Research

Mixed

A biomarker signature characterized by lower-than-average inflammation and better-than-average kidney function (Signature 2) is associated with significantly lower mortality, lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and better physical function compared to the average aging signature.

This research suggests that 'biological age' can be assessed through a specific blood panel (19 biomarkers) rather than just chronological age. A profile showing low inflammation and good kidney function (Signature 2) is linked to longer life and better health. While you cannot directly 'take' this signature, the findings imply that maintaining low inflammation and kidney health are key components of healthy aging. Current clinical practice does not yet use these specific 26 signatures for patient care, but they highlight the importance of monitoring inflammatory and metabolic markers collectively.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Signature 2 was associated with significantly lower mortality, morbidity, and better physical function relative to the most common biomarker signature in LLFS, while nine other signatures were associated with less successful aging, characterized by higher risks for frailty, morbidity, and mortality.
Paola Sebastiani et al. · Aging Cell · 2017

Why this rating

Large longitudinal cohort (LLFS, n=4704) with replication in an independent cohort (Framingham Heart Study).

Source

Biomarker signatures of aging

Paola Sebastiani et al. · Aging Cell · 2017

DOI 10.1111/acel.12557

cohort · n=4704Cited 235×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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