The Association Between Anion Gap and Albumin-Corrected Anion Gap with Sun Sensitivity: A National Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Sun sensitivity is a significant factor influencing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Given that current assessments mainly depend on self-reported information, exploring objective biochemical indicators may provide complementary insights. The purpose of this research was to determine whether anion gap and albumin-corrected anion gap can function as objective and easily accessible biomarkers for sun sensitivity in US adults.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2003-2006 and 2009-2018. Weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic splines, and subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the association between AG and ACAG and sun sensitivity.

RESULTS

The analysis was conducted on a total of 17,739 participants. We found a positive correlation between both AG and ACAG with increased sun sensitivity (AG: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.07, P = 0.012; ACAG: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.07, P = 0.004). It was observed that participants in the highest quartile (Q4) of AG and ACAG presented with heightened sensitivity to sunlight (AG: OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.02-1.50, P = 0.034; ACAG: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.07-1.57, P = 0.01). Subgroup analyses indicated a consistent trend across various subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that heightened levels of AG and ACAG are related to an elevated degree of sun sensitivity.