Association Between Variation in Red Cell Size and Multiple Aging-Related Outcomes.

Association Between Variation in Red Cell Size and Multiple Aging-Related Outcomes. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences Kim, K. M., Lui, L. Y., Browner, W. S., Cauley, J. A., Ensrud, K. E., Kado, D. M., Orwoll, E. S., Schousboe, J. T., Cummings, S. R. 2021; 76 (7): 1288-1294

Abstract

We tested whether greater variation in red blood cell size, measured by red cell distribution width (RDW), may predict aging-related degenerative conditions and therefore, serve as a marker of biological aging.Three thousand six hundred and thirty-five community-dwelling older men were enrolled in the prospective Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. RDW was categorized into 4 groups (=13.0%, 13.1%-14.0%, 14.1%-15.0%, and =15.1%). Functional limitations, frailty, strength, physical performance, and cognitive function were measured at baseline and 7.4 years later. Falls were recorded in the year after baseline; hospitalizations were obtained for 2 years after baseline. Mortality was assessed during a mean of 8.3 years of follow-up.Participants with greater variability in red cell size were weaker, walked more slowly, and had a worse cognitive function. They were more likely to have functional limitations (35.2% in the highest RDW category vs 16.0% in the lowest, p < .001) and frailty (30.3% vs 11.3%, p < .001). Those with greater variability in red cell size were more likely to develop new functional limitations and to become frail. The risk of having 2 or more falls was also greater (highest 19.2% vs lowest 10.3%, p < .001). The risk of hospitalization was higher in those with the highest variability (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.8 [1.3-2.5]) compared with the lowest. Variability in red cell size was related to total and cause-specific mortality.Greater variability in red cell size is associated with diverse aging-related outcomes, suggesting that it may have potential value as a marker for biological aging.

View details for DOI 10.1093/gerona/glaa217

View details for PubMedID 32894755

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8202142