Leader: Sofia Pavanello (UNIPD); Other collaborator(s): Manuela Campisi (UNIPID)
The association between aging and the onset of chronic diseases with a negative impact on the employability of elderly workers is the focus of the Occupational Medicine research group (DSCTV). To this end, the group plans to investigate the impact of occupational and lifestyle exposures on molecular mechanisms of cellular ageing, including epigenetic ones and its relationship with telomeric/mitochondrial axis dysfunction. The aim of the research is to identify factors (even work-related) and lifestyles (natural product, physical activity, relaxation practices, and art-therapy) that accelerate or are capable of bringing back the biological clock. In addition, the team will assess ageing in tissues/organs to be transplanted.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results:
Main policy/industry/practice implications
This project provides a clear overview of the interconnections between ageing, chronic diseases, and the negative impact on the employability of elderly workers. Discoveries regarding the effects of occupational exposures and lifestyle on molecular mechanisms of cellular ageing, including epigenetic ones, are crucial for developing more sustainable policies and practices for older workers. Implications include promoting safer and healthier work environments, designing corporate wellness programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, and considering targeted intervention strategies to slow down biological ageing.
The analysis of epigenetic age using two different methods—the QIAGEN method and the Illumina Infinium Methylation Assay—has been completed in a population of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, assessed both before and after antifibrotic treatment. A comparative analysis between the two methods has been started in order to identify the markers exhibiting the most significant changes in methylation.
A clinical trial investigating the benefits of integrating a natural extract from Monarda didyma L. to reduce biological aging in a vulnerable population of aging workers (45–65 years) has been successfully completed. The analysis and evaluation of the results are underway, and a manuscript is currently being drafted for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
- In progress: Comparative analysis of two methods for epigenetic age assessment (QIAGEN method and Infinium Methylation Assay - Illumina) in a cohort of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), before and after anti-fibrotic treatment, aiming to identify the methylation markers with the most significant variation.
- Completed: Analysis and evaluation of the clinical trial investigating the benefits of integrating a natural extract of Monarda didyma L. to reduce biological aging in a vulnerable population of aging workers (45–65 years). The manuscript has been submitted for publication to GEROSCIENCE.
- in collaboration with:
1) Prof. Marco Narici (UNIPD) in progress: Epigenetic age and telomere length analyses to assess biological aging in human disuse atrophy, as part of a study conducted.
2) Dott. Fabrizio d’Adda di Fagagna (Spoke 2 LEADER Comprendere la biologia dell'invecchiamento) Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, IGM, Institute of Molecular Genetics, CNR, Pavia, Italy. Analysis of DDRNA, a class of non-coding RNAs that are generated whenever the genetic material is damaged, in IPF samples for the study titled “Unveiling Ageing and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): advancing molecular via Next Generation Sequencing” conducted within the framework of the PE8 project.";3) Prof. Giuseppe Sergi (Spoke 4) Department of Medicine - DIMED - University of Padua. Recruitment and assessment of sarcopenic subjects and controls for the study titled “Epigenetic Basis of Low Birth Weight and Sarcopenia in Old Age” conducted within the framework of the PE8 project.
Scientific Update.
Optimization of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number (mtDNAcn) Analysis Using Digital PCR (dPCR);
Development and Completion: A new procedure for analyzing mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) using digital PCR (dPCR) has been developed and optimized. Analyses of baseline and follow-up samples from a clinical trial evaluated the benefits of the natural extract of Monarda didyma L. in reducing biological aging in a population of aging-susceptible workers (45–65 years).
New Developments: mtDNAcn analysis has been initiated as a biomarker of biological aging to investigate disuse atrophy in humans. The study is conducted in collaboration with Prof. Marco Narici (University of Padua).
Research Development and Completion:
• Biological Aging Analysis – Bed Rest Study
Completion of telomere length and DNA methylation age analyses on samples from the bed rest study cohort, in collaboration with Prof. Marco Narici (University of Padua), to investigate the impact of disuse-induced atrophy on biological aging. Manuscript in preparation.
