BU Study Links Bile Acid, Steroid to Extreme Longevity

Researchers discover unique blood metabolite patterns in centenarians that diverge from normal aging

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:48am

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A new study from Boston University's Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has found that centenarians have distinct blood metabolite patterns compared to non-centenarians, including higher levels of certain bile acids and preserved levels of several steroids. The researchers believe these metabolic 'fingerprints' could serve as biomarkers to estimate biological age and identify pathways that contribute to healthy longevity.

Why it matters

Understanding the unique metabolic signatures of centenarians could lead to the development of tests and interventions to help people stay healthier and more active as they age. The findings provide insights into the biological mechanisms behind extreme longevity, which is driven by a combination of protective genetic factors and healthy lifestyles.

The details

The researchers collected blood samples from 213 people - 70 centenarians, their children, and age-matched controls - and measured levels of approximately 1,495 small molecules in the serum. They found that centenarians had distinctly higher levels of certain primary and secondary bile acids, as well as preserved levels of several steroids, patterns that diverged from the typical age trends seen in non-centenarians. These metabolite patterns were linked to lower death risk in the study participants.

  • The study was conducted by researchers at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.
  • The blood samples were collected from participants in the New England Centenarian Study, one of the largest studies of long-lived individuals in North America.

The players

Stefano Monti

Professor of medicine at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the corresponding author of the study.

Thomas Perls

Professor of medicine at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the leader of the New England Centenarian Study.

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What they’re saying

“Our study points to measurable chemical fingerprints in the blood that are associated with living a very long and healthy life. If we can understand those fingerprints, we may identify biological pathways that could contribute to protecting people from age-related decline.”

— Stefano Monti, Professor of medicine

“We hope this study helps point to measurable metabolic signs of healthy aging that can be tracked and targeted. However, the study's cross-sectional design means we cannot yet determine cause and effect, and these findings need validation in larger, diverse populations. Ultimately, our goal is to translate these insights into tests and safe interventions that help people stay healthier and more active for longer.”

— Stefano Monti, Professor of medicine

What’s next

The researchers plan to validate their findings in larger, more diverse populations and investigate the specific biological pathways identified as potential targets for therapies or dietary interventions to promote healthy aging.

The takeaway

This study provides valuable insights into the unique metabolic signatures of centenarians, which could lead to the development of new biomarkers and interventions to help people maintain their health and vitality as they age. The discovery of measurable 'fingerprints' of extreme longevity opens up new avenues for research and clinical applications aimed at extending the healthspan.