Plasma proteome study of 99 healthy people links age to IGF-1, DHEA-S and Cystatin C
In a cross-sectional cohort of 99 healthy people aged 18–90, an integrated plasma proteome and clinical blood analysis found strong age-associated correlations for IGF-1, DHEA-S and Cystatin C and an eight-marker signature separating younger from older individuals. Variability was age-dependent. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The study was a cross-sectional cohort of 99 healthy individuals aged 18–90 recruited within the national "RUSS-AGE" project. [1]
Strong age-associated correlations were found for Somatomedin C (IGF-1), DHEA-S and Cystatin C (CST3). [1]
Protein levels peaked in variability at ages 28–45, while most clinical parameters showed maximal dispersion at 61–80 years. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Cross-sectional cohort study (abstract).
- Population / context
- 99 healthy individuals aged 18–90 years recruited within the national "RUSS-AGE" project.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Publication status
- Preprint · peer-review status not confirmed
- Original publication
- August 12, 2026
99 healthy volunteers aged 18–90 in RUSS-AGE
The abstract describes a cross-sectional cohort of 99 healthy individuals aged 18–90 years, systematically recruited within the national "RUSS-AGE" project. Plasma proteomic profiling used targeted Selected Reaction Monitoring mass spectrometry with 49 stable isotope-labelled standards, alongside comprehensive clinical biochemistry tests. Because the design is cross-sectional, measurements reflect a single time point per person; the abstract reports no follow-up.
Supporting source [1]
Age-associated markers and an eight-marker signature
The population-level analysis identified strong age-associated correlations for Somatomedin C (IGF-1), Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) and Cystatin C (CST3). The authors also defined an eight-marker signature that, using machine-learning models, reliably distinguished younger from older individuals. They interpret this signature as indicating a systemic shift from a metabolically active, protective state toward chronic inflammation and reduced resilience, aligning with established hallmarks of aging. These are associations in a cross-sectional sample, not evidence of causation or of effects on lifespan.
Supporting source [1]
Variability peaked at different ages for proteins and clinical parameters
The abstract reports that inter-individual variability of measured parameters was age-dependent. Protein levels showed peak variability in the 28–45 age group, while most clinical parameters showed maximal dispersion later in life (61–80 years). The authors note that some older individuals maintain a molecular profile typical of younger population norms, and vice versa. They conclude that integrative plasma proteomic and clinical blood analysis reveals molecular heterogeneity of human aging and may inform future strategies for monitoring and promoting healthy aging on an individualized basis.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. The design is cross-sectional with no reported follow-up, so associations cannot establish causation or effects on lifespan. The sample is 99 healthy volunteers from one national project, and the eight-marker signature is a research finding, not a validated clinical test.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Sarygina E, Blinova V, Gordeeva A, Kliuchnikova A, Kozlova A, Tarbeeva S, Abdurahimov A, Ilgisonis E, Novikova S, Zgoda V, Lisitsa A, Gusev A, Strazhesko I, Churov A, Tkacheva O, Govorun V, Archakov A, Ponomarenko E. · europepmc.org · August 12, 2026