Associations of Fas (CD95), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), and biochemical manifestations in elderly persons.

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the relationships of soluble Fas (CD95) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) vs. biochemical manifestations.

METHODS

Serum concentrations of soluble Fas, TRAIL, and biochemical parameters were measured in 171 healthy adults.

RESULTS

There were no significant age- and gender-related differences in Fas and TRAIL concentrations. However, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (AST, ALT, and GGT) activities were significantly higher in men with Fas > or =429.5 and TRAIL > or =63.2 pg/ml than in those with Fas <429.5 and TRAIL <63.2 pg/ml (26.8+/-10.9, 33.2+/-14.6, and 79.2+/-46.9 IU/l vs. 17.6+/-4.6, 20.4+/-7.8, and 35.3+/-21.3 IU/l, p<0.05, respectively). Serum triglyceride, total protein, and uric acid concentrations averaged 172.8+/-58.4 mg/dl, 7.8+/-0.3 g/dl, and 4.8+/-1.1 mg/dl in women with Fas > or =352.1 and TRAIL > or =64.9 pg/ml, which were significantly above the values of those with Fas <352.1 and TRAIL <64.9 pg/ml (116.9+/-49.2 mg/dl, 7.4+/-0.3 g/dl, and 3.7+/-0.7 mg/dl, p<0.05, respectively). Serum soluble Fas concentrations correlated significantly with AST (r=0.36, p<0.05), ALT (r=0.30, p<0.05), and GGT (r=0.29, p<0.05) in men and triglyceride (r=0.34, p<0.05), protein (r=0.27, p<0.05), and uric acid levels (r=0.41, p<0.05) in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Apoptotic activity seems to have an important relationship to biochemical parameters, especially hepatic enzymes, total protein, triglyceride, and uric acid in elderly persons.