Trace elements and carrier proteins in the aged.
Serum level of trace elements can be used as a marker for diagnosis and management of diseases. We evaluated the effects of age, sex and diurnal rhythm on serum concentration of Cu, Fe, Zn and their carrier proteins. The subjects (N=336) were participants of the randomized multidisciplinary Berlin Aging Study (BASE), stratified for age (70-103 yrs) and sex. There is no diurnal variation for the carrier proteins coeruloplasmin, transferrin and albumin. The age-related decline of these proteins is not significant. Not only serum Fe but also Zn levels undergo a progressive decrease during the day. In the aged the serum concentration of both trace elements decreased, but the most important changes are diurnal variations. To avoid mistakes in the interpretation of clinical findings, so called time-quantified reference values are recommended.
Fimmel
S
S
Borchelt
M
M
Kage
A
A
Köttgen
E
E