Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Healthy Aging; Biological Aging; Lifestyle Factors

• Registration Number: NCT06555978
• Lead Sponsor: National University of Singapore

Brief Summary

The Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS) aims to understand the biological aging processes and how they affect health among people in Singapore. As people grow older, their risk of developing chronic diseases increases. This study aims to better understand the biological changes that come with age, particularly in three major ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, and Indian adults over 21 years old. By examining a range of health indicators such as DNA methylation, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular health, physical function, and physical activity (i.e., molecular, physiological, and digital biomarkers of ageing), the study seeks to identify how ethnicity, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors influence ageing. This unique study focuses on an all-Asian population, aiming to enhance our understanding of healthy aging across different ethnic groups.

Detailed Description

Biological ageing is the primary driver of age-associated chronic diseases in older adults. Asian populations have been underrepresented in studies developing biological age predictors and understanding age-related diseases. Thus, the Ageing BIOmarker Study in Singaporeans (ABIOS) aims to characterise the biomarkers of ageing in Singaporeans, exploring associations between molecular, physiological, and digital biomarkers of ageing.

This is a single-centre, cross-sectional study that recruits healthy community-dwelling adults (≥ 21 years) from three different ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, and Indian). Molecular biomarkers of ageing include a multi-omics approach, such as DNA methylation and metabolic and inflammatory parameters in blood, saliva, and stool. Physiological biomarkers of ageing include bone density, body composition, skin autofluorescence, arterial stiffness, physical performance (e.g., muscle strength and flexibility), cognition, and nutritional status. Digital biomarkers of ageing include three-dimensional facial morphology and objective physical activity. Additional factors such as habitual physical activity, dietary patterns, and medical history are also examined. The associations between the molecular, physiological, and digital phenotypes will be explored.

By examining diverse age-related biomarkers, clinical indicators, and lifestyle factors, ABIOS will offer unique insights into the ageing process within these ethnic groups to develop health policies and interventions for promoting healthy ageing in an all-Asian population.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2021-03-12
• Primary Completion: 2024-07-04
• Study First Submitted: 2024-08-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-08-12
• Study First Posted: 2024-08-15
• Status Verified: 2024-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-10-23
• Last Update Posted: 2024-10-26
• Study Completion: 2025-08-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 420

Inclusion Criteria

• ≥21 years of age

• Chinese, Malay, or Indian and has lived in Singapore for at least 5 consecutive years

• Apparently healthy and non-smokers

• Having only 1 condition (if ≥45 and <65 years) or any condition (if ≥65 years), and all conditions were medication-controlled (if any):

  • Hypertension
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Osteopenia/osteoporosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Type 2 diabetes

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Exclusion Criteria

• Body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m^2
• Pre-existing or history of major cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, peripheral vascular disease)
• Any metal implants (excluding dental implants) in the body
• Pre-existing or history of cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pregnant women or planning pregnancy in the next 6-12 months

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Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
blood DNA methylation	Baseline	DNA methylation ageing clock, years

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Handgrip strength	Baseline	Handgrip strength measured by dynamometer, kg
8-repetition maximal strength	Baseline	Lower body strength measured by maximum weight for 8 leg extension repetitions, kg
Skin autofluorescence	Baseline	Skin autofluorescence measured by advanced glycation end products
Complete red blood cell (RBC) count	Baseline	Clinical blood parameters, RBC x 10\^12/L
Triglycerides	Baseline	Lipid profile panel, mmol/L
Total white blood cell (WBC) count	Baseline	Clinical blood parameters, WBC x 10\^9/L
Fasting blood glucose	Baseline	Clinical blood parameters, mmol/L
Carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity	Baseline	Arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity, m/s
Objective physical activity	Baseline	Objective physical activity measured by an activity tracking monitor
Facial age	Baseline	Facial ageing clock based on 3D face morphometry, years
Total cholesterol	Baseline	Lipid profile panel, mmol/L
HDL cholesterol	Baseline	Lipid profile panel, mmol/L
HbA1c	Baseline	Clinical blood parameters, %
LDL cholesterol	Baseline	Lipid profile panel, mmol/L
Total protein	Baseline	Liver profile panel, mmol/L
Total bilirubin	Baseline	Liver profile panel, umol/L
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)	Baseline	Clinical blood parameters, U/L
Insulin	Baseline	Clinical blood parameters, Roche immunoassay, mU/L

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Centre for Healthy Longevity at Alexandra Hospital; 🇸🇬 Singapore, Singapore