Effect of non-enzymatic glycation on esterase activities of hemoglobin and myoglobin

Studies on the interaction of 2,4-dibromophenol with human hemoglobin using multi-spectroscopic, molecular docking and molecular dynamics techniques

2,4-Dibromophenol (DBP) has several industrial applications, including as a wood preservative and flame retardant. This study investigated the interaction between DBP and human hemoglobin (Hb) using spectroscopic, molecular docking and molecular dynamic techniques. The UV-visible spectra showed ground-state complex formation between DBP and Hb. Fluorescence studies revealed that DBP binding caused significant quenching of Hb fluorescence by the static quenching mechanism. The binding of DBP to Hb is a spontaneous process that involves van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. There is one DBP binding site on each Hb molecule that is located at the α1β2 interface of Hb. DBP binding did not alter the microenvironment of tyrosine and tryptophan residues in Hb. Circular dichroism studies revealed that DBP increased the α-helical content of Hb. The intrinsic esterase activity of Hb was inhibited by DBP in a concentration-dependent manner. Molecular docking showed that DBP binds to Hb via hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic, van der Waals and π - π interactions. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed that the Hb-DBP complex is stable. Overall, the results of this study clearly show that DBP induces structural changes and interferes with the function of Hb. This can have important implications for human health.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Interaction of mancozeb with human hemoglobin: Spectroscopic, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies

Mancozeb is a broad-spectrum fungicide used extensively in agriculture to protect plants from numerous diseases. Hemolysis of human erythrocytes on exposure to mancozeb has been reported. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of mancozeb with human hemoglobin (Hb) using multi-spectroscopic techniques, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. UV-visible spectroscopy studies suggested intimate binding of mancozeb to Hb. Mancozeb quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of Hb and Stern-Volmer plots revealed that the quenching mechanism was of static type. Evaluation of thermodynamic parameters indicated that the binding of Hb to mancozeb was spontaneous, with van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding being the key contributors in the binding reaction. Synchronous fluorescence experiments demonstrated that mancozeb altered the microenvironment around tryptophan residues, whereas polarity around tyrosine residues was not changed. Circular dichroism studies showed a decrease in the α helical content of Hb upon interaction with mancozeb. The inhibition of esterase activity showed that mancozeb can impair the enzymatic functions of Hb. Molecular docking study revealed that strong binding affinity existed between mancozeb and Hb, with hydrophobic forces playing a crucial role in the interaction. Molecular dynamic simulation showed that mancozeb formed a stable complex with Hb resulting in slight unfolding of the protein. To sum up, the results of this study show that mancozeb binds strongly to Hb, induces conformational changes in Hb and adversely affects its function.

Interaction of the insecticide bioallethrin with human hemoglobin: biophysical, in silico and enzymatic studies

Bioallethrin is an insecticide that is widely used in households resulting in human exposure. Bioallethrin is cytotoxic to human erythrocytes. Here we have studied the interaction of bioallethrin with human hemoglobin (Hb) using in silico and biophysical approaches. Incubation of Hb (5 μM) with bioallethrin (1-50 µM) led to increase in absorbance at 280 nm while the Soret band at 406 nm was slightly reduced. The intrinsic fluorescence of Hb was enhanced with the appearance of a new peak around 305 nm. Synchronous fluorescence showed that the binding of bioallethrin to Hb mainly affects the tyrosine microenvironment. The structural changes in Hb were confirmed with a significant shift in CD spectra and about 25% loss of α-helix. Molecular docking and visualisation through Discovery studio confirmed the formation of Hb-bioallethrin complex with a binding energy of -7.3 kcal/mol. Molecular simulation showed the stability and energy dynamics of the binding reaction between bioallethrin and Hb. The structural changes induced by bioallethrin led to inhibition of the esterase activity of Hb. In conclusion, this study shows that bioallethrin forms a stable complex with human Hb which may lead to loss of Hb function in the body.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Oxidative degradation perturbs physico-chemical properties of hemoglobin in cigarette smokers: a threat to different biomolecules

CONTEXT

Cigarette smokers develop structural modification in hemoglobin (Hb) and this modification enable Hb to undergo higher rate of auto-oxidation, leading to generation of further intracellular ROS.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we exhibited the possible cause and consequences of Hb modification in cigarette smokers.

