Glycoprotein profile in normal and pathological states

Abstract

The profile of glycoproteins in the pathology of Rheumatoid Arthritis was investigated by using Collagen Induced Arthritic rat model. The levels of carbohydrate components of glycoproteins like protein bound Hexoses, Fucoses, Hexosamines and Sialic acids in serum, liver, heart, kidney, testis and brain of normal and arthritic rats were estimated. Activity of glycosidases like Mannosidase, Glucosidase, Galactosidase, Fucosidase and Hexosaminidase in these tissues of normal and arthritic rats was assayed using exogenous substrates. Changes in the carbohydrate level was compared with the activity of relevant enzymes. The effects of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ginger, Turmeric, Sallaki and Glucosamine on these parameters were also studied. The levels of Hexoses, Fucoses, Hexosamines and Sialic acids were increased in serum, liver, kidney and brain of inflicted rats. But the levels of these sugars declined in testis. Heart showed an increase in the concentrations of Fucoses and Hexosamines whereas the levels of Hexoses and Sialic acids were decreased. Activity of mannosidase was increased in all arthritic tissues except heart where it declined. Glucosidase activity was increased in liver, kidney and brain, but lowered in the remaining tissues. Galactosidase was more active in all the tissues except heart and kidney which recorded significant decrease in activity. Fucosidase activity was higher in tissues other than brain where it was reduced. Enhanced levels of activity was recorded for Hexosaminidase in all the tissues alike. Most of these changes were either normalized or regulated by the treatments while a few were not at all affected. The increase or decrease in these parameters were tissue specific. Effects of treatments were also diverse depending on the parameter and the tissue involved. The inflammatory status of CIA rats was assessed by measuring the thickness of paw oedema and the anti-inflammatory effect of treatments were evaluated.