Measuring Longevity: Latest Bio Age Research with Dr. Morgan Levine
Aug 1, 2022
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Dr. Morgan Levine, renowned for her research on biological aging, talks about vetting bio age clocks, using standard labs to calculate bio age, challenges of cellular reprogramming, and racial disparities in biological aging.
Epigenetic clocks provide a measure of biological age, linked to age-related diseases and degeneration.
Lifestyle factors, such as exercise, diet, and sleep, can influence biological aging.
Choosing reliable DNA methylation clocks is crucial for accurately measuring biological age.
Deep dives
Epigenetic Clocks and Aging: Measuring Biological Age
Epigenetic clocks, which measure DNA methylation patterns across the genome, have emerged as a powerful tool in quantifying the aging process. These clocks provide a measure of biological age, which can differ from chronological age. Unlike chronological age, biological age is linked to the underlying changes in our bodies that drive age-related diseases and degeneration. Epigenetic changes in the DNA methylome, acting as an operating system for cells, contribute to the aging process. Various clocks have been developed and validated, allowing us to assess biological age and predict outcomes based on this measure. However, choosing a reliable clock requires consideration of factors such as construct validity and reliability, and it is advisable to use clocks that have been published and vetted in the scientific literature.
The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Biological Aging
Several lifestyle factors have been shown to influence biological aging. Exercise, for instance, can act as a mild stressor that promotes resilience and robustness in our bodies, ultimately slowing down the aging process. It has been observed that moderate exercise yields the greatest benefits, as extreme exercise can lead to negative effects. Other lifestyle factors, such as diet and sleep, also play a role in biological aging. A balanced, plant-forward diet and appropriate caloric intake can enhance metabolic functioning and overall health. Sleep quality, along with the quantity, is important, as uninterrupted sleep is associated with better health outcomes. Additionally, chronic stress, often linked to socioeconomic status, can accelerate biological aging. Addressing these lifestyle factors can positively impact our biological age and promote healthy aging.
The Relationship Between DNA Methylation Clocks and Aging
DNA methylation clocks, such as the Horvath clock and the PhenoAge clock, are powerful tools for measuring biological age and predicting health outcomes. These clocks capture the changes in DNA methylation patterns that occur with aging, allowing us to estimate an individual's biological age. Methylation changes in the epigenome may potentially be a causative factor in the aging process, as they influence gene expression and cell function. Moreover, the reversibility of aging has been demonstrated in animal models through the manipulation of DNA methylation patterns. While these clocks show promise, choosing reliable clocks that demonstrate construct validity and reliability is crucial. Current research is focused on refining these clocks and developing ones that can be easily accessed and utilized in clinical practice.
Behavioral impact on aging process
Our behaviors, such as diet, exercise, sleeping patterns, and stress, have a significant impact on our aging process, health span, and lifespan. Studies show that lifestyle choices can change the rate of aging and the development of chronic diseases associated with aging. Whole food, plant-based diets with moderate caloric intake, fasting regimens, and regular exercise have been shown to be beneficial. Exercise, in particular, not only prevents disease but can also reverse certain conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help compress morbidity and improve overall well-being.
The challenges of reversing biological age
While there is excitement around cellular programming and its potential for age reversal, significant hurdles must be overcome before it can be widely applied. One challenge is determining the right dosage and duration of cellular reprogramming to avoid adverse effects, such as loss of cell identity or tumor formation. Another challenge is the safe and effective delivery of cellular reprogramming in a whole organism. Current research is still in the basic science phase, and more studies are needed to understand the long-term effects and optimal timing of cellular reprogramming. Additionally, longevity drugs like metformin and rapamycin are being studied, but their conclusive benefits in slowing aging are yet to be established.
As a longevity aficionado, I am so excited to be talking to Dr. Morgan Levine in this episode of New Frontiers! Renowned for her research on the science of biological aging, Dr. Levine specifically uses bioinformatics to quantify the aging process. She's played a vital role in developing and retraining several well-published bio age clocks, including the PhenoAge and Horvath clocks, making them much more reliable. Needless to say, I’m a big fan! Morgan and I dive into the fascinating science behind her new book, True Age: Cutting-Edge Research To Help Turn Back The Clock, and cover loads of important topics such as vetting bio age clocks, the role of the DNA methylome, how standard labs such as CBCs and CMPs can be used to calculate bio age, the controversial debate around immortality, challenges of applying the Yamanaka factors in clinical practice, how racial disparities affect biological aging – and believe me, so much more! I hope you’ll enjoy this thrilling conversation as much as I did, and please give me your feedback wherever you listen to New Frontiers - DrKF
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