Epigenetic Clocks: In Aging-Related and Complex Diseases.

Abstract

Background: There is evidence that complex diseases and mortality are associated with DNA methylation and age acceleration. Numerous epigenetic clocks, including Horvath, Hannum, DNA PhenoAge, DNA GrimAge, and Dunedin Pace of Aging Methylation, continue to be developed in this young scientific field. The most well-known epigenetic clocks are presented here, along with information about how they relate to chronic disease.

Summary: We examined all the literature until January 2023, investigating associations between measures of age acceleration and complex and age-related diseases. We focused on the scientific literature and research that are most strongly associated with epigenetic clocks and that have shown promise as biomarkers for obesity, cardiovascular illness, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disease.

Key messages: Understanding the complex interactions between accelerated epigenetic clocks and chronic diseases may have significant effects on both the early diagnosis of disease and health promotion. Additionally, there is a lot of interest in developing treatment plans that can delay the onset of illnesses or, at the very least, alter the underlying causes of such disorders.