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Glycated nail proteins: a new approach for detecting diabetes in developing countries
Author(s) -
Kishabongo Antoine Sadiki,
Katchunga Philippe,
Van Aken Elisabeth H.,
Speeckaert Marijn M.,
Lagniau Sabrina,
Husein Dashty,
Taes Youri E.,
Delanghe Joris R.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/tmi.12218
Subject(s) - glycation , diabetes mellitus , medicine , nail (fastener) , analyte , glycated haemoglobin , coefficient of variation , gastroenterology , endocrinology , chromatography , type 2 diabetes , chemistry , materials science , metallurgy
Objective To assess glycation of nail proteins as a tool in the diagnosis of diabetes. Methods Glycation of nail proteins was assessed using a modified photometric nitroblue tetrazolium‐based assay, which provides information about average glucose values of the last 6–9 months. Analysis is possible on 10 mg of nail clippings with a within‐run coefficient of variation ( CV ) of 11%. The analyte is extremely stable. The reference range for glycated nail protein (0.55–3.60 μmol/g nail) increases upon ageing. Results In diabetics ( n = 112), values for glycated nail protein are significantly higher (median: 4.07 μmol/g nail, IQR : 2.37–6.89 μmol/g nail, P < 0.0001) than in non‐diabetics ( n = 116). ROC analysis shows an AUC of 0.848 (specificity 93.1%; sensitivity 68.9%). Conclusion This affordable method is a simple alternative for diagnosing diabetes in remote areas as the pre‐analytical phase (including all processes from the time a laboratory request is made by a physician until the sample is ready for testing) is extremely robust.