Chronic inflammation is a complex biological process that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. It is often described as a marker of ageing, with profound implications for health and longevity.
Traditionally, markers of acute inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and inflammatory cytokines have been used to assess the presence and severity of inflammation. However, these markers are not always reliable indicators of chronic inflammation, which can go unnoticed for long periods of time and contribute to gradual tissue and organ damage.
In recent times, researchers have directed their attention to glycans, complex sugar molecules, as promising biomarkers for detecting chronic inflammation. Glycans are essential components of glycoproteins and glycolipids, playing a vital role in cellular processes and cell-cell interactions. Their complex structure and functional diversity make them ideal candidates to reflect subtle changes that occur in the body during chronic inflammation.
What are glycans?
Glycans are complex molecules that resemble long chains of sugar. One can conceptualize glycans as strings of sugar molecules, which may be simple or complex, with various branches and patterns. These 'necklaces' are not merely for aesthetic purposes; they play a vital role in the functioning of the human body. They facilitate communication between cells and protect them from foreign invaders. Furthermore, glycans can provide insight into a person's health, including chronic inflammation. Consequently, by studying these sugar collars, researchers can gain insight into the detection and treatment of these conditions.
Glycan-based tests represent a novel approach to the diagnosis of chronic inflammation. These tests quantify the levels and types of glycans present in the body, thereby providing a more detailed picture of the inflammatory state. In contrast to traditional markers, glycans can indicate the presence of chronic inflammation even in the absence of overt clinical symptoms, thereby facilitating early intervention and management of associated conditions.
Given the growing significance of glycans in medical research, it is imperative to persist in the investigation and advancement of these biomarkers. By elucidating the role of glycans in chronic inflammation, it is hoped that more effective therapeutic strategies and improved quality of life for patients with chronic diseases will be achieved.
In conclusion, glycans offer a promising avenue for the development of new therapeutic strategies to combat chronic inflammation and related diseases. The development of innovative glycan-based tests will facilitate the advancement of early detection and personalised treatment of this complex process, which affects millions of people worldwide.
