As people grow older, it can be difficult to tell who will continue to enjoy healthy years and who may face a serious health decline. A new study suggests that some clues may already be present in the bloodstream. Scientists say certain molecules found in blood could help indicate survival chances in older adults.
Researchers from Duke Health, working with the University of Minnesota, discovered that tiny RNA molecules called piRNAs may help predict whether older adults are likely to live at least two more years. The findings were published on February 25 in the journal Aging Cell. The results suggest that a simple blood test might one day help doctors identify health risks earlier.
The study found that just a small group of these molecules could provide strong predictions. According to lead researcher Virginia Byers Kraus, the combination of a few piRNAs predicted two-year survival more accurately than age, lifestyle habits, or other health measurements examined in the study. She said the team was surprised that such strong signals came from a basic blood test.
Scientists analysed blood samples from adults aged 71 and older. They noticed that people who had lower levels of certain piRNAs tended to live longer. Previous research has shown that these molecules help control important processes in the body, including development, regeneration, and the immune system.
To conduct the research, the team used artificial intelligence and machine learning to study 187 clinical factors and more than 800 small RNA molecules. They analysed over 1,200 blood samples from a large group of participants in North Carolina. Their statistical models showed that a group of six piRNAs could predict two-year survival with an accuracy of up to 86 per cent, and the results were confirmed in another group of older adults.
Researchers also compared piRNAs with common health indicators such as age, cholesterol levels, and physical activity. The small RNA molecules performed better at predicting short-term survival than these traditional measures. Scientists now plan to study whether treatments, lifestyle changes, or medications influence piRNA levels, which could help develop new ways to support healthier ageing.
More information: Virginia Byers Kraus et al, Select Small Non-Coding RNAs Are Determinants of Survival in Older Adults, Aging Cell. DOI: 10.1111/acel.70403
Journal information: Aging Cell Provided by Duke University Medical Center
