Factors influencing aging

Environmental factors could play a great role in aging and premature mortality compared with genetic factors.

In a study published in Nature Medicine, investigators used data from the UK Biobank to assess the effects of environmental and genetic factors on aging biomarkers, all-cause mortality and disease risk factors.

The investigators found that current smoking status, socioeconomic status, physical activity and frequent fatigue were all strongly associated with premature mortality. Protective environmental factors included a higher household income, employment and residing with a partner. While genetic predisposition contributed more substantially to diseases such as dementia, breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer; environmental exposures increased the risk of diseases correlated with the lungs, heart and liver.

The findings suggested the need for more targeted interventions designed to eliminate modifiable environmental risk factors and prevent premature mortality.

Read more: Nature Medicine

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