Epigenetic clocks and their association with trajectories in perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms among US middle-aged and older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Perceived discrimination may be associated with accelerated aging later in life, with depressive symptoms acting as potential mediator.

Methods

A nationally representative sample of older adults was used [Health and Retirement Study 2010-2016, Age: 50-100 y in 2016, N = 2,806, 55.6% female, 82.3% Non-Hispanic White (NHW)] to evaluate associations of perceived discrimination measures [Experience of discrimination or EOD; and Reasons for Perceived discrimination or RPD) and depressive symptoms (DEP)] with 13 DNAm-based measures of epigenetic aging. Group-based trajectory and four-way mediation analyses were used.

Results

Overall, and mostly among female and NHW participants, greater RPD in 2010-2012 had a significant adverse total effect on epigenetic

SUBMITTER: Beydoun MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9320538 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature