Mannan-binding lectin serum levels in 593 healthy Iranian children and adults

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a vital protein of innate immune system and has two critical functions: complement activation through the lectin pathway and opsonization. MBL deficiency has been classified as the most common inherited immunodeficiency known in humans (about 30% of the population), and is associated with predisposition to infections and high risk of some autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of MBL serum level in Iranian healthy population in association with sex and age groups for the first time. We studied the serum concentration of MBL in 593 Iranian healthy cases: 340 males and 235 females in 4 different age groups by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean serum levels of MBL were 3.854 ± 2.77 µg/ml at the age of less than 6 months, 4.147 ± 3.54 µg/ml at 6 months to 2 years of age, 4.410 ± 3.09 µg/ml at 2-6 years and 2.207 ± 1.73 µg/ml in adults. There was significant differences in the mean concentration of MBL among different age groups of children and also between children and adults (p<0.05). No association was observed between sex and MBL concentrations. MBL serum levels of Iranian population seem to be different from some of other populations which may be explained by genetic variations. The MBL values in this study can be used as a normal reference range for future studies in Iranian population.