Lipid-bound Sialic Acid Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of Total and Lipid-Bound Sialic Acids, Trace and Macro Elements, and Some Biochemical Parameters in Dogs with Babesiosis

The present study was designed to investigate the changes at the levels of total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA), trace and macroelements, and some biochemical parameters in dogs naturally infected with babesiosis. While babesiosis group consisted of seven dogs which were diagnosed with babesiosis clinically and parasitologically (ELISA), control group consisted of seven healthy dogs. Serum TSA and LSA levels in blood samples were measured spectrophotometrically by Sydow and Katapodis methods, respectively. Some biochemical parameters and macroelement measurements were performed using a modular autoanalyzer device. Trace mineral measurements were performed by ICP-MS technique. Compared to the healthy group, dogs with babesiosis had considerably higher TSA and LSA levels. Serum AST, ALP, LDH and CK enzyme activities and CRP, glucose, globulin, total bilirubin, urea, uric acid, creatinine and BUN levels of the babesiosis group significantly increased, while total protein level significantly decreased. The changes in ALT enzyme activity and triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, HDL-CDL and ferritin levels were not statistically significant. Zinc, copper, magnesium, sodium, and potassium levels of the babesiosis group decreased significantly, while iron and chlorine levels increased significantly (p

Potential noninvasive biomarkers for the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The rising cancer incidence in patients with oral leukoplakia (OL) highlights the importance of identifying potential biomarkers for high-risk individuals and lesions because these biomarkers are useful in developing personalized management strategies for OL patients. This study systematically searched and analyzed the literature on potential saliva and serum biomarkers for OL malignant transformation. PubMed and Scopus were searched for studies published up to April 2022. The primary outcome of this study was the difference in biomarker concentrations in saliva or serum samples from healthy control (HC), OL and oral cancer (OC) populations. Cohen's d with 95% credible interval was calculated and pooled using the inverse variance heterogeneity method. A total of seven saliva biomarkers were analyzed in this paper, including interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-6-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), copper, zinc, and lactate dehydrogenase. IL-6 and TNF-α exhibited statistically significant deviations in comparisons between HC versus OL and OL versus OC. A total of 13 serum biomarkers were analyzed, including IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, albumin, protein, β2-microglobulin, fucose, lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA), and total sialic acid (TSA). LSA and TSA exhibited statistically significant deviations in comparisons between HC versus OL and OL versus OC. IL-6 and TNF-α in saliva have strong predictive values for OL deterioration, and LSA and TSA concentration levels in serum also have the potential to serve as biomarkers for OL deterioration.

The Serum Total and Lipid-Bound Sialic Acid with Hematological-Biochemical Parameter Levels in Dogs with Dirofilariosis

The present study was planned to investigate the potential changes in the levels of serum total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) and hematological-biochemical parameters in the dogs naturally infected by Dirofilaria immitis. The patient group included the 7 dogs clinically and parasitologically (Modified Knott and PCR) diagnosed with Dirofilaria immitis while 7 healthy dogs were assigned as the control group. The biochemical parameters, blood gas parameters and hematological parameters were tested in the blood samples taken properly according to the guidelines from all the study animals using modular auto-analyser, blood gas analyser and automated blood count devices, respectively. Serum TSA and LSA levels were measured spectrophotometrically using Sydow and Katapodis methods, respectively. Compared with the healthy group, the dogs diagnosed with dirofilariosis were found to have significantly increased levels of serum troponin, triglycerides, VLDL, LDL, BUN, urea and creatinine and enzymatic activities of CK-MB, ALT, AST, ALP and LDH, and statistically significantly decreased levels of cholesterol and HDL (p<0.05). The increases in levels of total protein and total bilirubin, and enzymatic activity of CK were found statistically insignificant (p>0.05). A significantly decreased level of RBC and a significantly increased level of WBC was determined in the dogs with dirofilariosis (p<0.05). The decreases in the levels of Hct and Hb were found statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The differential blood count test of the dogs with dirofilariosis indicated statistically significantly increased eosinophil count (p<0.05). The increases in the neutrophil and basophil counts, and the decreases in the lymphocyte and monocyte counts were detected to be statistically insignificant (p>0.05). In the dogs with dirofilariosis, the decreases in the levels of pCO2, HCO3 and BE as the venous blood gas parameters were detected to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The decreases in the levels of pH and pO2 were determined to be insignificant (p>0.05). The levels of serum TSA and LSA of the dogs with dirofilariosis were found statistically significantly higher than the healthy group (p<0.05). As a conclusion, statistically significant differences were identified between the dogs with dirofilariosis and healthy dogs in terms of sialic acid levels and certain biochemical, venous blood gas and hematological parameters. On the other hand, the present study is the first to investigate the serum sialic acid levels in the dogs with dirofilariosis.

