Activin A as a potential biomarker for preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) and clinical outcomes in community-dwelling adults

Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2024 Nov:126:105539. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105539. Epub 2024 Jun 17.

Abstract

Introduction: This study endeavors to decipher the association between Activin A and PRISm, thereby addressing the potential of Activin A as a serum biomarker for early detection and long-term clinical outcome prediction of PRISm and subsequent all-cause mortality.

Methods: The study sample comprised middle-aged and older adults from the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study. Pulmonary function including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured. Demographic data and laboratory data (including serum Activin A levels) were also collected. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify independent predictors of PRISm and all-cause mortality, respectively.

Results: Among 711 eligible participants, 34 % had PRISm. The risk of PRISm elevated with Activin A levels in group quartiles (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), Q2: 1.606 [95 % CI 0.972-2.652], p = 0.064, Q3: 2.666 [1.635-4.348], p < 0.001, Q4: 3.225 [1.965-5.293], p < 0.001). On the other hand, lower hemoglobin (aOR: 1.122, p = 0.041) and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (aOR: 1.033, p = 0.048) were associated with increased risk of PRISm. In addition, the PRISm group had a higher all-cause mortality rate (non-PRISm 4.5% vs. PRISm 8.3 %, p = 0.038). Multivariate Cox models also identify a higher level of Activin A as a risk factor of all-cause mortality (aHR: 1.001 [1.000-1.003], p = 0.042).

Conclusions: Higher Activin A quartiles were linked to increased risk of PRISm, along with lower hemoglobin and higher BUN levels. Additonally, elevated Activin A was a significant risk factor of all-cause mortality.

Keywords: Activin A; COPD; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; PRISm; Preserved ratio impaired spirometry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activins* / blood
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers* / blood
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Independent Living*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Spirometry*
  • Vital Capacity

Substances

  • Activins
  • Biomarkers
  • activin A