The effect of age on the relationship between plasma elastase and ingested lipid

In human subjects ranging in age from 57 to 99 years the elastase content of the plasma increased following the ingestion of a lipid-rich meal. Animal experiments have shown that peak elastase levels are attained after 3 to 4 hours, which are similar to the appearance of peak levels of triglyceride. The difference between the postprandial and fasting levels of elastase is age-dependent, being greatest among the lowest ages studied and falling exponentially at ages above 65-70. Since it has already been shown that individuals aged 65-75 with high fasting levels of plasma elastase are less likely to survive into their ninth or tenth decades it is suggested that the measurement of the increase in elastase associated with the intake of a lipid-rich meal can provide an acceptable indication of survival potential.