Biochemical Estimation of Total Sialic Acid, Lipid-Bound Sialic Acid and Fucose in Serum Patients with Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Malignancies

Background: It is known that measurement of serum total sialic acid (TSA), lipid bound sialic acid (LBSA) and L-Fucose levels may be altered and associated with different types of disease included malignant tumors, therefore, the evaluation of these compounds in serum cancer patients may elucidate the possibility of using this as a diagnostic marker. Objective: To explore the clinical application of TSA, LBSA and L-Fucose serum levels in patients with different site of nasal and para nasal sinus malignancies and compare with a group of healthy controls. Methods: Blood samples obtained from 16 patients with nasal-paranasal sinus malignancies confirmed cases (12 males, 4 females) (age range 45-73 years) and 28 healthy individuals (18 males, 10 females) (age range 38-67 years) participated in this study. Serum TSA and LBSA levels were determined by using colorimetric methods and the serum Fucose level estimation was done based on the method as adopted by Winzler using cysteine reagent. Results: Results showed that serum levels of TSA, LBSA and L-Fucose were significantly higher in cancer patients compared to normal healthy control (P<0.001) and more increased in patients with ethmoid and frontal sinuses cancer group. Conclusion: Estimation of TSA, LBSA and L-Fucose is suggestive to be a reliable marker as well as can use an effective diagnostic biomarker of cancer patients. Keywords: Sialic acid, lipid-bound sialic acid, Fucose, nasal, paranasal sinus cancer, spectrophotometer Citation: Mohammed AK, Mahdi NR, Ahmed FS. Biochemical estimation of total sialic acid, lipid-bound sialic acid and fucose in serum patients with nasal and paranasal sinus malignancies. Iraqi JMS. 2021; 19(2): 137-146. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.19.2.2

Serum Sialylation Changes in Actinic Keratosis and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a malignant proliferation of the cutaneous epithelium, is the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Unlike BCC, cSCC exhibits a greater aggressiveness and the ability to metastasize to any organ in the body. Chronic inflammation and immunosuppression are important processes linked to the development of cSCC. The tumor can occur de novo or from the histological transformation of preexisting actinic keratoses (AK). Malignant cells exhibit a higher amount of sialic acid in their membranes than normal cells, and changes in the amount, type, or linkage of sialic acid in malignant cell glycoconjugates are related to tumor progression and metastasis. The aim of our study was to investigate the sialyation in patients with cSCC and patients with AK. We have determined the serum levels of total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA), beta-galactoside 2,6-sialyltransferase I (ST6GalI), and neuraminidase 3 (NEU3) in 40 patients with cSCC, 28 patients with AK, and 40 healthy subjects. Data analysis indicated a significant increase in serum levels of TSA (p < 0.001), LSA (p < 0.001), ST6GalI (p < 0.001), and NEU3 (p < 0.001) in the cSCC group compared to the control group, whereas in patients with AK only the serum level of TSA was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.001). When the cSCC and AK groups were compared, significant differences between the serum levels of TSA (p < 0.001), LSA (p < 0.001), ST6GalI (p < 0.001) and NEU3 (p < 0.001) were found. The rate of synthesis of sialoglycoconjugates and their rate of enzymatic degradation, expressed by the ST6GalI/NEU3 ratio, is 1.64 times lower in the cSCC group compared to the control group (p < 0.01) and 1.53 times lower compared to the AK group (p < 0.01). The tumor diameter, depth of invasion, and Ki67 were associated with higher levels of TSA and LSA. These results indicate an aberrant sialylation in cSCC that correlates with tumor aggressiveness.

