Selection of a set of biomarkers and comparisons of biological age estimation models for Korean men

Biological age (BA) represents the rate of the senescence with a set of biomarkers. The BA prediction models have not been compared to obtain an optimal BA prediction model with BA biomarkers for Korean men. The study aims to obtain a set of BA biomarkers and compare three of the reported statistical approaches for an optimal BA prediction model. The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data of 2009 to 2011 were used to select six BA biomarkers from 940 healthy subjects aged between 30 to 80 years. The multiple linear regression (MLR), principal component analysis (PCA), and Klemera and Doubal methods (KDM) were used to obtain three BA prediction models. Correlation coefficients (r) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and regression slopes were assessed. One of the Euro Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, mobility, was compared for feasibility test of each BA models. KDM showed greatest correlation (r=0.88 [P<0.05]) with smallest 95% CI and regression slope (1.00). PCA also showed strong correlation (r=0.79 [P<0.05]) with small 95% CI and regression slope (0.94). MLR (r=0.68 [P<0.05]) showed over and underestimated BA results at the end of the age spectrum. Estimations of BA were most reliable with KDM. The PCA and MLR approaches were comparatively simple to devise for Korean men.