Imagine your body aging like a vintage car, with some parts starting to wear down faster than others. Well, chronic pain might be one of those parts that speeds up the aging process in the body. In this study, scientists looked at how chronic pain affected the aging process and physical function in middle to older aged individuals. They used something called an epigenetic clock to estimate how the body ages on a genetic level. They found that the difference between predicted genetic age and chronological age was associated with grip strength – a measure of physical function – in both males and females. Interestingly, they also discovered that pain intensity and pain interference played a role in this association, specifically in males. In simpler terms, it means that chronic pain might make your body age faster on a genetic level and potentially lead to declines in physical function as you get older. This research sheds light on the complex relationship between chronic pain, aging, and physical function, and suggests that managing chronic pain may be important for maintaining musculoskeletal health in later life. If you want to dive deeper into this fascinating topic, check out the full article!
IntroductionChronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability that may accelerate biological aging and reduce physical function. Epigenetic clocks provide an estimate of how the system ages and can predict health outcomes such as physical function. Physical function declines may be attributed to decreases in muscle quality due to disuse that can be measured quickly and noninvasively using grip strength. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations among self-reported pain, grip strength, and epigenetic aging in those with chronic pain.MethodsParticipants (57.91 ± 8.04 years) completed pain questionnaires, a blood draw and hand grip strength task. We used an epigenetic clock previously associated with knee pain (DNAmGrimAge), and used the subsequent difference of predicted epigenetic age from chronological age (DNAmGrimAge-Difference).ResultsExploratory pathway analyses revealed that pain intensity mediated the association between DNAmGrimAge-difference and handgrip strength in males only (β = −0.1115; CI [−0.2929, −0.0008]) and pain interference mediated the association between DNAmGrimAge-difference and handgrip strength in males β = −0.1401; CI [−0.3400, −0.0222]), and females (β = −0.024; CI [−0.2918, −0.0020]).DiscussionChronic knee pain may accelerate epigenetic aging processes that may influence handgrip strength in older age adults. Chronic pain could be a symptom of the aging body thus contributing to declines in musculoskeletal function in later life.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
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