Aging is an exceptionally complex process that depends on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Previous studies within the International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIWS) component “Immunogenetics of Ageing” showed that longevity is associated with positive selection of HLA-DRB1*11- and DRB1*16-associated haplotypes, shown to be protective against diseases. Within the 18th IHIWS, we aimed to investigate the relevance of telomere length for successful aging and its association with classical HLAs. In total 957 individuals from Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, and Poland in two age groups, elderly individuals (age 65–99 years) and ethnically matched young group (age 18–64 years), were investigated. The obtained results confirmed interpopulation differences in the distribution of HLA alleles, documented the lengths of telomeres in analyzed populations, and demonstrated significant associations of telomere length with aging as well as with the presence of some HLA class I or class II alleles. They suggest that telomere length assessment combined with HLA genotyping may help identify immunogenetic profiles associated with longevity. The associations between HLA and telomeres support the theory that HLA genes influence the aging process. However, further research is needed to clarify the biological basis of the observed relationships.

Background and Objectives: Steatotic liver disease (SLD), formerly non-alcoholic liver disease, affects 25% of the global population, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to explore the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and epigenetic factors in SLD, focusing on their potential as biomarkers for diagnosing and understanding disease mechanisms, particularly in populations exposed to historical nutritional imbalances. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case-control study involving 48 patients diagnosed with liver steatosis, recruited from the Fundeni Clinical Institute. Plasma levels of miR-122, miR-192, miR-33a, and miR-33b were quantified using qRT-PCR. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and t-tests to assess relationships between miRNA levels, age, and classical biomarkers. Results: All patients met at least one criterion for metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with significant findings in miRNA expression. miR-122 levels were significantly lower, and miR-192 levels were significantly higher in high-risk groups compared to controls. Additionally, miR-33a levels were notably lower in the oldest age group. Correlations between miRNAs and classical biomarkers like Fib-4 were strong to moderate. Conclusions: The study confirms the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for SLD, with miR-122, miR-192, and miR-33a showing significant associations with disease severity and patient age. These findings support the hypothesis that epigenetic mechanisms influenced by historical nutritional factors play a crucial role in SLD development. Future research should expand patient cohorts and explore therapeutic interventions targeting miRNA modulation.