Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
10:07
Immunostaining-Based Detection of Dynamic Alterations in Red Blood Cell Proteins
Published on: March 17, 2023
2.2K
Association Between Variation in Red Cell Size and Multiple Aging-Related Outcomes
Kyoung Min Kim1,2, Li-Yung Lui1,2, Warren S Browner2,3
1San Francisco Coordinating Center, California.
Summary
Increased red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of red blood cell size variation, is linked to poorer physical function and increased frailty in older men. This suggests RDW may serve as a valuable biomarker for biological aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Hematology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) measures variation in red blood cell size.
- Aging is associated with various degenerative conditions.
- The potential of RDW as a marker for biological aging requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if greater red cell distribution width (RDW) predicts aging-related degenerative conditions.
- To evaluate RDW as a potential marker of biological aging.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 3,635 community-dwelling older men (Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study).
- RDW categorized into four groups.
- Assessment of functional limitations, frailty, physical performance, cognitive function, falls, hospitalizations, and mortality over an average of 8.3 years.
Main Results:
- Higher RDW correlated with reduced strength, slower walking speed, and poorer cognitive function.
- Increased RDW was associated with higher prevalence and incidence of functional limitations and frailty.
- Elevated RDW predicted increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Greater variability in red blood cell size (RDW) is significantly associated with multiple adverse aging-related outcomes.
- RDW shows potential as a valuable biomarker for assessing biological aging.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Aging
482
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
482
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
3.1K
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
3.1K
01:24Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis
4.9K
The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...
4.9K
01:00Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
97
Drug distribution in the human body is influenced by several factors, including plasma protein concentration, body composition, blood flow, tissue-protein concentration, and tissue fluid pH. Among these, changes in plasma protein concentration and body composition due to aging significantly affect how drugs are distributed within the body. Specifically, aging is associated with a decrease in albumin levels by about 10% and an increase in α1-acid glycoprotein levels. These alterations are...
97
01:27Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
120
Age-related pharmacokinetic changes are extensively documented, but understanding age-related pharmacodynamic alterations is relatively limited. This knowledge gap can be partly attributed to the complexity of developing appropriate measures of drug responses compared to bioanalytical methods for determining drug concentrations.Most information regarding age-related differences in human pharmacodynamics originates from cross-sectional studies. However, these studies assume that observed mean...
120
01:15Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
131
Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...
131