Ji Lixin, Jazwinski S Michal, Kim Sangkyu
Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Tulane Center for Aging & Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Ann Geriatr Med Res. 2021 Sep;25(3):141-149. doi: 10.4235/agmr.21.0080. Epub 2021 Aug 17.
A reliable model of biological age is instrumental in the field of geriatrics and gerontology. This model should account for the heterogeneity and plasticity of aging and also accurately predict aging-related adverse outcomes. Epigenetic age models are based on DNA methylation levels at selected genomic sites and can be significant predictors of mortality and healthy/unhealthy aging. However, the biological function of DNA methylation at selected sites is yet to be determined. Frailty is a syndrome resulting from decreased physiological reserves and resilience. The frailty index is a probability-based extension of the concept of frailty. Defined as the proportion of health deficits, the frailty index quantifies the progression of unhealthy aging. The frailty index is currently the best predictor of mortality. It is associated with various biological factors and provides insight into the biological processes of aging. Investigation of the multi-omics factors associated with the frailty index will provide further insight.
一个可靠的生物年龄模型在老年医学和老年学领域至关重要。该模型应考虑到衰老的异质性和可塑性,还应准确预测与衰老相关的不良后果。表观遗传年龄模型基于选定基因组位点的DNA甲基化水平,并且可以成为死亡率以及健康/不健康衰老的重要预测指标。然而,选定位点处DNA甲基化的生物学功能尚待确定。衰弱是一种因生理储备和恢复力下降而导致的综合征。衰弱指数是衰弱概念基于概率的延伸。衰弱指数定义为健康缺陷的比例,它量化了不健康衰老的进程。衰弱指数目前是死亡率的最佳预测指标。它与多种生物学因素相关,并能深入了解衰老的生物学过程。对与衰弱指数相关的多组学因素进行研究将提供更多的见解。