Study reveals important health markers in centenarians

A recent study from the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (BIPS) has made significant advances in identifying health markers that are important for living a long, healthy life. The study was led by Professor Krasimira Alexandrova in close collaboration with the German Institute for Human Nutrition in Potsdam-Rehbrück (DIfE), and provides valuable data for healthy ageing.

In the study, published in the journal Age and Ageing, Alexandrova and her team analyzed specific combinations of molecular markers reflecting various biological processes as possible indicators of healthy ageing. The focus was on identifying specific combinations of blood biomarkers that can help distinguish people who live to old age in good health from those who develop chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer.

"Our results show that people who survive to old age and remain free of chronic diseases have optimal levels of certain combinations of metabolic tests associated with insulin sensitivity and inflammation throughout their lives," explains Alexandrova. This may indicate a general protective mechanism that reduces the risk of age-related diseases.

Understanding these markers and their complex relationships will help to better assess what preventive measures are needed to prevent chronic diseases and improve quality of life in old age.

Study Methodology

The study collected data from a large group of older people participating in the EPIC-Potsdam study (EPIC: European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition). The study included 27,548 participants aged 34 to 65 years, who were recruited between 1994 and 1998 in Potsdam and the surrounding area.

At the start of the study, all participants underwent comprehensive anthropometric measurements and provided data on their lifestyle and diet. In addition, blood samples were collected from 26,437 participants. This group was followed for several years, and information on new chronic diseases was collected every 2-3 years.

For the current study, a randomly selected subgroup of 2500 people was formed. Participants already suffering from certain diseases or with unclear diagnoses were excluded from this group, leaving 2,296 participants.

Concentrations of 13 specific blood biomarkers were quantified in these participants using established laboratory assays and protocols. These markers included molecules reflecting sugar and fat metabolism, liver and kidney function, insulin sensitivity and inflammation.

Data analysis and results

Using innovative statistical modeling, the research team was able to identify several combinations of molecules that characterize groups of people in relation to healthy aging. The study defined healthy aging as reaching age 70 without developing any chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease or cancer.

The analysis found that people who maintained high concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (known as “good cholesterol”), the fat hormone adiponectin, and insulin-like growth factor-2 binding protein, along with low triglyceride levels, were more likely to live to old age without chronic diseases compared to their peers. These results highlight the need to understand the complex pathways reflected by these biomarkers that contribute to the protective mechanisms leading to healthy aging.

“Our results show how important it is to study combinations of several biomarkers, rather than looking at individual molecules in isolation,” explains Alexandrova. She adds: “Our research shifts the focus from individual disease outcomes to holistic health in aging.

"Instead of focusing on single molecules and single pathologies, we strive to understand the complex biological pathways that contribute to healthy longevity. This paradigm shift is also reflected in the activities of the Leibniz Research Network 'Sustainable Aging', with the participation of our institute.

"Importantly, the study also found that favorable biomarker profiles may be driven by individual behaviors such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and eating a balanced diet—especially avoiding highly processed foods and red meat, as well as including plenty of different fruits." and vegetables.

"Further research involving a wider range of biomarkers is needed to better understand the biological pathways that contribute to health in old age. This may ultimately lead to the proposal of blood biomarker panels that can be used to improve prevention and health monitoring."

The study highlights the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle and suggests that biomarkers could be better used as tools to guide individuals and health professionals to monitor health and prevent chronic diseases.

Given that biomarkers can be influenced by our lifestyle, here are 5 tips for healthy aging:

1. Eat a balanced diet: In addition to including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and limiting your intake of processed foods, adding healthy fats can help improve your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. For example, foods such as avocados, nuts, and fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel) are known to increase HDL levels.
2. Keep physically active: Regular exercise helps improve metabolic health and can increase adiponectin levels, which in turn reduces inflammation and improves insulin resistance. Recommended activities include walking, running, cycling and swimming.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight and reducing body fat levels is important for maintaining low triglyceride levels and improving overall metabolic health. This can be achieved through a combination of a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
4. Avoid smoking: Smoking negatively affects lipid profiles and overall health. Quitting or avoiding smoking may help improve HDL levels and other important biomarkers.
5. Take steps to manage stress and anxiety: Chronic stress can have a negative impact on inflammation and metabolism. Simple practices such as getting enough sleep, walking and techniques such as meditation, yoga and mindfulness can help reduce stress and promote overall health.