Associations of Fas (CD95), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), and biochemical manifestations in elderly persons

Abstract

Background This study investigated the relationships of soluble Fas (CD95) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) vs. biochemical manifestations. Methods Serum concentrations of soluble Fas, TRAIL, and biochemical parameters were measured in 171 healthy adults. Results There were no significant age- and gender-related differences in Fas and TRAIL concentrations. However, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (AST, ALT, and GGT) activities were significantly higher in men with Fas ≥ 429.5 and TRAIL ≥ 63.2 pg/ml than in those with Fas < 429.5 and TRAIL < 63.2 pg/ml (26.8 ± 10.9, 33.2 ± 14.6, and 79.2 ± 46.9 IU/l vs. 17.6 ± 4.6, 20.4 ± 7.8, and 35.3 ± 21.3 IU/l, p < 0.05, respectively). Serum triglyceride, total protein, and uric acid concentrations averaged 172.8 ± 58.4 mg/dl, 7.8 ± 0.3 g/dl, and 4.8 ± 1.1 mg/dl in women with Fas ≥ 352.1 and TRAIL ≥ 64.9 pg/ml, which were significantly above the values of those with Fas < 352.1 and TRAIL < 64.9 pg/ml (116.9 ± 49.2 mg/dl, 7.4 ± 0.3 g/dl, and 3.7 ± 0.7 mg/dl, p < 0.05, respectively). Serum soluble Fas concentrations correlated significantly with AST ( r = 0.36, p < 0.05), ALT ( r = 0.30, p < 0.05), and GGT ( r = 0.29, p < 0.05) in men and triglyceride ( r = 0.34, p < 0.05), protein ( r = 0.27, p < 0.05), and uric acid levels ( r = 0.41, p < 0.05) in women. Conclusion Apoptotic activity seems to have an important relationship to biochemical parameters, especially hepatic enzymes, total protein, triglyceride, and uric acid in elderly persons.