Evaluation of Total and Lipid Bound Sialic Acid in Serum in Oral Leukoplakia.

Oral cancer has become the most common cause of cancer related mortality which may be preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders. Altered glycosylation of glycoconjugates, such as sialic acid are one of the most important molecular changes accompanied during malignant transformation in precancerous lesions like Oral Leukoplakia (OL), and correlating them histopathologically with grades of epithelial dysplasia which will serve clinical significance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of serum Total Sialic Acid (TSA) and serum Lipid Bound Sialic Acid (LSA) as a prognostic serum marker in Oral Leukoplakia. Blood samples were collected from 30 patients diagnosed with OL and 30 healthy controls. Serum sialic acid (total and lipid bound) levels were measured using spectrophotometer. Tissue samples were histopathologically typed and were graded for epithelial dysplasia. Data were analysed using Independent t-test and Kruskal Wallis method. Serum levels of both total and lipid bound sialic acids were found to be increased in OL when compared to healthy controls. The mean TSA levels among those in the OL group (45.3±4.2) were significantly greater than healthy controls (29±2.2). On multiple comparison the highest mean TSA level was found in severe OL compared to moderate and mild OL (p<0.05). The mean levels of LSA were found to be statistically non-significant between the groups. The present study showed that the serum levels of both TSA and LSA were found to be increased in OL when compared to apparently healthy controls. We also found that with increasing grades of epithelial dysplasia TSA levels were found to be gradually increasing which was significant for this study serving as an early indicator for the detection of malignant transformation in OL.

Evaluation of some tumor markers, acute phase proteins, sialic acid and lipid bound sialic acid before and after chemotherapy in stomach cancer

Objective:&nbsp;&nbsp;It was aimed to compare the some tumor markers, acute phase proteins, sialic acid and lipid bound sialic acid levels in patients with stomach cancer before and after chemotherapy to the healthy controls. Material and Methods:&nbsp;&nbsp;Forty-eight patients with stomach adenocarcinoma and 20 healthy controls, totally 68 subjects were used. Blood samples were taken from all patients before and after chemotherapy and controls to analyse the levels of tumor markers (CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CEA), acute phase proteins (CRP and fibrinogen) and SA (sialic acid), LSA (lipid bound sialic acid). Results:&nbsp;&nbsp;Before chemotherapy the serum levels of CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CEA SA, LSA, CRP and fibrinogen (107.30 U/ml, 65.74 U/ml, 295.86 U/ml, 108.57 ng/ml, 199.60 mg/dl, 41.89 mg/dl, 86.03 mg/l and 469.42 mg/dl ) were higher than after chemotherapy group (36.46 U/ml, 34.00 U/ml, 100.18 U/ml, 20.20 ng/ml, 87.67 mg/dl, 31.06 mg/dl, 57.04 mg/l and 379.04 mg/dl) and the controls (8.64 U/ml, 21.65 U/ml, 21.52 U/ml, 2.77 ng/ml, 73.75 mg/dl, 27.47 mg/dl, 2.37 mg/l, 303.5 mg/dl). Conclusion:&nbsp;&nbsp;The serum levels of SA and LSA may be considered the indicators of poor/good prognosis of stomach cancer. CRP and fibrinogen are suggested as available biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with stomach cancer.

Evaluation of some tumor markers, acute phase proteins, sialic acid and lipid bound sialic acid before and after chemotherapy in stomach cancer

Objective: It was aimed to compare the some tumor markers, acute phase proteins, sialic acid and lipid bound sialic acid levels in patients with stomach cancer before and after chemotherapy to the healthy controls. Material and Methods: Forty-eight patients with stomach adenocarcinoma and 20 healthy controls, totally 68 subjects were used. Blood samples were taken from all patients before and after chemotherapy and controls to analyse the levels of tumor markers (CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CEA), acute phase proteins (CRP and fibrinogen) and SA (sialic acid), LSA (lipid bound sialic acid). Results: Before chemotherapy the serum levels of CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CEA SA, LSA, CRP and fibrinogen (107.30 U/ml, 65.74 U/ml, 295.86 U/ml, 108.57 ng/ml, 199.60 mg/dl, 41.89 mg/dl, 86.03 mg/l and 469.42 mg/dl ) were higher than after chemotherapy group (36.46 U/ml, 34.00 U/ml, 100.18 U/ml, 20.20 ng/ml, 87.67 mg/dl, 31.06 mg/dl, 57.04 mg/l and 379.04 mg/dl) and the controls (8.64 U/ml, 21.65 U/ml, 21.52 U/ml, 2.77 ng/ml, 73.75 mg/dl, 27.47 mg/dl, 2.37 mg/l, 303.5 mg/dl). Conclusion: The serum levels of SA and LSA may be considered the indicators of poor/good prognosis of stomach cancer. CRP and fibrinogen are suggested as available biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with stomach cancer.

