Multivariate analysis of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric data related to glycoxidation products of human globins in nephropathic patients.

To clarify the possible pathogenetic role of oxidation products originated from the glycation of proteins, human globins from nephropathic patients have been studied by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI), revealing not only unglycated and monoglycated globins, but also a series of different species. For the last ones, structural assignments were tentatively done on the basis of observed masses and expectations for the Maillard reaction pattern. Consequently, they must be considered only propositive, and the discussion which will follow must be considered in this view.