Changes in lecithin concentrations in human blood with aging

Abstract

Lecithin, a phospholipid and major cell membrane component, was measured across age groups. Plasma and whole blood lecithin concentrations measured in 1,594 subjects (ages 0.6-90 years) using commercially available enzymatic spectrophotometric kit. Participants divided into four aging groups: children (0-12 years), adolescents (13-20 years), work-active (21-60 years), and older adults (>60 years). The plasma LC of all males (397) were very similar to those of females (410) (mean 3.01±0.91 mmol/l, and 2.99±1.02 mmol/l, respectively). Plasma lecithin increased with aging in both genders. Whole blood lecithin increased with age in males; in women it decreased in work-active and older groups without statistical significance. Lecithin ratios between plasma and whole blood remained approximately 1:2 across all aging groups.