NMR spectroscopy derived plasma biomarkers of inflammation in human populations: Influences of age, sex and adiposity
2025

NMR Spectroscopy Biomarkers of Inflammation in Humans

Sample size: 478 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lodge Samantha, Masuda Reika, Nitschke Philipp, Beilby John P., Hui Jennie, Hunter Michael, Yeap Bu B., Millet Oscar, Wist Julien, Nicholson Jeremy K., Holmes Elaine

Primary Institution: Australian National Phenome Center and Center for Computational and Systems Medicine, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Hypothesis

How do age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) influence inflammatory markers in human populations?

Conclusion

The study found significant differences in inflammatory markers based on sex and BMI, suggesting that these factors should be considered when evaluating inflammation.

Supporting Evidence

  • SPC2 was significantly higher in women across all age ranges by an average of 33.7%.
  • GlycB levels were significantly higher for women in all BMI classes.
  • SPC2 was found to be inversely associated with BMI.
  • SPC1 and SPC3 were less affected by BMI changes.
  • Men and women should be modeled independently for NMR-determined inflammatory biomarkers.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different factors like age, gender, and weight affect markers in our blood that show inflammation, which can help doctors understand health better.

Methodology

The study used 1H NMR spectroscopy to measure inflammatory markers in blood plasma from two cohorts in Australia and Spain.

Potential Biases

The study may not account for variations in inflammatory markers across different ethnicities and health backgrounds.

Limitations

The study's cohorts were predominantly white and may not represent other ethnic groups; also, the number of younger participants was limited.

Participant Demographics

The study included 478 healthy participants, predominantly white, aged 20-70, with a BMI under 30.

Statistical Information

P-Value

3.46x10-43

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0311975

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