Levels of anti-fructose-modified HSA antibodies correlate with disease status in diabetic subjects.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the changes induced in HSA upon fructose-modification and to use the modified protein as an antigen for studying the presence of antibodies in diabetic patients. Further, magnitude of oxidative stress was also assessed.

Methods: HSA was modified with fructose, changes induced were studied by DSC measurements and near-UV CD.

Fructosylation generates neo-epitopes on human serum albumin.

Hyperglycemia is the defining feature of diabetes mellitus. The persistently high levels of reducing sugars like glucose and fructose cause glycation of various macromolecules in the body. Human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant serum protein with a myriad of functions, is prone to glycation and consequent alteration in its structural and biological properties.

The relationship between C-reactive protein and prognostic factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and prognostic factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods: We studied 50 stable COPD patients with: spirometry, 6 minute walk distance, body mass index, GOLD stage (spirometric classification) and smoking status. In these patients hs-CRP values were measured and compared with those of 50 healthy controls.