Diagnosis value of membrane glycolipids biochemistry index in intracranial and gastrointestinal tumors.

The diagnostic value of membrane glycolipid biochemistry index, the lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) and total sialic acid (TSA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was evaluated in 30 intracranial and 65 gastrointestinal tumors. The plasma LSA, TSA and red cell membrane sialic acid (R-SA) in were determined according to the method of Sevenmerhulm. Our results showed that the levels of LSA and TSA in CSF of intracranial tumor patients was higher than that of normal group(p<0.01). The concentration of TSA and LSA in patients with malignant glioma was higher than that of benign meningioma patients(P<0.01). No significance was found between intracranial halmatoma patients and normal control group for levels of membrane glycolipids (p>0.05). Results also found that the plasma LSA, TSA and R-SA of gastric carcinoma were significantly higher than those of control group (p<0.05); while no significant difference was found in the plasma LSA, TSA and R-SA levels between chronic gastritis, gastrohelcoma and normal control group (p>0.05). Plasma LSA, TSA and R-SA levels of gastric carcinoma patient were significantly higher than those of chronic gastritis patients and gastrohelcoma patients(p<0.05). It was also found that plasma LSA, TSA and R-SA contents were significantly higher in large intestine carcinoma patients than in benign in stestine tumor patients (p<0.05) while no significant difference was found between intestine benign tumor and normal control group (p>0.05). The levels of LSA, TSA and R-SA were obviously higher in the patients with metastasis than in the ones without (p<0.05.) The membrane glycolipid biochemistry index LSA and TSA in CSF are sensive markers for diagnosing intracranial tumors. For gastrointestinal malignant tumors the plasma LSA TSA and red blood cell membrane SA may be considered as auxiliary indicators for diagnosis. They can be used for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors.

Lipid-bound sialic acid in psoriasis and its correlation with disease severity

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic persistent inflammatory skin disorder distinguished by hyperproliferation and reduced differentiation of keratinocytes. The inflammatory processes involved may be associated with the development of co‑morbidities. Increased levels of total sialic acid have been shown to correlate with inflammation and atherosclerotic processes. Serum sialic acid has been reported as a marker of the acute phase response; increased sialic acid concentrations have been observed in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Objectives of the Study: To estimate serum lipid‑bound sialic acid (LBSA) levels in patients with psoriasis and a group of healthy controls. To evaluate the correlation between LBSA levels and the severity of the disease. Materials and Methods: Serum LBSA was estimated in patients and controls by Katopodis and stock method. The degree of severity of psoriasis was clinically assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score for each patient. The statistical significance was evaluated using unpaired ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation. Results: The mean levels of LBSA in psoriasis cases was found to be higher compared with controls, and it was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was a mild negative correlation between ceruloplasmin levels and PASI, but it did not differ significantly. Conclusion: This study suggests the potential utility of serum LBSA as a biomarker of hyper proliferation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in psoriasis.

