Shingles Vaccine May Slow Biological Aging, Research Suggests
New research indicates the shingles vaccine may offer benefits beyond preventing a painful skin rash, potentially slowing down biological aging. A recent analysis suggests the vaccination is associated with reduced systemic inflammation and rejuvenated cellular mechanisms. However, the study did not detect changes in markers of neurodegenerative diseases.
Understanding Biological Age vs. Chronological Age
Although chronological age is simply the number of years lived, biological age reflects the actual wear and tear on the body’s tissues and systems. Individuals with the same chronological age can have vastly different health profiles.
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers Jung Ki Kim and Eileen M. Crimmins from the University of Southern California’s Davis School of Gerontology investigated whether the shingles vaccine impacts the fundamental processes of aging. They utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study, a large ongoing survey of older adults in the United States, analyzing biological samples collected in 2016 from nearly 4,000 participants over the age of 70.
Measuring Biological Health
The researchers assessed biological health across seven areas by examining blood samples. These included inflammation, cardiovascular health, and two types of immune function. They similarly analyzed DNA methylation and gene expression, molecular markers used to estimate cellular age.
Key Findings: Reduced Inflammation and Younger Cellular Profiles
The study revealed that vaccinated individuals had significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein and other markers of systemic inflammation. This supports the theory that the vaccine reduces the body’s overall inflammatory burden. Vaccinated participants also exhibited younger cellular profiles, with epigenetic and transcriptomic clocks indicating a slower rate of aging compared to their unvaccinated counterparts. A composite score combining all measurements further confirmed a healthier biological profile in the vaccinated group.
Neurodegenerative Markers: No Significant Changes
Despite the positive findings regarding inflammation and molecular aging, the study found no significant link between the shingles vaccine and biomarkers of neurodegeneration. Researchers measured levels of neurofilament light chain and phosphorylated tau – proteins that indicate brain cell damage – but found no significant difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants. This suggests the vaccine may not directly prevent the buildup of these specific markers of damage.
Immune System Response
Interestingly, vaccinated individuals showed higher scores related to the adaptive immune system, suggesting a potential decline in function. The authors speculate this could indicate the immune system actively working to remember the virus or reflect the natural aging of immune cells.
Timing of Vaccination Matters
The benefits of vaccination appeared to vary with timing. Improvements in DNA methylation and gene expression were most noticeable in those vaccinated within the last three years, while lower inflammation was most prominent among those vaccinated four or more years prior. This suggests different biological systems respond to vaccination at different rates.
Study Limitations
It’s important to note that this study is observational and cannot definitively prove that the vaccine causes slower aging. It’s possible that individuals who choose to get vaccinated are generally healthier. Researchers used statistical models to account for factors like education, income, and medical history, but this “healthy user bias” remains a consideration. The data predates the widespread use of the newer, more effective Shingrix vaccine.
What This Means for the Future
While the shingles vaccine appears to positively impact inflammation and molecular regulation, its relationship to brain health markers requires further investigation. Future research should follow individuals over longer periods to determine if these biological differences translate into reduced frailty or disease.
Shingles Vaccination Basics
Shingles vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix, a recombinant zoster vaccine, for adults 50 years and older, as well as for those 19 years and older with weakened immune systems. Shingrix is administered as a two-dose series, spaced 2 to 6 months apart, and is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.