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Open Access 01-02-2012 | Research Article

Human epididymis protein 4 reference limits and natural variation in a Nordic reference population

Authors: Nils Bolstad, Miriam Øijordsbakken, Kjell Nustad, Johan Bjerner

Published in: Tumor Biology | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to establish reference limits for human epididymis protein 4, HE4, and investigate factors influencing HE4 levels in healthy subjects. HE4 was measured in 1,591 samples from the Nordic Reference Interval Project Bio-bank and Database biobank, using the manual HE4 EIA (Fujirebio) for 802 samples and the Architect HE4 (Abbott) for 792 samples. Reference limits were calculated using the statistical software R. The influence of donor characteristics such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, and creatinine on HE4 levels was investigated using a multivariate model. The study showed that age is the main determinant of HE4 in healthy subjects, corresponding to 2% higher HE4 levels at 30 years (compared to 20 years), 9% at 40 years, 20% at 50 years, 37% at 60 years, 63% at 70 years, and 101% at 80 years. HE4 levels are 29% higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. In conclusion, HE4 levels in healthy subjects are associated with age and smoking status. Age-dependent reference limits are suggested.

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Title: Human epididymis protein 4 reference limits and natural variation in a Nordic reference population
Authors: Nils Bolstad
Miriam Øijordsbakken
Kjell Nustad
Johan Bjerner
Publication date: 01-02-2012
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: Tumor Biology / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1010-4283
Electronic ISSN: 1423-0380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13277-011-0256-4

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