Background: DNA methylation (DNAm) is a biochemical modification which occurs over the lifespan
of an individual and it is a significant constituent in the aging process. The degree of methylation was
significantly related to age. The locus ELOVL2 is the most thoroughly evaluated marker of age so far.
It has been shown that this locus can be reliably analyzed in old and fresh human bloodstains, which
are a main source of DNA in forensic laboratories. Aim of work: The current study aimed to assess the
use of DNA methylation on the ELOVL2 gene from blood samples as biomarkers for chronological age
estimation using pyrosequencing in Egypt. Material and methods: 80 whole blood samples from
individuals aged 18-96 years divided into 4 groups were analysed using a DNA methylation
quantification assay based on bisulphite conversion and DNA pyrosequencing of 7 CpG sites in the
ELOVL2. Our results display significantly strong correlation between DNAm and chronological age;
the model supporting DNAm as a strong age predictor. The age prediction accuracy was most accurate
in age group III (40-49 y) and was least accurate in age group IV of the elderly individuals (50-69 y)
on choosing1, 2.5-, and 5-years as difference threshold. |
