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| Photo Credit: Akram Huseyn |
Elevated levels of five proteins in our blood can help predict risk of mortality, a new study from the University of Surrey finds. Scientists believe the proteins (PLAUR, SERPINA3, CRIM1, DDR1 and LTBP2), that play key roles in the development of diseases such as cancer and inflammation, may also contribute to the risk of dying. Findings could help clinicians identify individuals most at risk from mortality and lead to earlier medical interventions.
The study also discovered 392 proteins associated with an increased risk of death within a 5-year timeframe and a further 377 proteins associated with dying within 10 years, even when adjusting for health and lifestyle factors, such as smoking or pre-existing disease diagnoses. Proteins perform a wide range of essential functions in the body and are vital for growth, development, and the structure of every cell.
Using data from the UK Biobank, scientists analyzed blood protein profiles from over 38,000 middle aged and older adults, some of whom had suffered non-accidental death, within a 5- or 10-year period after blood samples were taken. The aim of the study was to determine if the risk for early non-accidental mortality is reflected by levels of circulating blood proteins.
Scientists found that proteins responsible for cells communicating with each other, increasing the number of cells, and processes of inflammation, were most predictive of mortality within 5 years. For example, high levels of the protein (SERPINA1), responsible for protecting the lungs against certain enzymes, which cause inflammation, were identified as being a strong predictor of 5-year mortality.
It was also uncovered that five proteins were key indicators of mortality regardless of the timeframe. This suggests that these proteins play key roles in biological processes that result in conditions with poor outcomes. For example, elevated levels of SERPINA3 are associated with lower survival rates in several types of skin cancer and carcinomas.
Natalia Koziar, a PhD candidate at the University of Surrey and lead author, said:
“Certain blood proteins reflect more gradual, chronic processes that affect long term survival whilst others are reflective of more immediate, acute health risks, like troponin for heart disease. The new information could be useful to clinicians in creating a scorecard of protein levels that help to identify individuals most at risk of developing conditions with poor outcomes.”
Published in journal: PLoS One.
Title: A plasma-based protein signature association with all-cause mortality
Authors: Natalia Koziar, Anthony D. Whetton, and Nophar Geifman
Source/Credit: University of Surrey
Reference Number: bmed112425_01