How our biological age test is created
The Hurdle BioAge test uses saliva DNA to analyse DNA methylation patterns from hundreds of methylation sites in the genome. These sites are associated with biological ageing processes in our cells, such as damage accumulation, changes to repair machinery, inflammatory processes, and mitochondrial dysfunction. We calculate the percentage of methylation at these CpG sites and input into the algorithm, i.e. age-clock to calculate a biological age for each sample. The age gap refers to the difference between your biological age and chronological age. If your biological age is higher than your chronological age, i.e. you have a positive age gap, this suggests your body is ageing faster than your chronological age. Greater positive age gap is associated with poorer health. However, not to worry! With a few lifestyle and dietary changes it is possible to improve these results!
Power of DNA methylation biomarkers
Our DNA methylation patterns gradually change as we age and these changes are considered one of the hallmarks of ageing. DNA methylation is a dynamic mark, hence DNA methylation monitoring allows us to understand changes within our body in real-time. Further, DNA methylation patterns can be studied from bodily fluids such as blood and saliva, making it easily accessible and cost-effective. Current technologies allow us to precisely measure thousands or millions of these methylation markers (CpG sites) at the same time. As such, DNA methylation serves as a powerful tool for biological age calculations, and thus, we at Hurdle chose to use the power of DNA methylation in our biological age test which has been shown to outperform other methods, such as measuring telomere length (ref).
More on epigenetics
Epigenetics is an exciting field of research which helps us understand how the same genetic code in all our cells can still lead to the over 200 different types of cells in the human body. The epigenetic states of various cells can vary and regulate the DNA much like software dictating how the hardware, i.e. DNA blueprint is utilised. Furthermore, epigenetic changes can also occur in response to external factors such as lifestyle, environment, and experiences. As the epigenetic programmes can switch genes on or off, it is the crucial link between our external environment and the inner workings of our cells. As such, epigenetics offers a promising avenue of improving our health and longevity by changing our external environment and lifestyle without having to change our genetic code.
We have been working with the Hurdle team for over 2 years now on the co-development of novel diagnostics. We are really excited to leverage their biomarker R&D and DaaS capabilities to complement our future consumer propositions by offering consumers health and wellness tests rooted in cutting edge science.
Karl Wishart
Global R&D Emerging Science & Innovation Director at Bayer Consumer Health
For us to deliver clinical trials in new ways requires innovative partners. We've been delighted to partner with Hurdle on trials investigating treatments for everything from pre-diabetes to flu. They understand the needs of health tech pioneers and are an incredible team to work with!
Michael Young
Co-Founder at Lindus Health
We have been working with the Hurdle team for over 2 years now on the co-development of novel diagnostics. We are really excited to leverage their biomarker R&D and DaaS capabilities to complement our future consumer propositions by offering consumers health and wellness tests rooted in cutting edge science.
Karl Wishart
Global R&D Emerging Science & Innovation Director at Bayer Consumer Health
For us to deliver clinical trials in new ways requires innovative partners. We've been delighted to partner with Hurdle on trials investigating treatments for everything from pre-diabetes to flu. They understand the needs of health tech pioneers and are an incredible team to work with!
Michael Young
Co-Founder at Lindus Health