title: Human epididymis protein 4 reference limits and natural variation in a Nordic reference population.
abstract: The objectives of this study are to establish reference limits for human epididymis protein 4, HE4, and investigate factors influencing HE4 levels in healthy subjects. HE4 was measured in 1,591 samples from the Nordic Reference Interval Project Bio-bank and Database biobank, using the manual HE4 EIA (Fujirebio) for 802 samples and the Architect HE4 (Abbott) for 792 samples. Reference limits were calculated using the statistical software R. The influence of donor characteristics such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, and creatinine on HE4 levels was investigated using a multivariate model. The study showed that age is the main determinant of HE4 in healthy subjects, corresponding to 2% higher HE4 levels at 30 years (compared to 20 years), 9% at 40 years, 20% at 50 years, 37% at 60 years, 63% at 70 years, and 101% at 80 years. HE4 levels are 29% higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. In conclusion, HE4 levels in healthy subjects are associated with age and smoking status. Age-dependent reference limits are suggested.
authors: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, 0310 Oslo, Norway. Nils.Bolstad@ous-hf.no
authors: Nils
authors: N
authors: Bolstad
authors: Miriam
authors: M
authors: Øijordsbakken
authors: Kjell
authors: K
authors: Nustad
authors: Johan
authors: J
authors: Bjerner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012016:Reference Values; D012984:Software; D000081102:WAP Four-Disulfide Core Domain Protein 2; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins; D000081102:WAP Four-Disulfide Core Domain Protein 2; C569698:WFDC2 protein, human