The Aging Related Dynamics of Red Blood Cell Indices

Tseregmaa Ts; Munkhtsetseg J; Lkhagvasuren Ts

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Aging is a complex process, where all organ systems can be affected at different stages, with different speed. There are many external and internal factors influencing to the aging and some parameters are changing during aging. These parameters are called as biomarkers of aging. One of potential biomarkers is blood red cell count and its indices. Aim of the study To study the dynamic features of red blood cell indices during aging of Mongolians. Materials and

methods:

To the study were enrolled 338 healthy people aged 35-88 years. Present research was implemented at HSUM and district health centers geriatric cabinets. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the HSUM, and written informed consent was obtained from all study participants. Venous blood was flown in EDTA containing tube, after which hematology indices were analyzed by cell counter Humacount. In this paper we introduced the red cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelet cell count. Results and

discussion:

Red blood cell count was higher in man than women, like hemoglobin concentration (150.5535.3g/l for man, 131.4432.58g/l for women). Red blood cell count increases with aging until 65 against hemoglobin concentration which decreases with aging (r=-0.275, =0.001). Mean corpuscular volume of erythrocyte were 85.024.73fL in man, 83.055.2fL in women and it was significantly increasing with aging in both sexes. The main reasons for the increase of hematocrit are increased number of erythrocyte and MCV, but it has sex different features. In man the MCV was strong factor, where erythrocyte count had higher influence on hematocrit increase of female. MCH and MCHC were higher in man, but has stronger inverse correlation with aging (r=-0.556, p=0.000). In discussion were mentioned that the red blood cell indices had specific dynamic features correlated with aging, especially in man, which was explained by testosterone secretion and its decline during aging. Biologically women have higher adaptation capacity during aging due to physiological processes like menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Platelet number was decreasing in both sexes, which can be a major cause of hemorrhagic syndrome in geriatric practice.

Conclusion:

Red blood cell indices (RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet) have an age specific features during aging and results of this study could be an useful information for geriatricians and medical professionals who work or intend to work with elderly.