Biomarkers of aging: From function to molecular biology

Karl Heinz Wagner (Corresponding author), David Cameron-Smith, Barbara Wessner, Bernhard Franzke

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

Aging is a major risk factor for most chronic diseases and functional impairments. Within a homogeneous age sample there is a considerable variation in the extent of disease and functional impairment risk, revealing a need for valid biomarkers to aid in characterizing the complex aging processes. The identification of biomarkers is further complicated by the diversity of biological living situations, lifestyle activities and medical treatments. Thus, there has been no identification of a single biomarker or gold standard tool that can monitor successful or healthy aging. Within this short review the current knowledge of putative biomarkers is presented, focusing on their application to the major physiological mechanisms affected by the aging process including physical capability, nutritional status, body composition, endocrine and immune function. This review emphasizes molecular and DNA-based biomarkers, as well as recent advances in other biomarkers such as microRNAs, bilirubin or advanced glycation end products.
Original languageEnglish
Article number338
Number of pages12
JournalNutrients
Volume8
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2016

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 303009 Nutritional sciences

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Biomarker
  • DNA based marker
  • Inflammaging
  • miRNA
  • Molecular marker
  • Physical function
  • C-REACTIVE PROTEIN
  • MICRONUCLEUS FREQUENCY
  • inflammaging
  • OXIDATIVE DNA-DAMAGE
  • biomarker
  • VASCULAR MORTALITY
  • SKELETAL-MUSCLE
  • MUSCLE STRENGTH
  • molecular marker
  • AGE-RELATED DISEASES
  • BODY-MASS INDEX
  • physical function
  • aging
  • CORONARY-HEART-DISEASE
  • TELOMERE LENGTH

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