Clinical Correlates and Reference Intervals for Cystatin C in a Han Population from Southeast China
Insights
This study established reference intervals for serum Cystatin C (CysC), a kidney function marker, in Chinese adults. Serum CysC levels are influenced by age, gender, and other biochemical factors.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Biomarkers
- Nephrology
Background:
- Serum Cystatin C (CysC) is a key endogenous filtration marker for assessing kidney function.
- Defining accurate reference intervals (RIs) is crucial for reliable clinical interpretation.
- Previous RIs may not be applicable to diverse populations, necessitating local validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish population-specific reference intervals for serum CysC in southeast Chinese adults.
- To identify clinical and biochemical factors influencing serum CysC levels in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 532 healthy adults (18-79 years) from Guangzhou, China, was recruited.
- Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was employed to examine associations between serum CysC and various factors.
- Reference values were determined using a parametric method adhering to CLSI C28-A3 guidelines.
Main Results:
- Serum CysC levels were significantly lower in females than males and increased with age.
- Serum CysC showed significant correlations with serum creatinine (Cr), HDL-C, ALP, ALB, and UA.
- Age- and gender-specific RIs for serum CysC were established: 0.73-1.17 mg/L (18-49 years) and 0.73-1.49 mg/L (50-79 years).
Conclusions:
- Population-specific reference intervals for serum CysC were successfully established for southeast Chinese adults.
- Serum CysC levels are influenced not only by age and gender but also by serum Cr, HDL-C, ALP, ALB, and UA.
- These findings support the use of localized RIs for more accurate kidney function assessment using CysC.
Background:
Cystatin C (CysC) is an endogenous filtration marker for estimation of kidney function. This study aimed to define the reference interval (RI) for serum CysC in a southeast Chinese adult population and to explore the variables that affect serum CysC levels.
Methods:
532 reference individuals (259 male, 273 female, aged 18 - 79 years) were recruited from Guangzhou, China. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to investigate the association between serum CysC levels and clinical factors including age, gender, body mass index, lifestyle, and biochemistry parameters. Reference values were defined using a parametric method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guideline (C28A3).
Results:
The mean serum CysC levels were significantly lower in females than in males (p < 0.001). Serum CysC levels increased with age (~0.047 mg/L increase per decade). MRA demonstrated that serum CysC levels correlated significantly with serum creatinine (Cr), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), and uric acid (UA) concentrations, although their relationships were less prominent than those of gender or age. The RIs for serum CysC levels were calculated at 0.73 - 1.17 mg/L for subjects aged 18 - 49 years and at 0.73 - 1.49 mg/L for those aged 50 - 79 years.
Conclusions:
The RIs for serum CysC were established in a southeast Chinese population. In addition to gender and age, serum Cr, HDL-C, ALP, ALB, and UA also influenced serum CysC levels.
