Associations of Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic atrophic gastritis with accelerated epigenetic ageing in older adults

Traditional Chinese medicine for chronic atrophic gastritis: Efficacy, mechanisms and targets

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is an important stage of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer. Effective treatment and regulation of CAG are essential to prevent its progression to malignancy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown multi-targeted efficacy in CAG treatment, with advantages in enhancing gastric mucosal barrier defense, improving microcirculation, modulating inflammatory and immune responses, and promoting lesion healing, etc. Clinical studies and meta-analyses indicate that TCM provides significant benefits, with specific Chinese herbal compounds and monomers demonstrating protective effects on the gastric mucosa through mechanisms including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and regulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis, etc. Finally, it is pointed out that the efficacy of TCM in the treatment of CAG requires standardized research and unified standards, and constantly clarifies and improves the evaluation criteria of each dimension of gastric mucosal barrier function.

Greater residential greenness is associated with reduced epigenetic aging in adults

Potential pathways linking urban green spaces to improved health include relaxation, stress alleviation, and improved immune system functioning. Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) is a composite biomarker of biological aging based on DNA methylation measurements; it is predictive of morbidity and mortality. This cross-sectional study of 116 adult residents of a metropolitan area in central North Carolina investigated associations between exposure to residential green spaces and EAA using four previously developed epigenetic age formulas. DNA methylation tests of white blood cells were conducted using Illumina MethylationEPIC v1.0 assays. EAA values were calculated as residuals from the linear regression model of epigenetic age on chronological age. Residential greenness was characterized using tree cover, total vegetated land cover, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in distance-to-residence weighted average greenness within 500 m of residence was consistently associated with a reduced EAA adjusted for sociodemographic covariates, smoking status, white blood cell fractions, and the two-dimensional spline function of geographic coordinates. The reduction in the EAA estimates for the four EAA measures ranged from - 1.0 to - 1.6 years for tree cover, from - 1.2 to - 1.5 years for vegetated land cover, and from - 0.9 to - 1.3 years for the NDVI; 11 of the 12 associations were statistically significant (p < 0.05). This study produced new evidence linking reduced epigenetic aging to greater greenness near residences.

Regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in precancerous lesions of gastric cancer: A comprehensive review

Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) represent a critical pathological stage in the transformation from normal gastric mucosa to gastric cancer (GC). The global incidence of PLGC has been rising over the past few decades, with a trend towards younger onset ages. Increasing evidence suggests that early prevention and treatment of PLGC can effectively reverse the malignant development of gastric mucosal epithelial cells. However, there is currently a lack of effective therapeutic drugs and methods. Recent years have witnessed substantial advancements in PLGC research, with the elucidation of novel regulatory mechanisms offering promising avenues for clinical intervention and drug development. This review aims to delineate potential targets for early prevention and diagnosis of GC while exploring innovative approaches to PLGC management. This article focuses on elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of the inflammatory microenvironment, bile acids (BA), glycolysis, autophagy, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and cellular senescence. We pay particular attention to potential therapeutic targets for PLGC, with the goal of providing insights and theoretical basis for clinical research on PLGC.

Research on drug treatment and the novel signaling pathway of chronic atrophic gastritis

BACKGROUND

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a global digestive system disease and one of the important causes of gastric cancer. The incidence of CAG has been increasing yearly worldwide.

PURPOSE

This article reviews the latest research on the common causes and future therapeutic targets of CAG as well as the pharmacological effects of corresponding clinical drugs. We provide a detailed theoretical basis for further research on possible methods for the treatment of CAG and reversal of the CAG process.

RESULTS

CAG often develops from chronic gastritis, and its main pathological manifestation is atrophy of the gastric mucosa, which can develop into gastric cancer. The drug treatment of CAG can be divided into agents that regulate gastric acid secretion, eradicate Helicobacter. pylori (H. pylori), protect gastric mucous membrane, or inhibit inflammatory factors according to their mechanism of action. Although there are limited specific drugs for the treatment of CAG, progress is being made in defining the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of the disease. Growing evidence shows that NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/ β-catenin, MAPK, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Hedgehog, and VEGF signaling pathways play an important role in the development of CAG.

