The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm has reported that the risk of developing multiple chronic diseases increases with age. Researchers note that many age-related diseases share common causes: the body gradually depletes its energy reserves, cellular functions age, inflammation increases, and the balance of energy production in mitochondria is disrupted. The researchers identified seven laboratory indicators that may signal a high risk of developing multiple diseases in their early stages. The research is based on long-term data from the SNAC-K study, in which elderly people have undergone regular check-ups since 2001. The study involved 2,247 participants, and over the next 15 years, many of them developed multiple chronic diseases. The researchers found seven indicators closely linked to the development of multiple conditions. These include the GDF15 protein, a stress protein that rises when mitochondrial function is impaired; cystatin C, an indicator of kidney function and a marker for cardiovascular disease risk; HbA1c value, an indicator of glucose metabolism disorder; leptin and insulin, important markers for fat and glucose metabolism; light neurofilament chain (NfL), which indicates brain cell death and is associated with an increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders; it was also found that high levels of the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) enzyme and low albumin levels lead to faster disease progression, possibly due to impaired liver function. The researchers emphasized that these laboratory indicators make it possible to identify individuals at high risk through simple blood tests, allowing for future early intervention.
