🔬TODAY’S BREAKTHROUGH
What if a simple blood test could reveal which organs determine your lifespan?
A new plasma proteomics study pinpoints brain and immune system aging as the strongest predictors of long-term mortality.
The Discovery:
Analyzing 2,916 plasma proteins from 44,498 UK Biobank participants, researchers built organ-specific proteomic clocks. These clocks estimated the biological aging rates of 11 organs. Remarkably, people whose brains or immune systems aged faster had significantly higher mortality risk, up to 182% increased risk if brain-aging was accelerated, comparable to carrying high-risk genetic variants like APOE4 (Apolipoprotein E4, a gene variant linked to Alzheimer’s risk). Combined brain and immune aging elevated mortality 2.3–8.3× depending on how many organs were aged.
The Science:
Plasma proteins were mapped to organs, creating 11 proteomic age clocks
Brain age clock showed HR (Hazard Ratio) = 3.1 for Alzheimer’s risk; protective brain age HR = 0.26, similar to APOE2 effects
Immune system aging also showed HR = 0.58 for mortality; combined youthful brain + immune profile yielded HR = 0.44
Aging across multiple organs progressively raised risk: HR 4.5 for five to seven aged organs and HR 8.3 for eight or more
Lifestyle factors and medications influenced organ-specific rates, suggesting modifiable aging clocks
Your Action:
Focus on sharpening brain and immune resilience through regular cognitive stimulation, aerobic exercise, and sleep optimization.
Support immune and neural health with anti-inflammatory foods and stress management practices.
Explore available plasma proteomic tests to monitor your organ-specific aging clocks and personalize interventions.
Bottom Line:
Your brain and immune system are the strongest proteomic predictors of lifespan, and you can take targeted steps to strengthen them.
Source:
Plasma proteomics links brain and immune system aging with healthspan and longevity, Nature Medicine, Hamilton Se‑Hwee Oh et al., Stanford University & UK Biobank, July 9, 2025
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03798-1
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Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.