Serum protein-bound carbohydrates in aging men and women

Carbohydrate components of serum glycoproteins were analysed in 162 men and 48 women of various age groups. All components studied, namely amino-sugars, hexoses and neuraminic acid increased with age in men. In women only the hexoses level increased with age while the contents of amino-sugars and of neuraminic acid decreased with age, especially after the age of 30. The statistical analysis showed that women had a higher content of hexoses and a lower one of neuraminic acid than the men of the same age groups. The amino-sugar content was higher in women up to 30 years and lower in older women in comparison to men. It is assumed that these changes are due to changes in the steroid hormones with age.