Early adversities accelerate epigenetic aging into adulthood: a 10‐year, within‐subject analysis

• DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13575
• Publication Date: 2022-02-09T08:55:44Z
• Authors: William E. Copeland; Lilly Shanahan; Ellen W. McGinnis; Karolina A. Aberg; Edwin J.C.G. van ...
• Keywords: Longitudinal Study

Background Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify whether early adversities associated with advanced methylation age or if they actually accelerate aging. This study test different dimensions of childhood adversity biological aging from adulthood, and, so, via which mechanisms. Methods 381 participants provided one blood sample in (average 15.0; SD = 2.3) and another young adulthood 23.1; 2.8). Participants their parents a median 6 assessments (total 1,950 observations), reporting exposures types (i.e. threat, material deprivation, loss, unpredictability). The samples were assayed estimate DNA both also change across this period. Results Cross‐sectional associations between the measures non‐significant. In contrast, multiple accelerated within‐person adolescence adulthood. These attenuated model testing all at same time. Accelerated increased increasing number adversities: Individuals highest experienced 2+ additional years compared those no exposure adversities. association total was partially explained by depressive symptoms, but not anxiety behavioral symptoms. Conclusions Early epigenetic long after occur, proportion such experiences, manner consistent shared effect that crosses risk.