Correlation of radiotherapy with serum total and lipid-bound sialic acid in OSCC patients

Context: Increased quantities of glycoconjugates such as Total Sialic Acid (TSA) and Lipid-bound Sialic Acid (LSA) have been detected in the plasma and serum of patients with various malignancies, indicating their usefulness in diagnosis or monitoring of the treatment modality. Aims: (1) To estimate and compare the serum TSA and LSA levels in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) patients before and after radiotherapy, as also in healthy individuals. (2) To determine the correlation, if any, between Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) staging and levels of TSA and LSA. (3) To determine the use of serum TSA and LSA as biomarkers of OSCC. Settings and Design: The study was designed as a case-control study and was undertaken in a dental college and cancer hospital. Materials and Methods: It was planned to estimate the serum TSA and LSA levels of 20 healthy individuals and of 20 OSCC patients, spectrophotometrically; before starting and one month after completion of radiotherapy. Statistical Analysis: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 10.0) was used. Results: The mean serum TSA and LSA levels in OSCC patients decreased significantly after radiotherapy; however, they were still higher than the levels in the controls. In untreated OSCC patients, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the TNM stage of the disease and the serum TSA levels; but the same was not found between the TNM stage of the disease and the serum LSA levels. In OSCC, the serum TSA and LSA levels had a positive relationship with the TNM stages. These levels decreased significantly after radiotherapy. Conclusion: Serum TSA and LSA can be utilized as potential diagnostic and prognostic indicators in OSCC.

Serum Sialic Acid as a Marker of Pancreatic Cancers

The carbohydrate alterations in sialoglycoproteins and sialoglycolipids cause the high serum concentration of sialic acid in many types of cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA), and free sialic acid (FSA) in patients with primary pancreatic cancers. TSA and LSA concentrations in the sera of 42 patients were measured by the enzymatic and FSA by the thiobarbituric method. The mean levels of TSA, LSA, and FSA in the sera of patients with pancreatic cancers were significantly higher than in controls. Taking into consideration the size and the location of the tumors, regional lymph node and distant metastases, there were no differences in TSA, FSA, and CA 19-9 levels. However, the location of tumors in the pancreas affects LSA levels. The sialic acids, contrary to CA 19-9, are not useful tools in the differential diagnosis of tumors and non-malignant diseases of the pancreas. LSA has the highest sensitivity, negative predictive value, accuracy, and the ability to discriminate cancer patients from healthy controls. The diagnostic power of LSA is similar to CA 19-9. We suggest that LSA can be useful in the diagnosis and evaluation of the tumor location in patients with primary pancreatic cancers.

Correlation of serum biomarkers (TSA &amp; LSA) and epithelial dysplasia in early diagnosis of oral precancer and oral cancer

Oral cancer is currently the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths, which is usually preceded by oral pre-cancerous lesions and conditions. Altered glycosylation of glycoconjugates, such as sialic acid, fucose, etc. are amongst the important molecular changes that accompany malignant transformation. The purpose of our study was to evaluate usefulness of serum Total Sialic Acid (TSA) and serum Lipid-Bound Sialic Acid (LSA) as markers of oral precancerous lesions and histopathologically correlating them with grades of epithelial dysplasia. Blood samples were collected from 50 patients with oral precancer (Leukoplakia & OSMF), 25 patients with untreated oral cancer and 25 healthy subjects. Serum sialic acid (total and lipid bound) levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Tissue samples from all the patients were evaluated for dysplasia. Serum levels of total and lipid bound sialic acid were significantly elevated in patients with oral precancer and cancer when compared with healthy subjects. Analysis of variance test documented that there is progressive rise in serum levels of sialic acid with the degree of dysplastic changes in oral precancer patients. We observed positive correlation between serum levels of the markers and the extent of malignant disease (TNM Clinical staging) as well as histopathological grades. The results suggested that serum levels of TSA and LSA progressively increases with grades of dysplasia in precancerous groups and cancer group, when compared with healthy controls. These glycoconjugates, especially LSA has the clinical utility in indicating a premalignant change.

Clinical evaluation of total and lipid bound sialic acid levels in oral precancer and oral cancer

Aims:Special attention has been given to define the biochemical changes in cell-surface glycoproteins and glycolipids that take place during malignant transformation. This study was thus designed to explore the clinical utility of total and lipid bound sialic acid (LSA) in patients with oral precancer and oral cancer.Materials and Methods:Blood samples were obtained from 95 subjects divided into three groups, namely healthy individuals, oral cancer, and precancer. Serum total and LSA levels were determined using periodate-thiobarbituric acid method and Katopodis et al. method, respectively. Finally, spectrophotometricreadings were obtained.Results:Mean values of serum sialic acid (total and lipid bound) in oral cancer were significantly higher than control and the precancer group (P<0.001). The multivariate analysis data revealed progressive rise in total and LSA, which was statistically significant with clinical stage of the cancer.Conclusion:Serum sialic acid levels can differentiate between patients with oral precancer and oral cancer. It could be used as an adjunct to diagnosis, monitor response to therapy, and assess the staging of cancer.

