[Non-enzymatic glucosylation of proteins]

The modification of haemoglobin A by glucose to haemoglobin A Ic is a classical example for a nonenzymatic glucosylation (n. e. glu.) reaction of a protein. It has been suggested, that various proteins are subjected to this process during hyperglycemia phases, if the protein meets certain steric, electrostatic and biochemical characteristics. In the present report n. e. glu. of haemoglobin, serum protein, collagen, basement membrane protein and alkaline phosphatase is discussed. It is suggested that n. e. glu. might influence protein function and forms thus the biochemical basis for specific complications of diabetes mellitus in an outside pregnancy.