Astronauts as Human Aging Models: Spaceflight Reveals Reversible Epigenetic Changes Linked to Stressors

Spaceflight is revealing unexpected parallels between cosmic exploration and the biological clock, with astronauts serving as living models for aging research. A study of four astronauts from the Axiom-2 mission found that epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) increased by 1.91 years on average by flight day 7.

However, biological age decreased post-mission, with older astronauts returning to pre-flight levels and younger astronauts showing lower biological age.

Researchers analyzed blood samples using 32 DNA methylation-based clocks collected pre-, during, and post-flight. Shifts in immune cell composition—specifically regulatory T-cells and naive CD4 T-cells—accounted for significant age acceleration. The findings suggest spaceflight induces rapid, yet reversible, epigenetic changes partially distinct from cell shifts.

Dr. David Furman stated:

"These results point to the exciting possibility that humans have intrinsic rejuvenation factors that can counter these age-accelerating stressors."

The study does not provide clinical guidance. No independent expert commentary was included in the source.

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