METHODS

Twenty-two smokers and 16 nonsmokers, aged 25 to 35 years, having a smoking history of 7-10 years were recruited in this study. Carbonyl content, ferryl form, peroxidase-like and esterase-like activities of Hb were assayed. Free iron release by Hb, erythrocyte membrane-bound Hb and plasma Hb were also measured along with assessment of important biomolecular degradations by Hb.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Increase in carbonyl content in Hb indicates its oxidative degradation. Increase in ferryl Hb formation, peroxidase-like activity and decrease in esterase like activity of Hb along with increased release of nonheme iron (from Hb) clearly indicates alteration in physico-chemical properties of Hb in smokers. Moreover, increase in erythrocyte membrane-bound Hb and plasma-free Hb provide further evidences for higher rate of Hb oxidation in smokers' erythrocyte. The rates of protein, lipid, sugar and DNA degradation were noticed to be higher by smokers' Hb; and were further attenuated by desferrioxamine as well as mannitol.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that in cigarette smokers, there is oxidative degradation of Hb and the degradation causes alteration in its physico-chemical properties, which in turn may degrade different biomolecules in its close vicinity by releasing more iron and production of more superoxide as well as hydroxyl radical.

Molecular interaction of fluorescent carbon dots from mature vinegar with human hemoglobin: Insights from spectroscopy, thermodynamics and AFM

Foodborne nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest due to their distinctive fluorescence and physicochemical properties. The discovery of vinegar carbon dots (VCDs) has drawn our attention to study their effect on human plasma protein. Herein, spectral, constructional, morphological, and enzymatic activity assessments were carried out to investigate the interaction of VCDs with human hemoglobin (HHb). The intrinsic fluorescence of HHb was quenched significantly by the VCDs through a static quenching process. Furthermore, binding constants and important thermodynamic parameters were calculated, the negative enthalpy and entropy changes were accompanied by a negative Gibbs energy, which proposed the binding between VCDs with HHb was spontaneous. Moreover, negative enthalpy and entropy change corroborated the involvement of van der Waals force and hydrogen bonds in the binding process. Results from FTIR, atomic force microscopy and circular dichroism revealed change of HHB after binding with VCDs although their essential morphological features were unaffected. The esterase activity of HHb decreased after VCDs treatment in a dose-dependent manner, which further confirmed the effect of VCDs on HHb. The results offered detailed information about the interaction between VCDs and HHb.

Prevention of haemoglobin glycation by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA): A new view on old mechanism

Diabetic hyperglycemia provokes glycation of haemoglobin (Hb), an abundant protein in red blood cells (RBCs), by increasing its exposure to carbohydrates. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; Aspirin) is one of the first agents, which its antiglycation effect was witnessed. Although the precise molecular mechanism of action of ASA on protein glycation is not indisputably perceived, acetylation as its main molecular mechanism has been proposed. This report aims to unravel the meticulous mechanism of action of ASA by using two ASA analogues; benzoic acid (BA) and para-nitrobenzoic acid (NBA), despite their lack of acetyl group. In this regard, the inhibitory effect of these two chemicals in comparison with ASA on Hb fructation is reported. UV-visible spectroscopy, intrinsic advanced glycation end products (AGE) fluorescence spectroscopy, extrinsic thioflavin T (ThT) binding fluorescence spectroscopy, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBSA) assay, and single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) were used to explore the effects of BA and NBA in comparison with aforementioned chemicals in the context of protein glycation. In spite of the lack of acetyl substitution, NBA is reported as a novel agent with prominent inhibitory efficacy than ASA on the protein glycation. This fact brings up a possible new mechanism of action of ASA and reconsiders acetylation as the sole mechanism of inhibition of protein glycation.

