Aspirin esterases in North-West Indians: the influence of age and nutrition

OBJECTIVE: To determine the activity of aspirin esterases in North-West Indian population and to find the effect of age and nutrition on it. SUBJECTS, MATERIAL AND METHODS: The serum albumin, plasma cholinesterase (PChE), aspirin esterase (ASPES) and phenyl acetate esterase (PAE) were determined in 175 subjects: young (< 40 years) and healthy (BMI > 19) = 74; elderly (> 50 years) and healthy (BMI > 19) = 32; young (< 40 years) and emaciated (BMI < 19) = 44; elderly (> 50 years) and emaciated (BMI < 19) = 25). RESULTS: The serum albumin levels significantly decreased with increase in age (r = -0.384, p < 0.01) and with decrease in body mass index (r = 0.457, p < 0.01). When the activity of esterases in four groups was compared, the PAE activity was not found to be affected by age or nutrition and the ASPES and PChE activity were significantly lower only in elderly emaciated (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: As elderly emaciated have decreased serum albumin, ASPES and PChE activity, they may need a lower dose of aspirin to achieve the desired antiplatelet and analgesic effect. The young emaciated subjects, in spite of their lower serum albumin levels, may not require a lower dose of aspirin.