Endogenous Glycosaminoglycans in Various Pathologic Plasma Samples as Measured by a Fluorescent Quenching Method

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pathophysiology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Endogenous glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) structurally similar to heparin are present in various tissues.
• Heparin Red, a fluorescence probe, enables detection of polyanionic GAGs in plasma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify endogenous GAGs in plasma from patients with diverse pathologic conditions.
• To compare GAG levels in atrial fibrillation (AF), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), diabetes mellitus (DM), sepsis, cancer, liver disease (LD), and pulmonary embolism (PE) against healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Plasma samples from patient groups and normal human plasma (NHP) were analyzed.
• Endogenous GAGs were quantified using the Heparin Red kit before and after heparinase I degradation.
• Results were compiled as group means ± standard deviation for comparison.

Main Results:

• Normal human plasma (NHP) showed low endogenous GAG levels (0.06 μg/mL).
• Elevated GAG concentrations were observed in AF (0.55 μg/mL), ESRD (0.72 μg/mL), DM (0.92 μg/mL), and sepsis (0.94 μg/mL) groups.
• Highest GAG levels were detected in cancer (1.95 μg/mL), LD (2.78 μg/mL), and PE (2.83 μg/mL) patient plasma.
• Heparinase I degradation led to a reduction in plasma GAG levels.

Conclusions:

• Detectable levels of Heparin Red-sensitive endogenous GAGs exist in circulating plasma.
• These GAG levels vary significantly across different patient groups and pathologic states.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the complex pathophysiology involving these endogenous GAGs.