Biochemical clusters predict mortality and reported inability to work 10 ​years later

Area of Science:

• Biomedical science
• Endocrinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chronic systemic inflammation is linked to premature mortality and impaired health.
• Three biochemical clusters of endocrine and immune parameters were previously identified.
• A high-risk cluster (high inflammation, low cortisol/creatinine) showed the highest disease burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine if the high-risk cluster predicts mortality 10 years after biomarker assessment.
• To determine if the high-risk cluster predicts inability to work due to health issues.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal analysis of health data from 1234 individuals.
• Logistic regression to predict mortality and general linear models for work disability.
• Covariates included biological sex, disease burden, and age.

Main Results:

• Individuals in the high-risk cluster had a 22% mortality rate versus 10-9% in other clusters.
• The high-risk cluster significantly predicted mortality independently of age and disease burden (p=.012).
• High-risk individuals reported more disability days (3.4) compared to reference clusters (1.5, 1.0).

Conclusions:

• Immune-endocrine profiles predict mortality and work disability beyond age and disease burden.
• Biomarker-based risk profiling is crucial for preventive medicine.
• These findings may identify new intervention targets for health transitions.