A preliminary analysis of DNA markers in over 3,000 individuals conducted by the University of Southern California suggests a potential link between exposure to extreme high temperatures and molecular changes associated with accelerated aging. The research findings were presented last month at the annual scientific conference of the American Geriatrics Society in Seattle, Washington.
While the impact of high temperatures on the heart, kidneys, and cognitive abilities is well-known, this study indicates that extreme heat may also trigger subtle, initially imperceptible molecular effects. To investigate molecular indicators of heat sensitivity in the body, researchers utilized an "epigenetic clock", a composite based on DNA chemical modifications used to assess the aging process. Despite ongoing debates about the accuracy of the epigenetic clock, previous studies have linked its variations to environmental stressors, pregnancy, and certain health conditions.
The research team analyzed DNA marker data from approximately 3,800 participants aged 56 and above from 2016 to 2017, integrating it with temperature maps from the corresponding period in the United States. They examined the relationship between molecular marker status and the number of days with a heat index (considering temperature and humidity) exceeding 26.7°C or 32.2°C over periods of one or six years.
Accounting for factors such as race, smoking status, residence, and income, the researchers found that participants living in areas with more days of hot weather exhibited molecular markers indicative of a more aged state. According to the measurements, for every 10% increase in days of hot weather, molecular age increased by 0.12 years. Another analysis of molecular markers suggested that hot weather could accelerate the aging process by 0.6%. However, short-term heat exposure did not demonstrate a clear association with changes in molecular markers.
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