The analysis of genetic material combined with a predictive algorithm to evaluate biological age
A new one urine test it could soon allow us to estimate a person’s biological age in a completely non-invasive way and with a notable degree of reliability. Developed by Craif Inc., in collaboration with the University of Nagoya, Japan, the method is based onanalysis of specific fragments of genetic material present in the extracellular vesicles of the urine. The sample is then examined through artificial intelligence systems that process the biological data and provide a estimate of the real aging of the organism.
Differences between biological age and chronological age
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The chronological age does not necessarily coincide with the biological one. The first is in fact a number on a document and a crude indicator: it says a lot about the average risk, but little about individual variability, lifestyle and genetic inheritance. Biological age, on the other hand, indicates it overall state of health of the body and its level of wear; characteristics that can be influenced by various factors. Habits like the smoking, level of physical activity or the presence of comorbidities they affect the rate at which the organism accumulates signs of aging. This is why, overall healthier lifestyles are often combined not only with better blood tests, but also with a fresher and more youthful appearance.
Studying for a urine test
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To develop the test, the researchers analyzed urine samples from 6,331 subjects. Each sample was then subjected to sequencing to identify the microRNA fragments contained in extracellular vesicles. First, microRNAs associated with a higher biological age and known risk factors for aging were selected, then those linked to a younger biological profile. Next, the test was validated on new independent samples. The authors describe it as the first aging clock based on urinalysis, capable of estimating biological age and evaluating the possible acceleration of aging in relation to previous pathologies. THE results they were finally published in the scientific journal Npj Aging.
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