Fig. 1

Analytical framework for the present study. DNAm, DNA methylation. Numbers represent sequence of hierarchical regression models. Models 1-4 were multivariable linear regressions of age acceleration on the groups of risk factors. Model 5 was multivariable binomial and ordinal logistic regressions of metabolic syndrome and severity on age acceleration and all risk factors. Model 5 was tested with and without inclusion of body mass index as a potential confounder. Metabolic syndrome is a binary variable where the presence of any three of high blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, low high-density lipoprotein, high triglycerides, and central obesity was considered positive, and otherwise, negative. Metabolic syndrome severity is an ordinal variable with a range of 0–5 capturing the number of metabolic syndrome components in each participant