Experts from the Russian National Research Medical University Institute for the Study of Aging report a breakthrough in aging research. Alexei Churov, director of the NI Institute, noted that Pirogov has developed a universal aging clock that surpasses existing models in accuracy. This claim highlights a shift toward objective measures of aging that go beyond calendar years.
The team is actively exploring biomarkers of aging and creating new methods to gauge biological age. The aim is to bridge the gap between the date of birth and the true biological state. Researchers emphasize that the biological age can diverge significantly from the age listed in official documents. The focus is on building a precise predictor of biological aging, a time-sensitive calculator that draws on multiple indicators, including clinical signs, biochemical signals, epigenetic patterns, and other relevant data.
These aging clocks serve a practical purpose beyond simply estimating age. They are designed to identify reliable targets for geroprotective interventions and to monitor the effectiveness of such strategies in clinical settings. The ultimate goal is to guide treatment choices and tailor interventions to individual aging profiles rather than relying solely on chronological age.
Churov explains that the team is working toward a universal calculator that can be adopted by laboratories worldwide. He notes that many existing calculators show age estimation errors in the range of eight to twelve years, a margin that can affect clinical decisions. The new tools are already delivering more accurate results, according to the director.
According to the researchers at RNIMU, the Pirogov institute has already developed two distinct calculators. One calculator focuses on assessing vascular health, evaluating the condition of blood vessels and their function. The second calculator leverages data from echocardiography, an ultrasound-based assessment of heart structure and performance. The development plan calls for the integration of additional data sources, refining the clock further and expanding its applicability across different patient groups.
There is ongoing consideration of creating additional calculators, including models that incorporate genetic and epigenetic markers. The vision is a suite of tools that can capture various facets of aging, from cardiovascular health to molecular changes, all contributing to a cohesive picture of an individual’s biological trajectory. This broader approach aims to support more personalized aging interventions and to elevate the standard of geriatric care across clinics.
Further context on these efforts, including why Russian researchers maintain century-long biodata archives, the development of geroprotective compounds in Russia, and the role of immune-modulating therapies, is discussed in coverage from socialbites.ca, which provides ongoing analysis of the field and its evolving landscape. (Source attribution: socialbites.ca)