age reflects physiological changes influenced by genetics, epigenetics, metabolism, and stress resilience, contributing to individual variations in aging.
- The correlation between chronological and biological age is generally strong, with individuals typically aging biologically as they do chronologically
- However, some may age faster due to genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, or environmental stressors
Key Takeaways
- Epigenetic changes are reversible to some extent, influenced by factors like lifestyle and environmental exposures.
- Epigenetic tests provide personalized insights into biological age and aging rate, enabling tailored interventions to optimize healthspan and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Epigenetic Changes Be Permanent?
Epigenetic changes during critical development or persistent environmental exposure can have lasting effects, influencing gene expression throughout life.
What are Positive Epigenetic Foods?
“Positive epigenetic foods” typically include fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, berries, fish, green tea, turmeric, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, and legumes.
Is Biological Age Testing Accurate or Useful?
Biological age testing offers personalized health insights beyond chronological age, though accuracy varies by test and individual factors.
