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A new quantitative assay for glycosaminoglycans
Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|November 16, 1992
Summary
A new, simple urine test accurately measures total glycosaminoglycans, aiding in early detection of mucopolysaccharidoses in children. This cost-effective assay provides precise results for improved pediatric diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are crucial components of connective tissue.
- Elevated urinary GAGs are indicative of certain metabolic disorders, particularly mucopolysaccharidoses.
- Accurate and accessible methods for measuring urinary GAGs are needed for early diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a direct dye-binding assay for quantifying total glycosaminoglycans in urine.
- To establish reference ranges for urinary GAGs in adults and assess age-dependency.
- To evaluate the assay's suitability for screening pediatric patients for mucopolysaccharidoses.
Main Methods:
- A direct dye-binding technique using Azure A and Azure B was employed.
- Urine samples were mixed with dye solution, and absorbance decrease at 610 nm was measured.
- Assay linearity and precision were assessed using chondroitin sulfate C standards.
Main Results:
- The assay demonstrated linearity from 1 to 20 micrograms/assay with chondroitin sulfate C.
- The normal adult urinary GAG level was determined to be 1.8 +/- 0.6 g/mol creatinine.
- Urinary GAG levels showed age-dependent variations.
Conclusions:
- The developed dye-binding assay is a simple, inexpensive, precise, and sensitive method for measuring total urinary GAGs.
- This assay is suitable for screening pediatric patients for mucopolysaccharidoses.
- The findings provide valuable reference ranges and a practical diagnostic tool.