Epigenetic alterations during ageing are manifested with altered gene expression linking it to lifespan regulation, genetic instability, and diseases. Diet and epigenetic modifiers exert a profound effect on the lifespan of an organism by modulating the epigenetic marks. However, our understanding of the multifactorial nature of the epigenetic process during ageing and the onset of disease conditions as well as its reversal by epidrugs, diet, or environmental factors is still mystifying. This review covers the key findings in epigenetics related to ageing and age-related diseases. Further, it holds a discussion about the epigenetic clocks and their implications in various age-related disease conditions including cancer. Although, epigenetics is a reversible process how fast the epigenetic alterations can revert to normal is an intriguing question. Therefore, this paper touches on the possibility of utilizing nutrition and MSCs secretome to accelerate the epigenetic reversal and emphasizes the identification of new therapeutic epigenetic modifiers to counter epigenetic alteration during ageing.
Check out “Bazi Bushen mitigates epigenetic aging and extends healthspan in naturally aging mice,” Xinjing Mao et al., Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 160, April 2023, 114384.
An excerpt:
““We demonstrated a better efficacy of BZBS [Bazi Bushen] in liver methylation rejuvenation with larger sample size compared to the reported rapamycin treatment (Fig. 4C). Most importantly, the DNA methylation age reversal in response to BZBS treatment was then supported by decreased pathological changes and FI [Frailty Index] score, as well as enhanced memory ability and muscular performance. Our finding is the first reported example of TCM [Traditional Chinese Medicine] playing a role in the reversal of DNA methylation age and revealed the potential of BZBS in treating aging-related diseases by delaying aging process.”
Figure 4C shows that the mean methylation age of the aged mice was about 57 weeks. The BZH (BZBS high dose) group had a mean methylation age of about 40 weeks.