“TRIIM: Reversal of Epigenetic Aging and Immunosenescent Trends in Humans”, 2019-09-08 (; backlinks; similar):
Epigenetic “clocks” can now surpass chronological age in accuracy for estimating biological age.
Here, we use 4 such age estimators to show that epigenetic aging can be reversed in humans. Using a protocol intended to regenerate the thymus, we observed protective immunological changes, improved risk indices for many age-related diseases, and a mean epigenetic age ~1.5 years less than baseline after 1 year of treatment (−2.5-year change compared to no treatment at the end of the study).
The rate of epigenetic aging reversal relative to chronological age accelerated from −1.6 year/year from 0–9 month to −6.5 year/year from 9–12 month. The GrimAge predictor of human morbidity and mortality showed a 2-year decrease in epigenetic vs. chronological age that persisted 6 months after discontinuing treatment.
This is to our knowledge the first report of an increase, based on an epigenetic age estimator, in predicted human lifespan by means of a currently accessible aging intervention.