• Systematic Review – PROSPERO Registration
Completion of a systematic review registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251016032), focused on natural bioactive compounds modulating DNMT activity and epigenetic gene expression, with potential applications in nutritional strategies to counteract chronic inflammation and biological aging. Manuscript under review in Advances in Nutrition.
Epigenetic Biomarker Development: Based on comparative epigenetic analyses performed using both the QIAGEN platform and the Illumina Infinium Methylation Assay on a cohort of IPF patients, we have developed a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assay focusing on a panel of 12 specific epigenetic loci. The method is currently undergoing technical validation and performance assessment.
Collaborative Research on Disuse Atrophy and Biological Aging: As part of our ongoing collaboration with Prof. Marco Narici (University of Padua) within the project “Biological Ageing in Disuse Atrophy in Humans,” a scientific manuscript is currently under preparation. Additionally, new biological samples have been collected from a cohort of healthy individuals aged 20 to 90 years, stratified by age group and enrolled through Prof. Narici’s AGE-IT study. These samples will be utilized to further examine genetic and epigenetic biomarkers of biological aging.
Systematic Review in Nutritional Epigenetics: A systematic literature review evaluating the impact of natural bioactive compounds on DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity and epigenetically mediated gene regulation —with possible applications in the prevention of chronic inflammation and biological aging—is still under peer review in the journal Advances in Nutrition.
Data transferability. We are laying the groundwork for scalable, biomarker-guided screening and prevention tools by translating complex biology into actionable solutions within AGE-IT. Our ongoing study integrates multi-domain aging biomarkers—epigenetic age, telomere length, circulating miRNAs—with indicators of oxidative stress, cognitive decline, and gut microbiota composition to deliver comprehensive individual risk profiles. Standardized protocols for phenotyping and biospecimen handling support portability and reuse of data across settings.
Cohort and current status. Recruitment is complete: professional drivers (n=106) and employees of an international company (n=88). All participants completed clinical, functional, and cognitive assessments (WHOQOL-BREF, PSQI, WAI, MMSE, MoCA) plus anthropometric, clinical, lifestyle, and occupational questionnaires. Biospecimens include venous blood (whole blood, plasma, serum) for clinical chemistry, telomere length, epigenetic age, genetic variants, and circulating miRNAs; urine for oxidative-stress biomarkers; and stool for gut-microbiota profiling.
Collaborations on Aging Research. As part of our ongoing collaboration with Professor Marco Narici (University of Padua AGE IT – Spoke 2) on the “Biological Ageing in Disuse Atrophy in Humans” project, we are currently preparing a scientific manuscript. Furthermore, biological samples were collected from a cohort of healthy individuals aged 20 to 90 years, stratified by age group and enrolled through Prof. Narici's AGE-IT study, and processed for DNA extraction to analyse genetic and epigenetic biomarkers of biological aging.
A new collaboration has been started with Dr. Silvia Giunco (University of Padua AGE IT – Spoke 2) for the project 'Signs of ageing and HIV reservoir in adulthood: exploring new ways to monitor accelerated senescence and age-related cancers', with the aim of analysing genetic and epigenetic biomarkers of biological aging on DNA extracted from recruited patients.
Our collaborations with Professor Sergi (University of Padua; AGE IT - Spoke 3) on the project "Epigenetic Basis of Low Birth Weight and Sarcopenia in Old Age" is still ongoing, as well as the new collaboration with Professor Antonini (University of Padua; AGE IT - Spoke 3) on "Parkinson and biological ageing".
A study exploring biological aging biomarkers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) — including leukocyte telomere length, DNA methylation age, and IPF-associated genetic variants — revealed therapy-related modulation of epigenetic aging and genetic associations with disease. The work, framing IPF as an aging-aligned disorder and supporting biomarker-informed precision medicine, is under review in npj Aging.
Dissemination
• “Sonno, Ritmi Circadiani e Salute Mentale” (June 6, 2025)
• “Attività Fisica e Benessere: Un Farmaco Naturale” (June 20, 2025)