Elevated Alpha-1 Antitrypsin And C-Reactive Protein: Association On All-Cause And Cause-Specific Mortality In Older Adults
Scientists are constantly looking for ways to predict health outcomes and identify individuals at higher risk for various conditions. A recent study focused on two important proteins in our blood: alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) and C-reactive protein (CRP). AAT is a protective protein that helps control inflammation in the body, while CRP is a general marker of inflammation.
Researchers followed a large group of older adults for over a decade to understand how the levels of these proteins relate to their risk of death. They discovered that individuals with consistently high levels of AAT had a significantly increased likelihood of dying from any cause. This increased risk was present even when accounting for other factors, and surprisingly, was independent of high CRP levels. However, the risk was even greater when both AAT and CRP levels were elevated, suggesting a compounded effect.
These findings suggest that elevated AAT, beyond its known role in specific deficiencies, could serve as an important indicator of biological aging and overall mortality risk in older populations. Understanding these protein levels might help doctors better assess an individual’s long-term health prospects and identify those who could benefit from closer monitoring or targeted interventions.
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