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The Importance of Correct Protein Concentration for Kinetics and Affinity Determination in Structure-function Analysis
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[Protein binding of cephems in the elderly]

M Kuroyama1, S Motohashi, S Murase

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Kitasato University Hospital.

Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. Japanese Journal of Geriatrics
|November 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Elderly individuals exhibit reduced protein binding of cephalosporins, increasing free drug levels. This may lead to enhanced drug effects and adverse reactions in older patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Geriatrics
  • Biochemistry

Context:

  • Serum protein binding influences drug efficacy and safety.
  • Aging can alter physiological parameters affecting drug disposition.
  • Cephalosporins are a class of widely used antibiotics.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the impact of aging on the serum protein binding of 12 cephalosporins.
  • To compare protein binding in young versus elderly healthy subjects.
  • To explore potential reasons for age-related changes in cephalosporin binding.

Summary:

  • Serum protein binding of 12 cephalosporins was evaluated in young and elderly healthy adults using equilibrium dialysis.
  • Elderly subjects showed significantly lower protein binding for these cephalosporins compared to younger subjects.
  • This reduction is potentially due to decreased serum albumin and altered fatty acid profiles in the elderly, leading to higher free drug concentrations.

Impact:

  • The decreased protein binding in elderly individuals may result in increased pharmacological effects and a higher incidence of adverse reactions.
  • Clinical consideration of age-related changes in protein binding is crucial for optimizing cephalosporin therapy in the elderly.
  • Further research into age-specific dosing strategies for cephalosporins is warranted.

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