We are proud to announce the publication of our latest research article in Bioscience Reports, highlighting the development and validation of an epigenetic biomarker for chronic stress, also known as allostatic load. This study demonstrates how specific patterns in DNA methylation—chemical modifications that regulate gene expression—can reflect the physiological wear and tear caused by long-term exposure to stress. These biological insights open new possibilities for measuring the hidden toll of stress on the body.
The findings are based on DNA data from over 1,000 participants in the Swiss Kidney Project on Genes in Hypertension (SKIPOGH) cohort, and were further validated in the UK-based Lothian Birth Cohort. The newly developed epigenetic score not only correlates with traditional clinical indicators of chronic stress, but also predicts increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. This marker offers healthcare professionals a novel and objective tool to identify patients at higher health risk due to chronic stress, paving the way for more targeted preventive care.
We extend our sincere thanks to the first author, Dr. Jonviea Chamberlain, and to all co-authors involved in this important publication. This work reflects the strength of our long-standing scientific collaboration with Unisanté and marks a significant step forward in our mission to integrate advanced epigenetic science into personalized, preventive medicine.