S-D-lactoylglutathione as a potential state marker for hemolysis

Red blood cells represent the most abundant cell type in the blood and their energy production is exclusively dependent on glycolysis. However, about 0.1-0.4% of glucose is metabolized via methylglyoxal, a metabolite which is highly toxic to the cells. S-D-lactoylglutathione is an intermediate of methylglyoxal degradation by glyoxalases and is unable to cross cell membrane. Nevertheless, it is measurable in human plasma. This paper claims the introduction of the evaluation of plasma S-D-lactoylglutathione in hemolytic states and proposes its use as a state marker for such cases. According to this hypothesis, higher the rate of hemolysis in non-diabetic patients higher the level of S-D-lactoylglutathione in their plasma. The measurement of S-D-lactoylglutathione in plasma, parallel with other parameters, can be a useful tool in distinguishing hemolytic states and in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.