Biomarker signatures associated with ageing free of major chronic diseases: results from a population-based sample of the EPIC-Potsdam cohort

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Biomarker signatures associated with ageing free of major chronic diseases: results from a population-based sample of the EPIC-Potsdam cohort
Creators Name:	Reichmann, R. and Schulze, M.B. and Pischon, T. and Weikert, C. and Aleksandrova, K.
Abstract:	BACKGROUND: A number of biomarkers denoting various pathophysiological pathways have been implicated in the aetiology and risk of age-related diseases. Hence, the combined impact of multiple biomarkers in relation to ageing free of major chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, has not been sufficiently explored. METHODS: We measured concentrations of 13 biomarkers in a random subcohort of 2,500 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Potsdam study. Chronic disease-free ageing was defined as reaching the age of 70 years within study follow-up without major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes or cancer. Using a novel machine-learning technique, we aimed to identify biomarker clusters and explore their association with chronic disease-free ageing in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis taking socio-demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric factors into account. RESULTS: Of the participants who reached the age of 70 years, 321 met our criteria for chronic-disease free ageing. Machine learning analysis identified three distinct biomarker clusters, among which a signature characterised by high concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 and low concentrations of triglycerides was associated with highest odds for ageing free of major chronic diseases. After multivariable adjustment, the association was attenuated by socio-demographic, lifestyle and adiposity indicators, pointing to the relative importance of these factors as determinants of healthy ageing. CONCLUSION: These data underline the importance of exploring combinations of biomarkers rather than single molecules in understanding complex biological pathways underpinning healthy ageing.
Keywords:	Older People, Biomarker Signatures, Machine Learning, Healthy Ageing, Adiposity, Chronic Diseases
Source:	Age and Ageing
ISSN:	0002-0729
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Volume:	53
Number:	Supplement_2
Page Range:	ii60-ii69
Date:	May 2024
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae041
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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