Acceleration of biological aging as a consequence of COVID-19 infection

26.08.2024

An interdisciplinary team from the University Hospital of Padua has recently published a study entitled Revealing the Hidden Impacts: Insights into Biological Aging and Long-Term Effects in Pauci - and Asymptomatic COVID-19 Healthcare Workers in the Journal of Molecular Sciences. The Occupational Medicine team explores the role of residual inflammation and oxidative stress that are characteristics of COVID-19 in accelerating the biological aging process as long-term consequences of infection even for those with little or no symptoms.

Biological aging refers to the natural changes in the body over time. It is a process that can vary from individual to individual, as well as genetic and environmental factors. The research team measured early molecular parameters of cellular aging, such as telomere length and DNA methylation (DNAmAge) on specific genes. Accelerated aging occurs when the molecular signs advance beyond those typical of the subject's chronological age. This phenomenon can reveal much about a person's health and longevity. 

The research, led by Prof. Sofia Pavanello of the Department of Cardiac, Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health Services at the University of Padua, evaluated 76 healthcare workers from the hospital who were infected during the first wave who demonstrated little to no symptoms of COVID-19.

Prof Pavanello concludes, “One year after infection, accelerated biological aging was found in sputum cells compared to blood leukocytes and nasal cells. This evidence suggests that lung tissue is particularly vulnerable even in infected subjects with little or no symptoms of COVID-19. In terms of significance, the research indicates that this biological aging is more associated with the males confirming the statistics on greater longevity of the females, suggesting gender-specific prevention strategies.  The presence of chronic diseases, such as musculoskeletal disorders, spinal disc herniation, gastrointestinal diseases, endocrine diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and tumors was also indicated. Another important finding is that, given the same infection and symptoms, those with high blood sugar and high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) have a greater risk of aging more quickly.”