Factors influencing serum total tryptase concentrations in a general adult population.
BACKGROUND
Serum tryptase measurements are increasingly being used in clinical practice. However, there is a paucity of studies focused on factors that influence tryptase concentrations. We investigated the relationships between total tryptase concentrations and age, gender, atopy, alcohol consumption, smoking, and common metabolic abnormalities in adults.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study of a random sample from an adult population (n=420, age 18-92 years, 45% males) from a single municipality. Serum total tryptase was measured using a fluoro-enzyme immunoassay.


RESULTS
The median tryptase concentration was 5.1 microg/L (range, <1-30.7 microg/L). There was a significant (p<0.0001) continual increase in tryptase with age; the median concentrations were 4.0 microg/L in 18-30 years old and 6.6 microg/L in those >80 years. Female gender and heavy ethanol use were negatively and independently associated with tryptase concentrations. Tryptase was higher in individuals that were non-atopic, overweight, or had metabolic syndrome compared to individuals that were atopic, normal weight, or did not have the metabolic syndrome. However, these associations were attenuated after adjusting for age.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum total tryptase concentrations in adults are not significantly modified by atopy status, but may be modified by lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption and gender. Serum total tryptase concentrations are particularly dependent on age.
Gonzalez-Quintela
Arturo
A
Department of Internal Medicine, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. arturo.gonzalez.quintela@usc.es
Vizcaino
Luis
L
Gude
Francisco
F
Rey
Jesus
J
Meijide
Luis
L
Fernandez-Merino
Carmen
C
Linneberg
Allan
A
Vidal
Carmen
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking; D053802:Tryptases / Q000097:blood*
D053802:Tryptases