OBJECTIVESTo determine the difference in molecular weights of albumin in factory workers caused by non-enzymatic glycation of plasma albumin using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/MS), and examine the epidemiological validity of this method.

METHODSForty-eight male workers were tested by random sampling. The difference in molecular weights (ΔM) between the subjects' albumin and human serum albumin was determined by MALDI TOF/MS. Correlations between ΔM vs. fructosamine, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbAlc were investigated.

RESULTSΔM showed a significant correlation with all of the tested glycation indices (ΔM vs. fructosamine: r=0.487, p<0.001) (ΔM vs. FPG: r=0.482, p<0.01) (ΔM vs. HbAlc: r=0.397, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSSince a significant correlation between ΔM and the glycation indices was found in this investigation, further study with a larger number of subjects is needed for use in clinical applications.

At present, lifestyle-related diseases are one of the most critical health issues worldwide. It has been reported that lipopolysaccharide derived from a Gram-negative bacteria (IP-PA1) symbiotic with wheat exhibited several advantageous biological effects, such as the reduction of plasma glucose levels in NOD mice and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in WHHL rabbits. In this study, the beneficial effects on plasma glucose and lipids of a tea (SI tea) consisting of IP-PA1 and Salacia (which contains an inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase) were investigated in the KK-Ay/TaJcl type 2 diabetic model mice and in human subjects with premetabolic syndrome in a double-blind, randomized study. SI tea significantly decreased plasma glucose levels in KK-Ay/TaJcl mice. A clinical trial of SI tea was performed with 41 subjects between the ages of 40 and 69, who belonged either to a high plasma glucose group (HG: FPG 100-125 mg/dl) or to a hyperlipidemia group (HL: TG > or = 150 mg/dl, or LDL > or = 120 mg/dl, or HDL < 40 mg/dl). These subjects ingested either Salacia without IP-PA1 (the control) or SI tea. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, and 60 days after initiating SI tea treatment, and were measured for FPG, HbA1c, TG, LDL, and HDL. These results showed that SI tea reduced FPG and HbA1c more rapidly than the control in the HL group, and also significantly improved LDL and HDL levels in the HG group. Thus, SI tea may be helpful in preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
Animals ; Cholesterol ; Fasting ; Glucose ; Gram-Negative Bacteria ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Lipoproteins ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Plasma ; Rabbits ; Salacia ; Tea ; Triticum

OBJECTIVESBlood and saliva samples were obtained to examine if there is a correlation between saliva glycated protein and blood glycated protein.

METHODSBlood and saliva samples of 51 male workers were collected. The fructosamine and hydrazine methods were used to measure saliva glycated protein. HbA1c, fructosamine and blood glucose were measured as indices of blood glycated protein, and the correlation between blood glycated protein and saliva glycated protein was examined.

RESULTSSaliva fructosamine glycated protein showed a significant correlation with HbA1c and blood glucose (r=0.449; p=0.001 and r=0.445; p=0.001, respectively). No correlation was identified between saliva hydrazine glycated protein and the index of blood glycated protein.

CONCLUSIONSBlood glycated protein and blood glucose could be estimated by measuring saliva glycated protein.