Hypothesis
TBI exposure will relate to markers of progressive neurodegeneration which will be modulated by patient-specific factors.
Summary
The study, led by Prof Lord and Gp Capt Alexander Bennett, aims to determine whether a major injury accelerates the biological ageing process and to identify factors that may help to blunt this effect. We are requesting access to data and whole blood samples from injured and uninjured veterans in the ADVANCE cohort to address the following aims: To assess whether biological age is accelerated in the injured group we will determine DNA methylation in DNA isolated from blood cells using the Illumina EPIC array. The data will be analysed using several algorithms to predict biological age The result will be compared with chronological age at the time of sampling to determine if ageing has been accelerated. To take account of various factors that could also modify ageing, other than injury, we will also take basic demographic data into account: BMI, and smoking history. Basic medical history will also be important to identify factors driving any accelerated ageing observed, these would include injury severity score, length of hospital stay, and whether the participant was an amputee. For determining a possible role for cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels we will use data from the Somasignal proteomic analysis (data provided by Prof Lord) for a VO2max estimate and the IPAQ questionnaire for physical activity.
Keywords
Biological Age, Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, DNA methylation