The Emergence of Epigenetic Methylation for Aging and Preventive Medicine Interventions

Luis Martínez, M.D., MPH

President, XanoGene Clinic, San Juan, Puerto Rico; President, Regenera Global, Ponce, Puerto Rico

It has always been a challenge for the clinician to fully assess the impact of Anti-aging/Age Management interventions. These have always been difficult to measure due to the lack of adequate biological age measurements. However, with the recent advances in methylation testing, biological age can now be measured in a precise manner. Through epigenetic methylation testing, we now have a valuable biomarker which correlates the most (when compared to other biomarkers) to age related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cardio-vascular disease, cancer and even death. Additionally, and unlike genetics, these DNA markers can evolve over time. This allows for a truly personalized, preventative, and real-time approach to treatment. The information obtained from measuring Epigenetic methylations makes it an essential clinical tool that goes beyond aging and becomes an important piece of a multi-omic picture. We are already using this test to formulate treatment plans aimed at improving healthspan and lifespan. As an example, reducing the biological age of everyone in the world by 7 years, would cut morbidity in half. Moreover, epigenetic methylation can highlight which patients may be at an increased risk of diseases and accelerated aging, despite presenting with otherwise optimal lab results. In this lecture we will discuss how to use this biomarker in order to achieve the best clinical outcomes.