Blood test Breakthrough: Protein Levels Predict Mortality Risk Years in Advance
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A new study reveals that measuring levels of specific proteins in the blood could offer a powerful new way to predict an individualS risk of death, potentially years before it occurs. Researchers at the University of Surrey have identified key protein biomarkers linked to both short-term and long-term mortality, paving the way for earlier interventions and more personalized healthcare.
Unlocking the Protein Code of Life and Death
Scientists have long understood the critical role proteins play in the body – they are vital for growth, development, and the very structure of our cells. But this research, published in PLoS ONE in 2025, demonstrates that alterations in protein levels can serve as a warning system, revealing insights into an individual’s health trajectory.
Analyzing Decades of Data from the UK Biobank
The groundbreaking findings stem from an analysis of data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database containing genetic and health information from over 38,000 middle-aged and older adults. researchers examined blood protein profiles, tracking outcomes for up to 10 years after samples were taken, focusing on instances of non-accidental death. The analysis revealed 392 proteins associated with an increased risk of death within five years, and a further 377 proteins linked to mortality within a decade – even after accounting for lifestyle factors like smoking and pre-existing conditions.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Risk: A Protein Scorecard
the study distinguished between proteins indicative of immediate health threats and those reflecting more gradual,chronic processes. For example, elevated levels of SERPINA1, which protects the lungs from inflammation, were identified as a strong predictor of mortality within five years.This suggests a link between lung health and short-term survival.
However, five proteins consistently signaled mortality risk regardless of the timeframe, suggesting they are involved in fundamental biological processes that lead to severe health outcomes. Notably, increased levels of SERPINA3 have been previously associated with lower survival rates in various types of skin cancer and carcinomas.
“Certain blood proteins reflect more gradual, chronic processes that affect long term survival whilst others are reflective of more immediate, acute health risks, like troponin for heart disease,” noted Natalia Koziar, a PhD candidate at the University of Surrey and lead author of the study. “the new information could be useful to clinicians in creating a scorecard of protein levels that help to identify individuals most at risk of developing conditions with poor outcomes.”
implications for Early Intervention and Healthcare costs
The potential benefits of this research extend beyond individual risk assessment. Early identification of at-risk individuals could enable targeted interventions and personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving lifespan and quality of life. Furthermore, proactive healthcare could lead to notable cost savings by reducing the need for expensive, long-term care.
“Early interventions have beneficial health economic effects by lowering the need for long-term and costly care,” explained Professor Nophar Geifman, Professor of Health and biomedical Informatics at the University of Surrey.
Researchers found that proteins involved in cell communication, cell proliferation, and inflammation were particularly predictive of mortality within five years. This highlights the importance of these biological processes in the development of life-threatening conditions.
This study represents a significant step forward in predictive medicine, offering a glimpse into a future where blood tests can provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s health trajectory and empower clinicians to intervene before it’s too late.
Source: Koziar, N., et al. (2025). A plasma-based protein signature association with all-cause mortality. plos ONE. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336845. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0336845
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