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Epigenetic age (DNA methylation test)

Epigenetic age (DNA methylation test): why is it needed?

Epigenetic age is the biological age of cells, determined by the patterns of DNA methylation (chemical labels on genes that regulate their activity). Unlike chronological age, it reflects the actual rate of aging of the body and the risks of age-related diseases.

How does DNA methylation work?

  • With age, some genes are ‘turned off ‘(hypermethylation), while others are ‘turned on’ (hypomethylation).
  • These changes affect:
  • Inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α).
  • DNA repair (p16, p53).
  • Mitochondrial function (PPARGC1A).
  • Accelerated methylation = rapid aging.

Why do I need this test?

  1. Estimation of the aging rate:
  • If the epigenetic age is higher than the chronological age– the risk of diabetes, cancer, or dementia is increased.
  • If lower , it indicates a ‘young’ biological age.
  1. Personalized prevention:
  • Lifestyle correction (diet, sports, sleep).
  • Reception of methyl donors (folate, B12) with impaired methylation.
  1. Prognosis of therapy effectiveness:
  • For example, people with ‘young’ epivozrastom better take root transplants.

Symptoms of accelerated epigenetic aging

There are no direct symptoms, but indirect signs:

  • Early wrinkles, gray hair.
  • Chronic fatigue, cognitive decline.
  • Common inflammatory diseases (arthritis, atherosclerosis).
  • Insulin resistance (prediabetes).

Risk factors for accelerated aging:

  • Smoking, alcohol.
  • Obesity, stress.
  • Vitamin B9/B12 deficiency.

Symptoms of ‘delayed’ aging

  • High physical and mental activity in the elderly.
  • No chronic diseases (for example, normal blood pressure at age 70).
  • Fast recovery after loads.

Norms in analysis

Epigenetic age is measured in years and compared with chronological age:

  • Optimal: biological age < chronological age.
  • Accelerated aging: +3-5 years or more.
  • Delayed aging: -3-5 years or more.

Sample result:


Different ‘ clocks ‘(Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge) evaluate different aspects of aging.

What to do with accelerated aging?

  1. Diet correction:
  • Methyl donors: leafy greens, liver, and eggs (sources of folate and B12).
  • Antioxidants: berries, curcumin, omega-3.
  • Limit sugar and trans fats.
  1. Lifestyle:
  • Intermittent fasting (activates autophagy).
  • Physical activity (strength + cardio).
  • Sleep 7-9 hours (DNA repair).
  1. Supplements (as directed by your doctor):
  • NMN/NR (precursors of NAD+).
  • Resveratrol (sirtuin activator).
  • Methylfolate (with impaired methylation).

Where is the test used?

  • Anti-age medicine -selection of anti-aging programs.
  • Oncology -assessment of the aggressiveness of tumors (for example, gliomas).
  • Longevity research – study of the effects of cryonics, fasting.

Conclusion

  • Epigenetic age is an accurate marker of biological aging based on DNA methylation.
  • The norm: matching or lagging behind the chronological age.
  • Accelerated aging is corrected by diet, exercise, and methyl donors.
  • The test is useful for early prevention of age-related diseases and a personalized approach to health.