Biophysical and immunological characterization of 2-dRib modified HSA and its implications in diabetes mellitus

Glycoxidation of protein may lead to develop diabetes. In the present study, different concentrations of 2-deoxy d-ribose (2-dRib) were used to modify human serum albumin (HSA). Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) assay results showed that yield of the fructosamine content was directly proportional to the concentration of 2-dRib. UV and fluorescence spectroscopy results showed an increment in hyperchromicity and decrease in fluorescence intensity of 2-dRib modified HSA as compared to native HSA. Further secondary structural changes were confirmed by UV-circular dichroism (UV-CD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). To evaluate the immunogenicity of 2-dRib modified HSA, rabbits were immunized with native and 2-dRib modified HSA. Modified HSA sera showed high antibodies titre as compared to native HSA. Moreover, the binding affinity of native and modified HSA with diabetic patient's sera has been evaluated by direct binding ELISA. It was found that diabetic patient's sera showed high binding affinity with the modified HSA as compared to native HSA. On the basis of above findings, it can be concluded that 2-dRib is a potential glycating agent that can cause alteration in HSA structure and make HSA more immunogenic that might play a role in onset and progression of diabetes mellitus and its complications.