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Determination of serum cystatin C: biological variation and reference values
M M Galteau1, M Guyon, R Gueguen
1Laboratoire de Biologie Clinique, Centre de Médecine Preventive, Vandoeuvre-Lès-Nancy, France. galteau@cmp.u-nancy.fr
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|October 17, 2001
Summary
This study establishes reference values for serum cystatin C in healthy individuals aged 4-79. Cystatin C levels increase with age over 60, highlighting its potential as a glomerular filtration rate marker.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Biomarkers
- Nephrology
Background:
- Human cystatin C, a low molecular weight protein, is a potential alternative to creatinine for assessing glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- Establishing reliable reference values for cystatin C is crucial for accurate interpretation across diverse patient populations.
- Previous studies have indicated potential influences on cystatin C levels, necessitating a comprehensive reference range study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and define reference values for serum cystatin C concentrations in a healthy French population.
- To investigate the influence of age, gender, hormonal status, and lifestyle factors on cystatin C levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum cystatin C concentrations were measured in 1223 healthy subjects aged 4 to 79 years using a particle-enhanced nephelometric assay.
- Subjects were recruited from the Centre for Preventive Medicine in Vandoeuvre-Lès-Nancy, France.
- Statistical analyses, including multiple regression, were employed to assess correlations with various factors.
Main Results:
- Serum cystatin C concentrations exhibited a Gaussian distribution.
- No significant effects of age or gender were observed in children; hormonal status and alcohol intake did not influence levels.
- Adult females below 60 had slightly lower cystatin C than males. Levels significantly increased in both sexes above 60 years.
- Moderate, non-biologically significant correlations were found with body mass index and smoking.
- Established reference values: children (4-19 yrs) 0.75±0.089 mg/l; adult males (20-59 yrs) 0.74±0.100 mg/l; adult females (20-59 yrs) 0.65±0.085 mg/l; individuals ≥60 yrs 0.83±0.103 mg/l.
Conclusions:
- This study provides robust reference values for serum cystatin C in a healthy population.
- Age is a significant factor, with levels increasing post-60 years, likely due to age-related decline in renal function.
- These reference values are essential for the accurate clinical application of cystatin C as a GFR marker.