Biomarkers and Health Assessment Tests: Key to Understanding Longevity

By Dmitry Kaminskiy 

Co-authored with Dr. Arkadi F. Prokopov

In the quest for longevity, the importance of biomarkers cannot be overstated. These biological markers offer valuable insights into our body’s processes, allowing us to assess everything from cellular health to the functionality of our mitochondria. In my book Deep Breathing: Maintaining Mitochondrial Quality for Healthy Lifespan Extension, co-authored with Dr. Arkadi F. Prokopov, we explore various biomarkers that not only measure our current health status but also act as predictive tools for healthspan extension.

Understanding these biomarkers is essential because they allow us to make informed decisions on lifestyle interventions, therapeutics, and diagnostics, ultimately helping us live longer, healthier lives. In this article, we will delve into some of the most significant biomarkers, including VO2 Max, microcapillary elasticity, and aorta calcification, and how these measurements are tied to longevity. We’ll also discuss metabolomics biomarkers, the diagnostic guide for longevity, and even touch on the future of a “universal ultimate biomarker.”

VO2 Max: The Gold Standard for Cardiovascular and Aerobic Health

One of the most widely recognized biomarkers in the study of longevity is VO2 Max, which measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during intense exercise. VO2 Max is an excellent indicator of cardiovascular health and aerobic fitness, both of which are closely tied to lifespan. The higher your VO2 Max, the more efficiently your body uses oxygen, which is essential for supporting cellular functions and mitochondrial health.

The Role of VO2 Max in Longevity

A higher VO2 Max is linked with better endurance, a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, and a slower rate of aging. In fact, studies have shown that individuals with higher VO2 Max values tend to live longer and enjoy better health throughout their lifespan. As we age, however, VO2 Max naturally declines, so it becomes essential to maintain or even improve this value through regular exercise, especially aerobic training like running, swimming, or cycling.

The book Deep Breathing emphasizes how regular breathing exercises can enhance VO2 Max. Techniques such as hypoxic training (breathing with limited oxygen) have been shown to improve the efficiency of oxygen delivery, directly impacting VO2 Max and overall cardiovascular health.

Microcapillary Elasticity: The Vital Sign of Vascular Health

While the heart plays a critical role in pumping blood, it is the microcapillaries—the smallest blood vessels—that ensure nutrients and oxygen are delivered to every cell in the body. Microcapillary elasticity refers to the ability of these small blood vessels to expand and contract as needed, a crucial feature for maintaining healthy blood flow and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Microcapillary Elasticity and Aging

As we age, the elasticity of our microcapillaries tends to decrease, leading to reduced blood flow, higher blood pressure, and increased risk for vascular diseases. Reduced elasticity can also lead to compromised nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues, impairing the function of vital organs, such as the brain and heart. This decline is one of the primary contributors to the aging process.

In Deep Breathing, we highlight the importance of exercise, controlled stress (hormesis), and breathing techniques that help improve microcapillary elasticity. By engaging in regular physical activity and using hypoxic breathing methods, we can stimulate angiogenesis (the creation of new blood vessels) and restore microcapillary health.

Aorta Calcification: Assessing Cardiovascular Aging

Aorta calcification is a key marker of cardiovascular aging. This refers to the buildup of calcium deposits in the walls of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. As calcium accumulates, the artery becomes stiffer, leading to higher blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. Aorta calcification is also linked to decreased vascular compliance, which is the ability of blood vessels to expand and contract in response to changes in blood pressure.

Why Aorta Calcification Matters

The degree of aorta calcification is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and even premature death. Monitoring this biomarker helps identify individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular disease before symptoms appear.

In our book, we discuss ways to prevent or slow the progression of aorta calcification, including the use of breathing exercises, dietary interventions, and the management of oxidative stress. Vitamin K2, for instance, has been shown to help prevent calcium buildup in arteries, promoting healthier vascular function. Regular use of targeted breathing exercises and hypoxic training has been shown to improve overall vascular health, enhancing flexibility in the arteries and slowing down the calcification process.

Metabolomics: The New Frontier in Longevity Biomarkers

In recent years, metabolomics has emerged as a promising tool for assessing aging and longevity. Metabolomics involves the study of metabolites—the small molecules produced during metabolism—within the body. These metabolites provide a snapshot of an individual's metabolic health and can reveal underlying processes related to aging and disease progression.

Metabolomics and Aging

Certain metabolites are known to change as we age, signaling shifts in energy production, cellular repair, and inflammation. By analyzing these metabolites, we can gain insights into the health of mitochondria, immune function, and other vital systems. Metabolomics can also help predict the onset of age-related diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular conditions.

In Deep Breathing, we delve into how breathing exercises and other lifestyle changes can influence metabolomic biomarkers. By improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress, we can enhance metabolic pathways, slow aging, and promote longevity.

The Diagnostic Guide for Longevity

In our book, we also provide a diagnostic guide that helps individuals track key biomarkers relevant to their healthspan. These tests are not only for the elderly or those already experiencing health problems, but also for anyone who wants to stay proactive about their longevity. These biomarkers help detect potential health issues early, allowing for timely interventions and optimization of health over time.

We recommend regular testing of biomarkers such as VO2 Max, microcapillary elasticity, and aorta calcification to monitor vascular health, cardiovascular function, and oxygen utilization. In addition, leveraging metabolomics tools can provide a deeper understanding of an individual’s aging process and overall metabolic health.

The Quest for the Universal Ultimate Biomarker

While there are many promising biomarkers, we are still on the lookout for a "universal ultimate biomarker"—a single indicator that can accurately predict an individual’s overall health and longevity. The field is progressing rapidly, and the combination of genetic data, metabolomic analysis, and advanced health assessments is moving us closer to this goal.

In Deep Breathing, we discuss the exciting potential of future technologies that will integrate multiple biomarkers into a single, actionable diagnostic tool. This tool would provide individuals with an all-encompassing view of their health, enabling precise interventions to enhance lifespan and healthspan.

Biomarkers of Human Longevity, by Dmitry Kaminskiy (2021)

Using Biomarkers to Build a Longer, Healthier Life

Biomarkers are key to understanding the complex processes of aging and health. By regularly monitoring and optimizing these indicators, we can proactively manage our health and significantly improve our quality of life as we age. Whether through VO2 Max testing, improving microcapillary elasticity, preventing aorta calcification, or exploring the future of metabolomics, these biomarkers offer actionable insights that will empower us to live healthier, longer lives.

As we continue this journey into longevity, I encourage you to think critically about your own health markers and how you can leverage this knowledge to build a customized strategy for optimizing your lifespan.

In the next article, we’ll dive deeper into mitochondrial rejuvenation and the latest research on restoring mitochondrial function to slow aging and promote vitality.

Dmitry Kaminskiy Co-author of Deep Breathing: Maintaining Mitochondrial Quality for Healthy Lifespan Extension