Uncovering Forensic Evidence: A Path to Age Estimation through DNA Methylation

Age estimation is a critical aspect of reconstructing a biological profile in forensic sciences. Diverse biochemical processes have been studied in their correlation with age, and the results have driven DNA methylation to the forefront as a promising biomarker. DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, has been extensively studied in recent years for developing age estimation models in criminalistics and forensic anthropology. Epigenetic clocks, which analyze DNA sites undergoing hypermethylation or hypomethylation as individuals age, have paved the way for improved prediction models. A wide range of biomarkers and methods for DNA methylation analysis have been proposed, achieving different accuracies across samples and cell types. This review extensively explores literature from the past 5 years, showing scientific efforts toward the ultimate goal: applying age prediction models to assist in human identification.

Dietary administration of the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose reduces endotoxemia-induced inflammation and oxidative stress: Implications in PAMP-associated acute and chronic pathology

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) like bacterial cell wall components and viral nucleic acids are known ligands of innate inflammatory receptors that trigger multiple inflammatory pathways that may result in acute inflammation and oxidative stress-driven tissue and organ toxicity. When dysregulated, this inflammation may lead to acute toxicity and multiorgan failure. Inflammatory events are often driven by high energy demands and macromolecular biosynthesis. Therefore, we proposed that targeting the metabolism of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-driven inflammatory events, using an energy restriction approach, can be an effective strategy to prevent the acute or chronic detrimental effects of accidental or seasonal bacterial and other pathogenic exposures. In the present study, we investigated the potential of energy restriction mimetic agent (ERMA) 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) in targeting the metabolism of inflammatory events during LPS-elicited acute inflammatory response. Mice fed with 2-DG as a dietary component in drinking water showed reduced LPS-driven inflammatory processes. Dietary 2-DG reduced LPS-induced lung endothelial damage and oxidative stress by strengthening the antioxidant defense system and limiting the activation and expression of inflammatory proteins, viz., P-Stat-3, NfκΒ, and MAP kinases. This was accompanied by decreased TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). 2-DG also reduced the infiltration of PMNCs (polymorphonuclear cells) in inflamed tissues. Altered glycolysis and improved mitochondrial activity in 2-DG-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells suggested possible impairment of macrophage metabolism and, therefore, activation in macrophages. Taken together, the present study suggests that inclusion of glycolytic inhibitor 2-DG as a part of the diet can be helpful in preventing the severity and poor prognosis associated with inflammatory events during bacterial and other pathogenic exposures.

Helicobacter pylori-positive chronic atrophic gastritis and cellular senescence

BACKGROUND

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a pathological stage in the Correa's cascade, whereby Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the primary cause. Cellular senescence is an inducing factor for cancer occurrence and cellular senescence is an obvious phenomenon in gastric mucosal tissues of H. pylori-positive CAG patients.

METHODS

In this review, we collated the information on cellular senescence and H. pylori-positive CAG.

RESULTS

At present, only a few studies have observed the effect of cellular senescence on precancerous lesions. In combination with the latest research, this review has collated the information on cellular senescence and H. pylori-positive CAG from four aspects- telomere shortening, DNA methylation, increased reacive oxygen species (ROS) production, and failure of autophagy.

CONCLUSION

This is expected to be helpful for exploring the relevant mechanisms underlying inflammatory cancerous transformation and formulating appropriate treatment strategies.

Protein acidification and hydrolysis by pepsin ensure efficient trypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis

Enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis is important in protein digestion. Protein hydrolysis is initiated by pepsin at low pH in the stomach. However, pepsin action and acidification happen simultaneously to gastric emptying, especially for liquid meals. Therefore, different extents of exposure to the gastric environment change the composition of the chyme that is emptied from the stomach into the small intestine over time. We assessed the susceptibility of a protein to trypsin-catalysed hydrolysis in the small intestine, depending on its pH and hydrolysis history, simulating chyme at different times after the onset of gastric emptying. Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to study the kinetics of pepsin and trypsin-catalysed hydrolysis. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) that was acidified and hydrolysed with pepsin, showed the highest extent and most efficient hydrolysis by trypsin. BSA in the chyme that would be first emptied from the stomach, virtually bypassing gastric acidity and peptic action, reduced trypsin-catalysed hydrolysis by up to 58% compared to the acidified, intact protein, and 77% less than the acidified, pepsin-hydrolysate. The least efficient substrate for trypsin-catalysed hydrolysis was the acidified, intact protein with a specificity constant (k_cat/K_m) nearly five times lower than that of the acidified, pepsin-hydrolysate. Our results illustrate the synergy between pepsin and trypsin hydrolysis, and indicate that gastric hydrolysis increases the efficiency of the subsequent trypsin-catalysed hydrolysis of a model protein in the small intestine.

