New Test Measures Biological Age Using Saliva or Blood

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Feb 2025

Image: The test can effectively estimate biological age and works well using saliva samples (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Biological age refers to the rate at which a person’s body is aging, and it may differ from their chronological age. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions influence biological age. Gaining a better understanding of biological aging can help researchers and clinicians detect age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and create treatments to slow the aging process. However, many current methods for measuring biological age are costly and complex. Now, a new model addresses these issues with a simple yet effective approach.

A research team comprising of experts from both industry including EpiMedTech Global (Hong Kong) and academic institutions including Oxford University (Oxford, UK) has developed EpiAgePublic, a method to estimate biological age by analyzing only three key DNA sites in the ELOVL2 gene, which is a well-known aging marker. Unlike traditional methods that require the analysis of thousands of DNA regions, this approach streamlines the process without sacrificing accuracy. The study examined data from over 4,600 individuals with varying health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and HIV, and found that EpiAgePublic accurately tracks aging patterns and identifies factors such as chronic illness or stress that speed up the aging process. The findings, published in Aging, show that EpiAgePublic is at least as effective, if not more so, than more complex models in predicting biological age across diverse populations.

The researchers also showed that the test works well with saliva samples, providing a convenient and non-invasive alternative to blood-based tests. This makes epigenetic age testing easier to perform in both clinical and research settings. The ability to measure epigenetic aging with a quick and cost-effective test could have significant implications for healthcare, longevity research, and personalized medicine. The method could be used in hospitals, wellness clinics, and studies focused on aging to monitor the aging process and evaluate anti-aging treatments. Additionally, it may help clinicians detect early signs of aging-related diseases, leading to better preventive care. The study’s findings also underscore the potential of next-generation sequencing in epigenetic research, which could pave the way for more precise and accessible diagnostics for aging. Future research will aim to expand this model to other health conditions and integrate it into routine medical practice.

“The simplicity and precision of epiAgePublic, designed for compatibility with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, mark a significant step forward in the field of epigenetic research,” noted the researchers.

Related Links:
EpiMedTech Global
Oxford University