Biomarkers of Aging: From Function to Molecular Biology.
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.
Research Platform Active Ageing, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, Vienna 1090, Austria. karl-heinz.wagner@univie.ac.at.|Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, Vienna 1090, Austria. karl-heinz.wagner@univie.ac.at.
Karl-Heinz
KH
Wagner
Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. d.cameron-smith@auckland.ac.nz.
David
D
Cameron-Smith
Research Platform Active Ageing, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, Vienna 1090, Austria. barbara.wessner@univie.ac.at.|Department of Sport and Exercise Physiology, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Auf der Schmelz 6, Vienna 1150, Austria. barbara.wessner@univie.ac.at.
Barbara
B
Wessner
Research Platform Active Ageing, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, Vienna 1090, Austria. bernhard.franzke@univie.ac.at.
Bernhard
B
Franzke
D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology*; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D004247:DNA; D017127:Glycation End Products, Advanced; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs
D015415:Biomarkers; D017127:Glycation End Products, Advanced; D035683:MicroRNAs; D004247:DNA; D001663:Bilirubin
DNA based marker; aging; biomarker; inflammaging; miRNA; molecular marker; physical function