Biological age differs from chronological age, as it reflects the actual state of cells and the extent to which they are affected by lifestyle factors, such as genetics, stress levels, sleep quality, diet, and smoking, and may be higher or lower than a person's actual age.
In their study, the scientists relied on following more than 6,300 people who underwent cancer screening tests, from whom urine samples were collected, along with detailed data about their daily habits, including smoking and alcohol consumption.
The team analyzed tiny molecules of genetic material known as microRNAs (miRNAs), then used advanced sequencing techniques and computer algorithms to evaluate the data. To enhance the accuracy of the results, separate models were developed for men and women.
The results showed that certain miRNA molecules, such as miR-155-5p and miR-34a-5p, are associated with aging and cell growth processes, and their overexpression may accelerate the growth of cancer cells or disrupt the normal growth of healthy cells.
The scientists explained that the developed "biological clock" is able to accurately estimate biological age with an average margin of error of 4.4 years, making it a promising tool for understanding aging at the cellular level.
Scientists at Nagoya-based Japanese biotechnology startup Craif explained that while this test is slightly less accurate than DNA-based aging clocks, it outperforms blood-based miRNA and mRNA models.
They noted that urine miRNA tests may represent promising non-invasive biomarkers for estimating biological age and assessing the risk of developing chronic diseases.
This development comes amid growing global interest in determining biological age, driven by the spread of life-extension research, as some people resort to these tests to get indications about their future health, despite their high cost and not being routinely available in public health care systems.
In a related context, recent projections indicate that the average life expectancy globally may rise by about five years by 2050, reaching 76 years for men and more than 80 years for women.
Longevity experts link longevity to lifestyle, emphasizing that regular physical activity, social connections, a sense of purpose, and faith are key factors in areas known as "Blue Zones," where residents often live well beyond the age of 100.
The study was published in the journal npj Aging.