The effect of Plantago major Linnaeus on serum total sialic acid, lipid-bound sialic acid, some trace elements and minerals after administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Plantago major Linnaeus (PM) extract on serum total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA), some trace elements (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron) and mineral levels (magnesium, calcium and sodium) in Wistar albino rat administrated 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 6). Group I comprised the control group, group II was treated with DMBA (100 mg/kg, single dose) and group III was treated with DMBA (100 mg/kg single dose) and aqueous extract of PM 100 mg/kg/day for 60 days. After 60 days, statistical analyses showed that TSA and LSA levels in DMBA and DMBA + PM groups were significantly higher compared to the control group (TSA: p < 0.01, p < 0.05; LSA: p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). Serum Zn levels were decreased in subjects treated with DMBA (p < 0.01) and DMBA + PM (p < 0.05) compared to the control group values. Serum Cu levels were increased in DMBA group and PM-treated group compared to the control group values. The results of this investigation showed that the levels of TSA and LSA changed significantly, which are sensitive markers for detecting the toxic effects of DMBA. On the other hand, observed decline in Zn levels in rats from DMBA + PM group might be due to decreased generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. Results from this study suggest that PM may be partially effective in preventing carcinogenesis initiated by environmental carcinogen DMBA.

Lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) in liver diseases of different etiologies

Objective. There are evidences that the changes in glycosylation and sialylation of proteins and lipids play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of various liver diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the sialylation of serum lipids measured by the level of lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) in liver diseases of different etiologies.Materials and methods. Tested group consisted of 303 patients suffering from liver diseases: alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis, chronic non-viral hepatitis, toxic hepatitis, chronic viral C and B hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary liver cancer, liver cancer and cirrhosis (mixed group), acute hepatitis B, primary biliary cirrhosis and fatty liver. LSA was determined by the method of Katopodis and co-workers.Results. There were significant differences in the serum LSA concentrations between liver diseases of different etiologies. The level of LSA in liver tumors was higher than that in both types of cirrhosis: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. In turn, LSA level in non-alcoholic cirrhosis was lower than in toxic hepatitis and mixed group. There was no difference in LSA concentration between tumor and mixed group. Similarly to LSA, AFP level in tumor group was also higher than that in both cirrhotic groups, but there was no difference in AFP concentration between tumor and mixed group.Conclusions. The sialylation of serum lipids alters in liver diseases of different etiologies. Given the importance of glycans in biological systems we can speculate that the changes in lipids sialylation play an important role in liver pathology, especially in primary cancer, cirrhosis and toxic hepatitis.

Lipid-bound sialic acid in alcoholics participates in increased level of total sialic acid

Serum total sialic acid (TSA) concentration is a sensitive marker of excessive alcohol consumption and is the sum of protein-bound sialic acid, lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA), and free sialic acid. The LSA is the fraction of SA attached to gangliosides that are transported in the blood by the lipoproteins. In this article, the effect of chronic alcohol consumption on the serum levels of LSA was evaluated. The objective of the study was to understand the mechanism of elevated serum TSA concentration during alcohol abuse. Additionally, the association of LSA with serum lipid profile was tested. For this purpose, the levels of LSA, TSA, lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins (apos) in the sera of 106 alcoholics were measured. The serum level of LSA in alcohol abusers was significantly elevated. This increase was because of the elevated level of LSA in patients drinking alcohol up to 2 days before sampling. The elevated level of LSA positively correlated with TSA, and also with biochemical indices of hepatocellular injury such as aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase, but did not correlate with any lipids, apos, and lipoproteins. The increase in LSA level is not related with the status of serum lipid profile but is related to the liver status estimated by the biochemical markers of liver cell damage. On the basis of our results, we conclude that the elevated level of LSA in alcohol abusers contributes to an increase in the serum concentration of TSA, and contrary to TSA, is affected by the status of liver cells.

