As people age, it becomes difficult to know who is on track for years to come and who may be at risk of serious decline.
New research suggests that part of the answer may already be circulating in the bloodstream.
Research led by Duke Health in collaboration with the University of Minnesota has shown that small RNA molecules known as piRNAs can accurately predict whether older adults are likely to live at least two more years.
results in Aging cells suggests that a simple blood test could detect survival risks a day earlier and guide treatment strategies to promote healthy aging.
“The combination of just a few piRNAs was the strongest predictor of two-year survival in older adults—stronger than age, lifestyle habits, or any other health measure we examined,” said Virginia Byers Krause, senior author of the study and professor at Dudke University School of Medicine, Pathology and Orthopedic Surgery.
“What surprised us the most was that this strong signal came from a simple blood test,” says Krause.
The team measured piRNAs in blood samples from adults aged 71 and older and discovered that lower levels of certain piRNAs were strongly associated with longer survival. Past studies have shown that these small bits of RNA regulate development, regeneration and the immune system.
To conduct the study, researchers used causal artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to analyze 187 clinical factors and 828 different small RNAs in more than 1,200 blood samples. Samples were drawn from a large North Carolina-based cohort established in previous Duke-led studies. Survival outcomes were determined by linking participants to national mortality records.
Advanced statistical modeling revealed that a group of six piRNAs alone predicted two-year survival with up to 86% accuracy. The team confirmed the findings in a second, independent group of older adults.
Participants who lived longer had lower levels of certain piRNAs, echoing a pattern in normal organisms, where reducing these molecules can extend lifespan. Krause said the findings suggest that piRNAs may directly affect longevity.
“We know very little about piRNAs in the blood, but what we’re seeing is that lower levels of certain ones are better,” says Krause.
“When these molecules are present in high amounts, it can signal that something is off in the body. Understanding why could open new possibilities for therapies that promote healthy aging.”
The study also compared piRNAs with more well-known health indicators. In predicting short-term survival, piRNAs outperformed age, cholesterol, physical activity, and more than 180 other clinical measures. For long-term survival, lifestyle factors have become more influential, but piRNAs continue to provide valuable insight into the underlying biology.
Krause said the team’s next steps include studying whether treatments, lifestyle changes, or medications—including emerging drug classes such as GLP-1-based therapy– Can change piRNA levels. They plan to compare piRNA levels in blood with levels inside tissues to better understand how these molecules work.
“These small RNAs are like the body’s micromanagers, helping to regulate many processes that affect health and aging,” says Krause.
“We are only beginning to understand how powerful they are. This study suggests that we should be able to identify short-term survival risks using a practical, minimally invasive blood test with the ultimate goal of improving health as we age.”
Funding for this work came from the National Institutes of Health; National Institute on Aging; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Source: Duke University
Original study DOI: 10.1111/acel.70403
–
Previously published with future.org Creative Commons License
***
–
The world is changing fast. We help keep you.
We will send you 1 post, 3 times per week
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.
All premium members can watch The Good Men Project without any ads. Need more information? A full list of benefits is here.
–
Photo credit: splash
