Date of Award

1998

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Masters of Science (Research)

Department

Cork Institute of Technology

First Advisor

John O'Mullane

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a common metabolic disease, is characterised by excess circulating glucose concentrations. Such a hyperglycaemic status provides the stimulus for irreversible glycation (non-enzymatically post-translational) of structural and functional proteins. Protein glycation, although a cause of complication (neuropathy, micro/macrovascular disease), provides a time-averaged index of diabetes status and control. In particular, glycated plasma proteins analysis, i.e., the fructosamine assay, has received favourable response due to its speed, simplicity, low cost, and ease of automation. However, lack of standardisation and a universally-accepted calibrant has limited technical and subsequent clinical confidence in fructosamine analysis. In response, a comprehensive technical evaluation (including novel dye introduction) of the fructosamine assay was performed. A notable superiority of signal of the INT fructosamine assay was apparent. However, the clinical validity of such findings are as yet unconfirmed. The most noteworthy feature of fructosamine assessment is the need for establishment of and adherence to optimal conditions of analysis. Only then can the absolute clinical utility of the fructosamine assay be established and become an integral element of comprehensive diabetic monitoring and control.

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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