The study showed the ability of a blood test to assess the aging of the body

Scientists from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, together with Yale University in the United States, have developed a new blood analysis method — "systemic age determination", which allows a single blood sample to comprehensively assess the state of aging of 11 different physiological systems of the body. This is reported by the ScienceNet portal.

The rate of aging of organs and body systems varies and depends on factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and the environment. Traditional methods of estimating biological age provide only a general meaning and do not reflect the aging characteristics of specific organs.

The new method is based on the mechanism of DNA methylation in epigenetics. The scientists analyzed specific biomarkers in the blood, such as cholesterol and glucose levels, and compared them with diseases associated with organ aging. Using machine learning methods, a predictive algorithm was created to estimate the age of the heart, lungs, brain, metabolic and immune systems, as well as a number of other physiological systems — 11 in total.

At the first stage, the research team analyzed the medical data of about 7.5 thousand people, and then the accuracy of the model was checked on more than 8 thousand more blood samples. The results showed that the new technology predicts the likelihood of aging-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, more accurately than traditional "epigenetic clocks." The method also revealed significant differences in which systems age faster or slower for different people.

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How will the introduction of a new diagnostic technique into medical practice make the work of doctors easier?

The authors of the study are convinced that the new approach will allow doctors to prescribe more targeted preventive measures. So, if the analysis shows that the immune system is aging faster than the heart or lungs, the patient may be advised to take measures to strengthen the immune system. And with a high aging index of the cardiovascular system, the doctor will be able to prescribe early therapy by changing lifestyle or prescribing medications.

The launch of this technology marks the transition from a general assessment of biological age to the definition of "systemic age". It is noted that this opens up new prospects for personalized medicine and the prevention of premature aging.

Earlier, on September 23, Science Daily magazine pointed out the ability of the green Mediterranean diet to slow down brain aging. According to a study, its anti-inflammatory effect may protect against cognitive decline.

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