Age and Sex Related Levels of Albumin , Ceruloplasmin , a x Antitrypsin , a ! Acid Glycoprotein , and Transferrin *

Serum levels of albumin (alb), ceruloplasmin (Cp), a ̂ antitrypsin (AT), a r acid glycoprotein (AGP) and transferrin (Ti) were quantitatively deter­ mined by electroimmunodiffusion in 50 normal men and 75 normal women of varying ages. Alb, Cp and Tfare carrier proteins, AT is a protease inhibitor, and AGPs are acute phase reactants, with protective functions in inflamma­ tion. Subjects were grouped as follows: 20 to 44 years, 45 to 54 (an average statistical age at menopause ± 5 years), and over 55. Differences related to sex and age were noted. These values are to serve, however, as controls for studies of rheumatic disorders in which sex and age are significant factors in demography. normal individuals, the m iddle-aged group of persons, by age, was clustered about the average age of menopause (49 years) . 8 This common change in physiol­ ogy was felt to provide a more definitive marker of aging than did classification based on the number of trips around the sun. Three of these glycoproteins are carrier p ro te in s—ceruloplasm in for copper, transferrin for iron, and albumin for drugs, hormones, and many other substances. T hree are acute phase reac tan ts— ceruloplasmin, a j-anti trypsin, and «j-acid glycoprotein. Ceruloplasmin is both a car­ rier and an acute phase protein. All com­ pounds are produced by the liver, differ in composition, and may have additional actions.2,5. Introduction Definition of abnormal by biochemical technique requires definition of normal by similar techniques. For a prospective study of patients with rheumatic disor­ ders, serum levels were determined of albumin (alb), ceruloplasmin (Cp), antitrypsin (AT), «j-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and transferrin (Tf) in 75 normal women and 50 men. In providing age and sex matched controls, information was ob­ tained on effects of aging as well as differ­ ences associated with sex. In categorizing Address reprints to: Charles W. Denko, Ph.D., M.D., Scott Research Laboratory, Fairview General Hospital, 18101 Lorain Avenue, C leveland, OH 44111.