Modifications of hemoglobin and myoglobin by Maillard reaction products (MRPs)

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a Fraction Collector was employed to isolate Maillard reaction products (MRPs) formed in model systems comprising of asparagine and monosaccharides in the 60-180°C range. The primary MRP which is detected at 60°C is important for Acrylamide content and color/aroma development in foods and also in the field of food biotechnology for controlling the extent of the Maillard reaction with temperature. The discrete fractions of the reaction products were reacted with Hemoglobin (Hb) and Myoglobin (Mb) at physiological conditions and the reaction adducts were monitored by UV-vis and Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. The UV-vis kinetic profiles revealed the formation of a Soret transition characteristic of a low-spin six-coordinated species and the ATR-FTIR spectrum of the Hb-MRP and Mb-MRP fractions showed modifications in the protein Amide I and II vibrations. The UV-vis and the FTIR spectra of the Hb-MRPs indicate that the six-coordinated species is a hemichrome in which the distal E7 Histidine is coordinated to the heme Fe and blocks irreversibly the ligand binding site. Although the Mb-MRPs complex is a six-coordinated species, the 1608 cm-1 FTIR band characteristic of a hemichrome was not observed.

The Role of Hemoproteins: Hemoglobin, Myoglobin and Neuroglobin in Endogenous Thiosulfate Production Processes

Thiosulfate formation and biodegradation processes link aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of cysteine. In these reactions, sulfite formed from thiosulfate is oxidized to sulfate while hydrogen sulfide is transformed into thiosulfate. These processes occurring mostly in mitochondria are described as a canonical hydrogen sulfide oxidation pathway. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge on the interactions between hydrogen sulfide and hemoglobin, myoglobin and neuroglobin and postulate that thiosulfate is a metabolically important product of this processes. Hydrogen sulfide oxidation by ferric hemoglobin, myoglobin and neuroglobin has been defined as a non-canonical hydrogen sulfide oxidation pathway. Until recently, it appeared that the goal of thiosulfate production was to delay irreversible oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfate excreted in urine; while thiosulfate itself was only an intermediate, transient metabolite on the hydrogen sulfide oxidation pathway. In the light of data presented in this paper, it seems that thiosulfate is a molecule that plays a prominent role in the human body. Thus, we hope that all these findings will encourage further studies on the role of hemoproteins in the formation of this undoubtedly fascinating molecule and on the mechanisms responsible for its biological activity in the human body.

Multispectroscopic and calorimetric studies on the binding of the food colorant tartrazine with human hemoglobin

Interaction of the food colorant tartrazine with human hemoglobin was studied using multispectroscopic and microcalorimetric techniques to gain insights into the binding mechanism and thereby the toxicity aspects. Hemoglobin spectrum showed hypochromic changes in the presence of tartrazine. Quenching of the fluorescence of hemoglobin occurred and the quenching mechanism was through a static mode as revealed from temperature dependent and time-resolved fluorescence studies. According to the FRET theory the distance between β-Trp37 of hemoglobin and bound tartrazine was evaluated to be 3.44nm. Synchronous fluorescence studies showed that tartrazine binding led to alteration of the microenvironment around the tryptophans more in comparison to tyrosines. 3D fluorescence and FTIR data provided evidence for conformational changes in the protein on binding. Circular dichroism studies revealed that the binding led to significant loss in the helicity of hemoglobin. The esterase activity assay further complemented the circular dichroism data. Microcalorimetric study using isothermal titration calorimetry revealed the binding to be exothermic and driven largely by positive entropic contribution. Dissection of the Gibbs energy change proposed the protein-dye complexation to be dominated by non-polyelectrolytic forces. Negative heat capacity change also corroborated the involvement of hydrophobic forces in the binding process.