Berberine regulates macrophage polarization through IL-4-STAT6 signaling pathway in Helicobacter pylori-induced chronic atrophic gastritis

AIMS

We will investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of berberine (BBR) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms of BBR also will be explored systematically.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were infected by H. pylori. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and H. pylori were applied to induce M1 Mφs polarization, interleukin 4 (IL-4) and BBR were used to induce M2 Mφs polarization. Supernatants of polarized Mφs were collected as conditioned media (CM) for investigating the impact of Mφs and its' secreted cytokine on gastric epithelial cells (GES-1). Cell viability, morphology, proliferation, and quantitative analysis of RAW 264.7 cells and GES-1 cells were detected by high-content screening (HCS) imaging assay. To further investigate the potential mechanisms of BBR, relative mRNA, immunohistochemistry and protein expression were measured.

KEY FINDINGS

BBR inhibited M1-polarized Mφs, which was induced by H. pylori and LPS, and advocated M2-polarized Mφs. The M1-specific markers (TNF-α and IFN-γ) in supernatants were reduced significantly and M2 specific markers (TGF-β and IL-10) were increased obviously under BBR intervention. In addition, BBR significantly protected GES-1 from M1-polarized Mφs injury. The mRNA expression of M1-polarized Mφs, including TNF-α, NOS2, CCR7, and IRF-8, were suppressed by BBR administration and the mRNA expression of M2-polarized Mφs, including IL-4, STAT6, IL-10 and Chil3, were increased by BBR intervention. Meanwhile, BBR activated IL-4-STAT6 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro when H. pylori infection and presented anti-inflammatory activities.

SIGNIFICANCE

BBR promotes M2-polarized Mφs when H. pylori infection. The anti-inflammatory properties of BBR tightly related to M1-polarized Mφs inhibition and M2-polarized Mφs promotion. BBR activates IL-4-STAT6 signaling pathway, which is crucial exceedingly in M2 Mφs activation and anti-inflammatory response.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Environmental, Lifestyle, and Health Factors Associated With DNA Methylation Age

DNA methylation (DNAm) algorithms of biological age provide a robust estimate of an individual's chronological age and can predict their risk of age-related disease and mortality. This study reviewed the evidence that environmental, lifestyle and health factors are associated with the Horvath and Hannum epigenetic clocks. A systematic search identified 61 studies. Chronological age was correlated with DNAm age in blood (median .83, range .13-.99). In a meta-analysis body mass index (BMI) was associated with increased DNAm age (Hannum β: 0.07, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.10; Horvath β: 0.06, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.10), but there was no association with smoking (Hannum β: 0.12, 95% CI -0.50 to 0.73; Horvath β:0.18, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.46). DNAm age was positively associated with frailty (three studies, n = 3,093), and education was negatively associated with the Hannum estimate of DNAm age specifically (four studies, n = 13,955). For most other exposures, findings were too inconsistent to draw conclusions. In conclusion, BMI was positively associated with biological aging measured using DNAm, with some evidence that frailty also increased aging. More research is needed to provide conclusive evidence regarding other exposures. This field of research has the potential to provide further insights into how to promote slower biological aging and ultimately prolong healthy life.

Inflammation-Associated Senescence Promotes Helicobacter pylori-Induced Atrophic Gastritis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The association between cellular senescence and Helicobacter pylori-induced atrophic gastritis is not clear. Here, we explore the role of cellular senescence in H pylori-induced atrophic gastritis and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were infected with H pylori for biological and mechanistic studies in vivo. Gastric precancerous lesions from patients and mouse models were collected and analyzed using senescence-associated beta-galactosidase, Sudan Black B, and immunohistochemical staining to analyze senescent cells, signaling pathways, and H pylori infection. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assays, and other techniques were used to explore the underlying mechanism in vitro.

