Accelerated Biological Aging And Its Hallmarks In DNA Methylation Drive The Association Between Unhealthy Lifestyles And The Onset Of Colorectal Cancer
While we all age chronologically, our bodies also have a “biological age” that reflects the actual health and condition of our cells and tissues. This biological age can be influenced by our lifestyle, genetics, and environment, and it doesn’t always match the number of candles on our birthday cake. A key way scientists measure this biological age is through something called DNA methylation, which are chemical tags on our DNA that can affect how our genes work without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
Recent research has shed light on a significant connection between this accelerated biological aging and the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study found that individuals whose bodies are aging faster than their chronological years, as indicated by specific DNA methylation patterns, face a higher risk of colorectal cancer. This link was particularly strong for early-onset colorectal cancer.
What makes this finding even more crucial is the discovery that unhealthy lifestyle choices contribute to this accelerated biological aging, which, in turn, increases the risk of cancer. This suggests that the choices we make daily, such as our diet and other habits, can directly impact how quickly our bodies age at a cellular level and, consequently, our susceptibility to diseases like colorectal cancer.
The research also delved into the underlying mechanisms, suggesting that specific changes in DNA methylation and gene activity related to aging play a role in this connection. This understanding opens up exciting possibilities for intervention. By adopting healthier lifestyles, we might be able to slow down our biological aging process and, in doing so, reduce our risk of colorectal cancer. This work provides new insights into the causes of colorectal cancer and points towards potential strategies for both prevention and treatment.
Source: link to paper