Human erythrocyte surface fucose expression increases with age and hyperglycemia

Background: Reactive oxygen species and other free radicals, together with glucose its metabolites are believed to play important roles in the aging process. The carbohydrate components of glycosylated proteins mediating cell-cell interactions a role has been suggested for them Erythrocytes critical cells human body, heavily relatively easily available so good candidates yield insights into how patterns glycosylation change age disease. It claimed, based on periodic acid Schiff assay, that is associated decline erythrocyte surface sialic acids. Plant lectins allow more specific assays glycans, including determining linkage acids analysis single by flow cytometry. Methods: lectins, Maackia amurensis lectin II (MAL), binding α-2,3 linked Sambucus nigra (SNA), α-2,6 acids, were used cytometry western blot membrane. N-glycomics mass spectrometry determines glycan structures. Donors varying hyperglycemia, as indicated HbA1c analysed. Results: Erythrocyte have no significant associations donor age. A combination storage cellular produces loss By contrast, terminal fucoses increase significantly In order determine which aspects this change, we investigated whether novel biomarker higher plasma values, assessed glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reactive (ROS) generation. Fucose levels levels, but not ROS generation. Conclusion: Our study identifies glycan-based biomarkers simplicity lectin-based provide an attractive tool disease processes.