RESULTS

Gastric mucosa atrophy was highly associated with cellular senescence. H pylori promoted gastric epithelial cell senescence in vitro and in vivo in a manner that depended on C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) signaling. Interestingly, H pylori infection not only up-regulated the expression of CXCR2 ligands, C-X-C motif chemokine ligands 1 and 8, but also transcriptionally up-regulated the expression of CXCR2 via the nuclear factor-κB subunit 1 directly. In addition, CXCR2 formed a positive feedback loop with p53 to continually enhance senescence. Pharmaceutical inhibition of CXCR2 in an H pylori-infected mouse model attenuated mucosal senescence and atrophy, and delayed further precancerous lesion progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed a new mechanism of H pylori-induced atrophic gastritis through CXCR2-mediated cellular senescence. Inhibition of CXCR2 signaling is suggested as a potential preventive therapy for targeting H pylori-induced atrophic gastritis. GEO data set accession numbers: GSE47797 and GSE3556.

Epigenetic clocks may come out of rhythm-implications for the estimation of chronological age in forensic casework

There is a growing perception that DNA methylation may be influenced by exogenous and endogenous parameters. Knowledge of these factors is of great relevance for the interpretation of DNA-methylation data for the estimation of chronological age in forensic casework. We performed a literature review to identify parameters, which might be of relevance for the prediction of chronological age based on DNA methylation. The quality of age predictions might particularly be influenced by lifetime adversities (chronic stress, trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), violence, low socioeconomic status/education), cancer, obesity and related diseases, infectious diseases (especially HIV and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections), sex, ethnicity and exposure to toxins (alcohol, smoking, air pollution, pesticides). Such factors may alter the DNA methylation pattern and may explain the partly high deviations between epigenetic age and chronological age in single cases (despite of low mean absolute deviations) that can also be observed with “epigenetic clocks” comprising a high number of CpG sites. So far, only few publications dealing with forensic age estimation address these confounding factors. Future research should focus on the identification of further relevant confounding factors and the development of models that are “robust” against the influence of such biological factors by systematic investigations under targeted inclusion of diverse and defined cohorts.

Mechanism of berberine in treating Helicobacter pylori induced chronic atrophic gastritis through IRF8-IFN-γ signaling axis suppressing

AIMS

In this study, we will investigate the therapeutic effects of berberine (BBR) in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) induced chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Furthermore, potential mechanisms of BBR in regulating IRF8-IFN-γ signaling axis will also be investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

H. pylori were utilized to establish CAG model of rats. Therapeutic effects of BBR on serum supernatant indices, and histopathology of stomach were analyzed in vivo. Moreover, GES-1 cells were infected by H. pylori, and intervened with BBR in vitro. Cell viability, morphology, proliferation, and quantitative analysis were detected by high-content screening (HCS) imaging assay. To further investigate the potential mechanisms of BBR, relative mRNA, immunohistochemistry and protein expression in IRF8-IFN-γ signaling axis were measured.

KEY FINDINGS

Results showed serum supernatant indices including IL-17, CXCL1, and CXCL9 were downregulated by BBR intervention, while, G-17 increased significantly. Histological injuries of gastric mucosa induced by H. pylori also were alleviated. Moreover, cell viability and morphology changes of GES-1 cells were improved by BBR intervention. In addition, proinflammatory genes and IRF8-IFN-γ signaling axis related genes, including Ifit3, Upp1, USP18, Nlrc5, were suppressed by BBR administration in vitro and in vivo. The proteins expression related to IRF8-IFN-γ signaling axis, including Ifit3, IRF1 and Ifit1 were downregulated by BBR intervention.

DNA methylation-based biomarkers and the epigenetic clock theory of ageing

Identifying and validating molecular targets of interventions that extend the human health span and lifespan has been difficult, as most clinical biomarkers are not sufficiently representative of the fundamental mechanisms of ageing to serve as their indicators. In a recent breakthrough, biomarkers of ageing based on DNA methylation data have enabled accurate age estimates for any tissue across the entire life course. These 'epigenetic clocks' link developmental and maintenance processes to biological ageing, giving rise to a unified theory of life course. Epigenetic biomarkers may help to address long-standing questions in many fields, including the central question: why do we age?

