PhenoAge (phenotypic age) is an estimate of biological age developed by Morgan Levine and colleagues (2018). First, a "phenotypic age" in years is calculated from nine routine blood measures and calendar age.
Then, on its basis, the DNAm PhenoAge epigenetic clock (513 CpG sites) was built. Both versions are strongly associated with mortality and the risk of age-related diseases.
The nine blood measures
Phenotypic age is calculated from calendar age and nine routine tests: albumin, creatinine, glucose, C-reactive protein, the proportion of lymphocytes, MCV, RDW, alkaline phosphatase and white blood cells. The formula was derived from NHANES III data using Cox regression on mortality.
DNAm PhenoAge — the epigenetic version
On the basis of phenotypic age, the DNAm PhenoAge epigenetic clock of 513 DNA-methylation CpG sites was built. Each "extra" year of acceleration raised all-cause mortality by about 4.5%; the indicator is linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's pathology.
How to use it
The main advantage of PhenoAge is that it can be calculated from ordinary blood tests, without an expensive methylation analysis. It is a convenient benchmark for estimating biological age, but it predicts risk rather than making a diagnosis.
Calculate using this marker
Calculators where PhenoAge is used directly:
Frequently asked questions
Which tests are needed for PhenoAge?
Albumin, creatinine, glucose, C-reactive protein, the proportion of lymphocytes, MCV, RDW, alkaline phosphatase and white blood cells, plus your age. All of them are part of the usual complete blood count and biochemistry panel.
Are PhenoAge and DNAm PhenoAge the same thing?
No. PhenoAge (phenotypic age) is calculated from blood tests. DNAm PhenoAge is an epigenetic clock derived from it, based on DNA methylation (513 CpG sites).
Related terms
Sources
- Levine et al. An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan (Aging, 2018)
- Wikipedia — Epigenetic clock