Accelerated epigenetic clock aging in peripheral blood is associated with preterm birth (PTB)

Epigenetic clocks use CpG DNA methylation (DNAm) to estimate biologic age; acceleration is associated with cancer, heart disease, and shorter lifespan. Few studies evaluate DNAm age and pregnancy outcomes. AgeAccelGrim is a novel epigenetic clock that combines 7 DNAm components. We sought to determine if maternal biologic aging (via AgeAccelGrim) is associated with early PTB.