Accelerated epigenetic aging mediates link between adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptoms in older adults: Results from the Health and Retirement Study.

ABSTRACT: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk for depression at subsequent ages and have been linked to accelerated biological aging. We hypothesize that accelerated epigenetic aging may partially mediate the link between ACEs and depression. This study examines 3 three second-generation epigenetic aging measures (viz., GrimAge, PhenoAge, and DunedinPoAm38) as mediators of the link between ACEs and depressive symptoms in older adulthood. We utilize structural equation modeling to assess mediation in the Health and Retirement Study (N = 2672). Experiencing ACEs is significantly associated with an older GrimAge and a faster pace of aging via the DunedinPoAm38. Having an older GrimAge and faster DunedinPoAm38 pace of aging were also significantly associated with more depressive symptoms.

SUBMITTER: Klopack ET 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8933834 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature