Researchers examined measures of accelerated biological aging called epigenetic clocks. They compared two clocks: one that uses many cells and tissues, and one focused on monocytes, a white blood cell involved in immune responses. Monocytes are important in HIV infection and have been shown to be elevated in people with depression.
Data came from 440 women in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study, including 261 with HIV and 179 without HIV. Depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), a 20-item questionnaire that covers somatic symptoms (for example, fatigue or poor appetite) and non-somatic symptoms (for example, hopelessness and anhedonia).
The analysis found that the monocyte clock was a sensitive biomarker for non-somatic symptoms of depression—especially anhedonia, hopelessness, and feelings of failure—in women with and without HIV. The multi-tissue clock did not show these associations. The authors say more research is needed before epigenetic aging can guide measurement or treatment.
Difficult words
- epigenetic — changes in gene activity without changing DNA
- monocyte — a type of white blood cell in immune systemmonocytes
- biomarker — a measurable biological sign of health or disease
- somatic — related to physical body and bodily symptoms
- anhedonia — loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- hopelessness — feeling that the future has no hope
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Discussion questions
- How could a monocyte-based biological measure help doctors understand depression symptoms?
- Why do the authors say more research is needed before using epigenetic aging to guide measurement or treatment?
- Would you be willing to complete a questionnaire like the CES-D for medical research? Why or why not?
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