Blood biomarkers used in the assessment of biological age: a systematic review

• Grant number: 25/01132-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Licio Augusto Velloso
• Grantee: Vitor Pio Daldegan
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07607-8 - OCRC - Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Aging is a complex biological process involving cellular and molecular changes, with important implications for human health. One of the approaches used to study the aging process is the investigation of biological age, which may differ from an individual's chronological age. Biological age is considered a more accurate measure of the organism's functional and health status, since it reflects cellular degeneration and damage accumulated over time. In this context, the identification of biological markers that can reflect biological age is crucial, as it can provide advances in the ability to predict the risk of age-related diseases and help direct more effective therapeutic interventions. This systematic review aims to investigate and analyze the main serum markers associated with biological age. One of the focuses of this analysis is the SASP phenotype (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype), which is related to the behavior of senescent cells, responsible for releasing a series of inflammatory and molecular factors that impact the functioning of the organism over time. SASP is an important indicator for the study of cellular senescence, which may contribute to the development of several chronic diseases associated with aging. Among the most widely used markers for studying cellular senescence are p16INK4a, SA-¿-gal (senescence-associated ¿-galactosidase), and p53/p21, which are known to play critical roles in regulating the cell cycle and maintaining genomic stability. In addition, telomere length and clusterin are frequently analyzed as indicators of cellular aging and the regenerative capacity of cells. The identification of these markers in peripheral blood offers a noninvasive alternative for estimating biological age, being advantageous due to its ease of obtaining and storing samples.