Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor level in individuals of advanced age

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker whose clinical value has been tested in various groups of patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the suPAR level in a previously uninvestigated population of 182, generally healthy, community-dwelling seniors aged 74-89 years. In addition to suPAR level, selected laboratory parameters of heart and kidney function, lipid and C-reactive protein levels were determined. A group of 45 younger individuals aged 24-66 years was used for comparison. The seniors had higher suPAR levels than younger controls: 3.79 ng/mL (95% CI 3.64-3.96 ng/mL) vs. 3.16 ng/mL (95% CI 2.86-3.45 ng/mL). These levels increased further with advancing age, and were similar in women and men. A multiple regression model confirmed that biomarker level was related to cardiac function, renal function and inflammation, and this remained after adjusting for age. These correlation patterns were similar in older women and men.