DNA Methylation Age-Environmental Influences, Health Impacts, and Its Role in Environmental Epidemiology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

DNA methylation-based aging biomarkers are valuable tools for evaluating the aging process from a molecular perspective. These epigenetic aging biomarkers can be evaluated across the lifespan and are tissue specific. This review examines the literature relating environmental exposures to DNA methylation-based aging biomarkers and also the literature evaluating these biomarkers as predictors of health outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple studies evaluated the association between air pollution and DNA methylation age and consistently observed that higher exposures are associated with elevated DNA methylation age. Psychosocial exposures, e.g., traumas and adolescent adversity, and infections are also associated with epigenetic aging. DNA methylation age has been repeatedly associated with mortality, cancer, and cognitive impairment. DNA methylation age is responsive to the environment and predictive of health outcomes. Studies are still needed to evaluate whether DNA methylation age acts as a mediator or modifier of environmental health effects and to understand the impact of factors such as race, gender, and genetics.

The epigenetic clock as a predictor of disease and mortality risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ageing is one of the principal risk factors for many chronic diseases. However, there is considerable between-person variation in the rate of ageing and individual differences in their susceptibility to disease and death. Epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in human ageing, and DNA methylation age biomarkers may be good predictors of age-related diseases and mortality risk. The aims of this systematic review were to identify and synthesise the evidence for an association between peripherally measured DNA methylation age and longevity, age-related disease, and mortality risk.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Using relevant search terms, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsychINFO databases were searched to identify articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies were assessed for bias using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. Data was extracted from studies measuring age acceleration as a predictor of age-related diseases, mortality or longevity, and the findings for similar outcomes compared. Using Review Manager 5.3 software, two meta-analyses (one per epigenetic clock) were conducted on studies measuring all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-three relevant articles were identified, including a total of 41,607 participants. Four studies focused on ageing and longevity, 11 on age-related disease (cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia), and 11 on mortality. There was some, although inconsistent, evidence for an association between increased DNA methylation age and risk of disease. Meta-analyses indicated that each 5-year increase in DNA methylation age was associated an 8 to 15% increased risk of mortality.

CONCLUSION

Due to the small number of studies and heterogeneity in study design and outcomes, the association between DNA methylation age and age-related disease and longevity is inconclusive. Increased epigenetic age was associated with mortality risk, but positive publication bias needs to be considered. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which DNA methylation age can be used as a clinical biomarker.

Prevalence and determinants of serological evidence of atrophic gastritis among Arab and Jewish residents of Jerusalem: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Understanding the correlates of premalignant gastric lesions is essential for gastric cancer prevention. We examined the prevalence and correlates of serological evidence of atrophic gastritis, a premalignant gastric condition, using serum pepsinogens (PGs) in two populations with differing trends in gastric cancer incidence.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, using ELISA we measured serum PGI and PGII concentrations (Biohit, Finland), Helicobacter pylori serum IgG and cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) antigen IgG antibodies in archived sera of 692 Jews and 952 Arabs aged 25-78 years, randomly selected from Israel's population registry in age-sex and population strata. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Using cut-offs of PGI <30µg/L  or PGI:PGII <3.0, the prevalence of atrophic gastritis was higher among Arab than Jewish participants: 8.8% (95% CIs 7.2% to 10.8%) vs 5.9% (95% CI 4.4% to 7.9%), increasing with age in both groups (p<0.001 for trend). Among Jewish participants, infection with H. pylori CagA phenotype was positively related to atrophic gastritis: adjusted OR (aOR) 2.16 (95% CI 0.94 to 4.97), but not to non-CagA infections aOR 1.17 (95% CI 0.53 to 2.55). The opposite was found among Arabs: aOR 0.09 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.24) for CagA positive and aOR 0.15 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.41) for Cag A negative phenotypes (p<0.001 for interaction). Women had a higher atrophic gastritis prevalence than men. Obesity and smoking were not significantly related to atrophic gastritis; physical activity tended to be inversely associated in Arabs (p=0.08 for interaction).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of atrophic gastritis was higher among Arabs than Jews and was differently associated with the CagA phenotype.

