Ingram D K
Molecular Physiology and Genetics Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.
Exp Gerontol. 1988;23(4-5):429-34. doi: 10.1016/0531-5565(88)90048-4.
A series of questions is presented regarding a logical strategy for developing biomarkers of aging. The questions pertain to the conceptualization process in determining how to define aging and what extraneous and possibly confounding variables must be controlled in measuring this epiphenomenon. In addition, the investigator must consider the degree of generalization that is intended to apply to a candidate biomarker of aging. Empirical questions are also to be considered. Specifically, how will reliability and validity of the candidate biomarker be quantified and assessed? What statistical methods will be applied in this process? The need for biomarkers of aging as research tools in gerontology is argued, but the greater need for agreement on how to direct the conceptualization of this effort is also emphasized.
关于开发衰老生物标志物的逻辑策略，提出了一系列问题。这些问题涉及概念化过程，即确定如何定义衰老，以及在测量这一附带现象时必须控制哪些外部和可能产生混淆的变量。此外，研究人员必须考虑预期应用于衰老候选生物标志物的泛化程度。还需考虑实证问题。具体而言，如何量化和评估候选生物标志物的可靠性和有效性？在此过程中将应用哪些统计方法？文中论证了衰老生物标志物作为老年学研究工具的必要性，但也强调了就如何指导这一工作的概念化达成共识的更迫切需求。
