GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN HUMAN DIABETES

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 9  (1) , 32-34
Abstract
The serum concentrations of different glycosaminoglycan fractions were studied in diabetic subjects without evidence of vascular complications and compared with those of age- and sex-matched normal subjects. Electrophoretic analysis of the various glycosaminoglycan fractions showed an increase in hyaluroric acid and heparin, and a decrease in heparan sulfate, chondroitin-4-sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate. The levels of glycosylated Hb (HbA1) were positively correlated with those of hyaluronic acid (r = 0.96, P < 0.001) and heparin (r = 0.45, P < 0.01) in the diabetic group. Apparently in diabetics there is a shift in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans towards a decreased sulfated glycosaminoglycans/hyaluronic acid ratio; and long-lasting hyperglycemia is correlated with the disturbances in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans.