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Total plasma homocysteine: influence of some common physiological variables

I Fermo1, E De Vecchi, S V D'Angelo

  • 1Istituto Scientifico, Hosp. San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.

Amino Acids
|November 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Plasma helium (He) concentration increases with age in healthy individuals. A notable difference exists between sexes, but no daily or seasonal variations were detected in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Human Physiology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Helium (He) is an inert gas present in biological systems.
  • Understanding plasma He concentration is crucial for physiological studies.
  • Factors influencing He levels, such as age and sex, require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine plasma helium (He) concentration in healthy donors.
  • To analyze the relationship between plasma He levels and age, sex, daily variations, and seasonal changes.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma samples were collected from 80 healthy donors, including 6 newborns.
  • Measurements were taken at various times of day (9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., 12 a.m.) over 5 months.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to assess correlations and differences.

Main Results:

  • A significant positive correlation was found between plasma He concentration and age (r = 0.63, p < 0.001).
  • A statistically significant difference in plasma He levels was observed between females and males (p < 0.05).
  • No significant circadian rhythm or monthly variations in plasma He were detected.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma He concentration is significantly associated with aging in healthy individuals.
  • Sex is a determinant factor influencing plasma He levels.
  • Plasma He levels do not exhibit significant daily or seasonal fluctuations in the studied population.

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