Accelerated Epigenetic Aging Mediates the Association between Vitamin D Levels and Knee Pain in Community-Dwelling Individuals

Objectives To examine the relationship between Vitamin D status and pain intensity and disability in individuals with and without knee pain, and to examine the role of epigenetics in this relationship. Design Cross-sectional analysis of data from the UPLOAD-2 study (Understanding Pain and Limitations in OsteoArthritic Disease-2). Participants 189 individuals aged 45-65 years and older. Measurements Serum Vitamin D levels, pain related interference and characteristic pain intensity measures, and the epigenetic clock GrimAge derived from blood analyses. Results Lower Vitamin D was associated with advanced epigenetic aging (AgeAccelGrim), greater pain and disability and that (AgeAccelGrim) mediated the relationship between Vitamin D status and self-reported pain (ab = -0.0799; CI [-0.1492, -0.0237]) and disability (ab = -0.0669; CI [-0.1365, -0.0149]) outcomes. Conclusion These data support the notion that lifestyle factors such as nutrition status play a key role in aging process, as well as the development and maintenance of age-related diseases such as pain. Modifying nutrition status could help promote healthy aging and reduce pain.

Automated summary

There is a relationship between vitamin D levels and pain intensity and disability, and this relationship is mediated by epigenetics. Improving nutrition status can help promote healthy aging and reduce pain.