Serum lipid-bound sialic acid as a marker in lung cancer patients

To evaluate the usefulness of serum lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) as a tumor marker in patients with lung cancer, its serum levels were determined in 85 patients with primary lung cancer, 42 patients with benign pulmonary diseases and 22 healthy controls by the method developed by Katopodis and Stock. The mean serum LSA concentration was significantly higher in the patients with primary lung cancer [32.4 +/- 16.4 (SD) mg/dl] than that in the patients with benign pulmonary diseases (22.4 +/- 12.4 mg/dl) or in healthy controls (17.2 +/- 4.5 mg/dl). The serum LSA level was elevated above the mean value plus 2 SD for the healthy controls (26.0 mg/dl) in 60% of all cases with primary lung cancer including 1 of 9 (11.1%) in stages I and II and 50 of 76 (65.8%) in stages III and IV and 35.4% of the patients with benign pulmonary diseases. No significant difference was observed in serum LSA concentration among each cell type of lung cancer. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was elevated (greater than 5.0 ng/ml) in 39.8% of the patients with lung cancer. As there was poor correlation between serum LSA and CEA levels, when these two markers were used in combination, 71.1% of the cases with lung cancer in this study showed elevated levels of either serum LSA or CEA, or both. Moreover, in the patients with small cell lung cancer followed up during intensive chemotherapy, serum LSA levels changed almost parallel with the clinical course. These results indicate that serum LSA may be a useful biochemical marker in lung cancer patients.

Effect of Neem (Azadirchta indica) on serum glycoprotein contents of rats administered 1,2 dimethylhydrazine

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of aqueous Azadirchta Indica leaf extract (AAILE) on serum glycoprotein contents and tumor incidence rate in colon of rats subjected to Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) treatment. Forty rats were divided equally and randomly into four groups viz., Group I (normal control), Group II (DMH-treated), Group III (AAILE) and Group IV (DMH + AAILE treated). Group II and IV animals were injected subcutaneously every week with DMH (30 mg/kg b.wt.) for two durations of 10 and 20 weeks. AAILE was given orally three times a week on alternate days (100 mg/kg b.wt.) to animals belonging to groups III and IV. Blood samples were drawn from all the animals by ocular vein puncture every month for the estimation of Total Sialic Acid (TSA) and Lipid Bound Sialic Acid (LSA), which served as markers for the cancer. No incidence of tumor was recorded in the animals given DMH treatment for 10 weeks. However, DMH treatment for 20 weeks showed 100% tumor incidence. Animals treated with DMH for both the time durations showed a significant increase in the levels of TSA in comparison to normal control, which however were decreased significantly following AAILE supplementation. There was no significant difference between LSA levels of DMH-treated animals and normal controls. The present study suggested that supplementation of AAILE in cancer-bearing animals attenuates considerably the molecular events that initiate the development of tumors.

Chronic alcohol consumption augments loss of sialic acid residues and alters erythrocyte membrane charge in type II diabetic patients

In this study, the effects of alcohol consumption on erythrocyte membrane properties in type 2 diabetic patients were investigated. Therefore, we measured total and lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) levels, sialidase activities, and erythrocyte membrane negative charge. Three groups, including control group (n = 20), alcohol-consuming diabetic patients group (n = 14), and diabetic patients without alcohol consumption group (n = 42), were created. Plasma total sialic acid (TSA) levels of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group were elevated as compared to the healthy control and diabetic group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). TSA levels of the diabetic group were significantly elevated as compared to the healthy control group (p > 0.001). Plasma LSA levels of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group were higher than that in the healthy control and diabetic group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). LSA levels of the diabetic group were found to be high as compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05). Plasma sialidase activities of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group and diabetic group were significantly elevated as compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). Sialidase activities of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group were elevated as compared to the diabetic group, but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Erythrocyte membrane negativity levels of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group and diabetic group were significantly decreased (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) as compared to the healthy control group. Erythrocyte membrane negativity levels of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group were decreased as compared to the diabetic group, but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that chronic alcohol consumption may augment membrane alterations in type 2 diabetic patients.