Proteins are vital substances that are involved in numerous biological functions, including the immune response, hormone regulation, the structure of our nervous system and many other key bodily structures together with their functionality. As we age these proteins are buffeted and besieged by the forces of nature making it more difficult for them to fulfill their essential duties. This can lead to cellular dysfunction and premature ageing. If we could assess this early malfunction we might be able to abort and reverse any disorder before it becomes established thereby possibly preventing disease and ageing before they set in.
The proteomic ageing clock is just such a test, only it is not yet commercially available. However, there are blood tests which are easily accessible which do correlate with proteomic ageing. These include two kidney function biomarkers, cystatin C, not commonly requested and creatinine, two liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT)) and C-reactive protein, which assesses inflammation, as well as decreased levels of albumin, part of a routine liver panel and lower levels of IGF-1, a proxy for growth hormone status.
As proteomic ageing has been associated with a host of age related diseases like kidney disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes and dementia as well as a number of cancers, having a blood test which identifies these primary ageing markers that are associated with proteomic ageing might be an opportune moment to engage in a comprehensive anti-ageing programme which addresses these in a timely fashion, before they cause irreparable harm.