Accelerated DNA methylation age and the use of antihypertensive medication among older adults

The discrepancy of DNA methylation age (DNAmAge) with chronological age (termed as age acceleration, AA) has been identified to be associated with many aging-related health outcomes including hypertension. Since taking antihypertensive medication (AHM) could prevent aging-related diseases caused by hypertension, we hypothesized that using AHM could also reduce the AA. We examined this hypothesis among 546 males aged 55-85 years by exploring the associations of AHM use with AA and its change rate (ΔAA) in two visits with a median follow-up of 3.86 years. Horvath DNAmAge was derived from DNA methylation profiles measured by Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip and information on AHM use was collected by physician interview. A general decreasing pattern of AA was observed between the two visits. After the fully adjusting for potential covariates including hypertension, any AHM use showed a cross-sectional significant association with higher AA at each visit, as well as a longitudinal association with increased ΔAA between visits. Particularly, relative to participants who never took any AHM, individuals with continuous AHM use had a higher ΔAA of 0.6 year/chronological year. This finding underlines that DNAmAge and AA may not be able to capture the preventive effects of AHMs that reduce cardiovascular risks and mortality.

Multi-tissue DNA methylation age: Molecular relationships and perspectives for advancing biomarker utility

The multi-tissue DNA methylation estimator of chronological age (DNAm-age) has been associated with a wide range of exposures and health outcomes. Still, it is unclear how DNAm-age can have such broad relationships and how it can be best utilized as a biomarker. Understanding DNAm-age's molecular relationships is a promising approach to address this critical knowledge gap. In this review, we discuss the existing literature regarding DNAm-age's molecular relationships in six major categories: animal model systems, cancer processes, cellular aging processes, immune system processes, metabolic processes, and nucleic acid processes. We also present perspectives regarding the future of DNAm-age research, including the need to translate a greater number of ongoing research efforts to experimental and animal model systems.

Back to the future: Epigenetic clock plasticity towards healthy aging

Aging is the most important risk factor for major human lifestyle diseases, including cancer, neurological and cardiometabolic disorders. Due to the complex interplay between genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors, some individuals seem to age faster than others, whereas centenarians seem to have a slower aging process. Therefore, a biochemical biomarker reflecting the relative biological age would be helpful to predict an individual's health status and aging disease risk. Although it is already known for years that cumulative epigenetic changes occur upon aging, DNA methylation patterns were only recently used to construct an epigenetic clock predictor for biological age, which is a measure of how well your body functions compared to your chronological age. Moreover, the epigenetic DNA methylation clock signature is increasingly applied as a biomarker to estimate aging disease susceptibility and mortality risk. Finally, the epigenetic clock signature could be used as a lifestyle management tool to monitor healthy aging, to evaluate preventive interventions against chronic aging disorders and to extend healthy lifespan. Dissecting the mechanism of the epigenetic aging clock will yield valuable insights into the aging process and how it can be manipulated to improve health span.

Association between patient characteristics and magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy findings

BACKGROUND/AIM

Magnetically-controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE) is a potential option for the evaluation of gastric diseases in cases that are unsuited for conventional endoscopy, avoiding discomfort, sedation, and related complications. This retrospective study investigated associations between MCE findings and patient gender, age, and inpatient/outpatient status.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data of 580 consecutive patients who underwent MCE from 2015 to 2016 were analyzed. Data included age, gender, indication for MCE, inpatient/outpatient status, overall coverage of gastric anatomical landmarks, and comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

Compared with outpatients, inpatients had a higher rate of overall significant MCE findings (P = 0.014), polyp (P = 0.03), and ulceration (P = 0.003). MCE findings of the inpatient men and women were similar. Considering all patients, the percentage with ulceration was significantly higher in men than in women (P = 0.004), and men were younger (P < 0.001). Compared with younger patients, those aged ≥60 years had significantly higher rates of overall significant findings, mainly polyp and angiodysplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with outpatients, the inpatients showed higher overall significant findings. Men undergoing MCE were younger than the women, and more likely to have ulcerations. Older patients, whether outpatient or inpatient, had higher rates of significant findings, mainly polyp and angiodysplasia.