Study reveals important health markers in long-lived individuals

A recent study conducted by the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (BIPS) has made significant progress in identifying health markers that are important for a long and 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 a study published in the journal Age and Ageing, Alexandrova and her team analyzed specific combinations of molecular markers reflecting different biological processes as possible indicators of healthy aging. The focus was on identifying specific combinations of blood biomarkers that could 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 suggest that people who survive to old age and remain free of chronic disease have optimal levels of certain combinations of metabolic tests associated with insulin sensitivity and inflammation throughout their lives," Alexandrova explains. This may indicate a general protective mechanism that reduces the risk of age-related diseases.

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

Research Methodology

The study collected data from a large group of older adults 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 taken 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 subset of 2,500 people was formed. From this group, participants already suffering from certain diseases or with unclear diagnoses were excluded, leaving 2,296 participants.

The participants had 13 specific blood biomarkers measured using established laboratory assays and protocols. These markers included molecules that reflect 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 with respect 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 levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (known as “good cholesterol”), the fat hormone adiponectin, and insulin-like growth factor-2 binding proteins, along with low triglyceride levels, were more likely to live to old age without chronic disease compared with their peers. These findings highlight the need to understand the complex pathways reflected by these biomarkers that contribute to the protective mechanisms that lead to healthy aging.

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

"Rather than focusing on individual molecules and individual pathologies, we aim to understand the complex biological pathways that promote healthy longevity. This paradigm shift is also reflected in the activities of the Leibniz Research Network 'Sustainable Aging', in which our institute participates.

"Importantly, the study also showed that favourable biomarker profiles could be driven by individual behaviours such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and eating a balanced diet – particularly avoiding highly processed foods and red meat, and including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

"Further studies involving a wider range of biomarkers are needed to better understand the biological pathways that contribute to health maintenance 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 may be better used as tools to guide people and health professionals in monitoring health and preventing 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 processed foods, adding healthy fats can help raise your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. For example, foods like avocados, nuts, and fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel) are known to raise HDL levels.
2. Stay 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 healthy eating and regular physical activity.
4. Avoid smoking: Smoking negatively impacts lipid profiles and overall health. Quitting or avoiding smoking can 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 like getting enough sleep, taking walks, and techniques like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and promote overall health.