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BackgroundThe DNA methylation-based 'epigenetic clock' correlates strongly with chronological age, but it is currently unclear what drives individual differences. We examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the epigenetic clock and four mortality-linked markers of physical and mental fitness: lung function, walking speed, grip strength and cognitive ability.MethodsDNA methylation-based age acceleration (residuals of the epigenetic clock estimate regressed on chronological age) were estimated in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 at ages 70 (n = 920), 73 (n = 299) and 76 (n = 273) years. General cognitive ability, walking speed, lung function and grip strength were measured concurrently. Cross-sectional correlations between age acceleration and the fitness variables were calculated. Longitudinal change in the epigenetic clock estimates and the fitness variables were assessed via linear mixed models and latent growth curves. Epigenetic age acceleration at age 70 was used as a predictor of longitudinal change in fitness. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) were conducted on the four fitness measures.ResultsCross-sectional correlations were significant between greater age acceleration and poorer performance on the lung function, cognition and grip strength measures (r range: -0.07 to -0.05, P range: 9.7 x 10(-3) to 0.024). All of the fitness variables declined over time but age acceleration did not correlate with subsequent change over 6 years. There were no EWAS hits for the fitness traits.ConclusionsMarkers of physical and mental fitness are associated with the epigenetic clock (lower abilities associated with age acceleration). However, age acceleration does not associate with decline in these measures, at least over a relatively short follow-up.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/ije/dyu277

Type

Journal article

Journal

International journal of epidemiology

Publication Date

08/2015

Volume

44

Pages

1388 - 1396

Addresses

Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, and Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, Queensland Brain Institute, and.

Keywords

Humans, Respiratory Function Tests, Hand Strength, Walking, Linear Models, Longitudinal Studies, Cross-Sectional Studies, Cognition, DNA Methylation, Epigenesis, Genetic, Aging, Physical Fitness, Aged, Scotland, Female, Male, Epigenomics, Biomarkers