Researchers have developed a model capable of accurately predicting the aging of 13 key organs, including the brain, heart, and lungs, opening the door to unprecedented precision medicine. Until now, science has focused on the general aging of the body or on isolated organs. However, this new study reveals that each organ 'ages at its own pace' and under its own genetic rules, which explains why some people may have a young heart but a worn-out renal system. Led by Professor Yang Tielin, the team conducted an extensive genomic analysis that revealed revealing data: 119 genetic loci associated with aging were identified. Of that total, only 27 are linked to the aging of multiple organs, confirming that genetic regulation varies drastically depending on the part of the body. 554 specific genes were isolated that act as 'risk markers,' allowing us to understand the molecular mechanisms that degrade each organ individually. The model not only serves to 'guess' biological age but also has immediate clinical applications: it identifies high-risk groups for chronic diseases before the damage becomes irreversible, and clarifies how the aging of a specific organ triggers chronic pathologies. The study also provided scientific evidence of the real and differential impact of smoking, demonstrating how it accelerates aging in specific organs beyond the lungs. Published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, this advance lays the foundation for future personalized anti-aging strategies. A team of Chinese scientists has made a revolutionary breakthrough in the fight against time.
