Living in deprived urban neighborhoods and experiencing depressive symptoms could be causing premature aging, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by McMaster University. The research utilized DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks to estimate biological age and discovered a direct association between these circumstances and accelerated aging.
Understanding the Link: Depression, Urban Deprivation, and Premature Aging
The study shed light on the connection between living in deprived urban neighborhoods, experiencing depressive symptoms, and an increased risk of premature aging. It revealed that even after accounting for individual-level health and behavioral risk factors such as chronic conditions and poor health behaviors, the effects of urban deprivation and depression remained independently associated with accelerated biological aging.
Examining Epigenetic Age Acceleration
To investigate the effects on aging at a cellular level, the study employed DNA methylation-based estimators, known as epigenetic clocks. These clocks provide an estimation of the difference between chronological age and biological age. The researchers discovered a positive association between neighborhood deprivation, depressive symptoms, and acceleration of the epigenetic age estimated using the DNAm GrimAge clock.
The Impact of Depressive Symptoms
Depressive symptoms were measured using a standardized depression scale consisting of ten items. The study found that with each point increase on the depressive symptom score, the risk of death accelerated by one month. This suggests that emotional distress caused by depression can lead to increased biological wear and tear and dysregulation of physiological systems, ultimately resulting in premature aging.
Unraveling Neighborhood Deprivation
The researchers assessed neighborhood material and social deprivation using two indices developed by the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (CANUE) based on the 2011 census. Social deprivation reflects the scarcity of social resources in both the family and community, while material deprivation indicates the inability of individuals to access goods and conveniences of modern life, such as adequate housing, nutritious food, transportation, high-speed internet, or recreational facilities within the neighborhood.
The Influence of Neighborhood Deprivation
The study uncovered a startling revelation regarding the impact of neighborhood deprivation. Participants exposed to greater levels of neighborhood deprivation faced an increase in the risk of death by almost one year compared to those in areas of lower deprivation. However, the study did not find evidence that neighborhood deprivation amplified the effect of depressive symptoms on epigenetic age acceleration.
Depression’s Independent Influence
Despite the association between neighborhood deprivation and depressive symptoms, the study indicated that depression influences epigenetic age acceleration through mechanisms unrelated to neighborhood deprivation. This suggests that the effects of depression on premature aging are influenced by other factors beyond the living environment.
Examining the Data
The research analyzed epigenetic data from 1,445 participants enrolled in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). This longitudinal study platform follows over 50,000 participants aged 45 to 85 and provides valuable insights into aging-related phenomena. By monitoring the same group of participants over a span of 20 years, researchers aim to determine whether epigenetic changes are stable or reversible and gain deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind accelerated epigenetic aging.
Acknowledging Support
The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) is supported by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The study also received additional support from the European Union Horizon 2020 Programme.
Conclusion:
The study conducted by McMaster University highlights the significant link between depression, living in deprived urban neighborhoods, and accelerated biological aging. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing the social and environmental factors that contribute to these conditions and their impact on overall health and well-being. By understanding the mechanisms behind premature aging, researchers can pave the way for interventions and strategies that promote healthier and more resilient communities.