Alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein, age, and sex in mood disorders

Serum alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AAG) reportedly can increase with age in the normal population, especially among women. In 33 patients with unipolar major depression or bipolar disorder, serum AAG was measured by age. The authors noted a positive association with age, particularly in depressed female patients (n=18; r(s)=0.61; P<0.01). The authors discuss implications for drug pharmacokinetics. Investigation of AAG in mood disorders needs to take age and sex into consideration.