Protein glycation and fluorescent material in human atheroma

Samples of normal human aorta, atherosclerotic lesions and atheroma (necrotic 'gruel' from the interior of advanced lesions) were obtained at necropsy from subjects with no history of diabetes mellitus. Components of each were extracted by ethanol:diethylether (3:1) and, subsequently, by 10% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Both fractions, organic and aqueous (SDS), were assessed for their relative fluorescence (excitation: 350 nm/emission: 430 nm). The amount of early products of glycated protein was assessed by affinity chromatography in the SDS-soluble fraction. Age-matched plasma samples, obtained from non-diabetic individuals, were also examined. Material from atherosclerotic lesions appeared to exhibit an inverse correlation between protein glycation and fluorescent material which was best reflected within the organic extract. This was not the case for normal aorta. A linear correlation between fluorescent material in the organic extract and SDS extract existed in the normal aorta alone. The only age-dependent change was found in normal aorta in which there was an increase in SDS-soluble fluorescence with increasing age. In plasma samples alone, protein glycation and protein fluorescence appeared to be linearly correlated. The observations are discussed in the context of the possible contribution of protein glycation to atherogenesis.