Non-enzymatic modifications of prostaglandin H synthase 1 affect bifunctional enzyme activity - Implications for the sensitivity of blood platelets to acetylsalicylic acid

Due to its ability to inhibit the blood platelet PGHS-1, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin(®)) is widely used as a preventive agent in atherothrombotic diseases. However, its beneficial effects seem to be lower in diabetic patients, suggesting that protein glycation may impair effective ASA-mediated acetylation process. On the other hand, it is proposed that ASA can prevent some of the late complications of diabetes by lowering the extent of glycation at protein free amino groups. The aim of this work was to evaluate the extents of non-enzymatic N-glycosylation (glycation) and acetylation of blood platelet PGHS-1 (COX-1) and the competition between glycation and acetylation was investigated in order to demonstrate how these two reactions may compete against platelet PGHS-1. When PGHS-1 was incubated with glycating/acetylating agents (glucose, Glu; 1,6-bisphosphofructose, 1,6-BPF; methylglyoxal, MGO, acetylsalicylic acid, ASA), the enzyme was modified in 13.4 ± 1.6, 5.3 ± 0.5, 10.7 ± 1.2 and 6.4 ± 1.1 mol/mol protein, respectively, and its activity was significantly reduced. The prior glycation/carbonylation of PGHS-1 with Glu, 1,6-BPF or MGO decreased the extent of acetylation from 6.4 ± 1.1 down to 2.5 ± 0.2, 3.6 ± 0.3 and 5.2 ± 0.2 mol/mol protein, respectively, but the enzyme still remained susceptible to the subsequent inhibition of its activity with ASA. When PGHS-1 was first acetylated with ASA and then incubated with glycating/carbonylating agents, we observed the following reductions in the enzyme modifications: from 13.4 ± 1.6 to 8.7 ± 0.6 mol/mol protein for Glu, from 5.3 ± 0.5 to 3.9 ± 0.3 mol/mol protein for 1,6-BPF and from 10.7 ± 1.2 to 7.5 ± 0.5 mol/mol protein for MGO, however subsequent glycation/carbonylation did not significantly affect PGHS-1 function. Overall, our outcomes allow to better understand the structural aspects of the chemical competition between glycation and acetylation of PGHS-1.

Oxidative stress in adipose tissue as a primary link in pathogenesis of insulin resistance

Obesity is a leading risk factor of diabetes mellitus type 2, impairments of lipid metabolism and cardiovascular diseases. Dysfunctions of the accumulating weight of the visceral fat are primarily linked to pathogenesis of systemic insulin resistance. The review considers modern views about biochemical mechanisms underlying formation of oxidative stress in adipocytes at obesity, as one of key elements of impairments of their metabolism triggering formation of systemic insulin resistance.

Using carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester to monitor intracellular protein glycation

Protein glycation is a ubiquitous process involved in vascular complications observed in diabetes. Glyoxal (GO), an intracellular reactive oxoaldehyde that is one of the most potent glycation agents, readily reacts with amines present on proteins to produce the lysine-derived adduct carboxymethyllysine, which is a prevalent advanced glycation end-product (AGE). Our group previously showed that cell exposure to GO leads to an alteration in the cell contractile activity that could occur as a result of the glycation of various proteins regulating the cell contractile machinery. Here, we measured the extent of glycation on three functionally distinct proteins known to participate in cell contraction and cytoskeletal organization-Rho-kinase (ROCK), actin, and gelsolin (GSN)-using an assay based on the reaction of the cell membrane-permeable fluorescent probe carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA-SE), which reacts with primary amine groups of proteins. By combining CFDA-SE fluorescence and Western blot detection, we observed (following GO incubation) increased glycation of actin and ROCK as well as an increased interaction between actin and GSN as observed by co-immunoprecipitation. Thus, we conclude that the use of the fluorescent probe CFDA-SE offers an interesting alternative to perform a comparative analysis of the extent of intracellular protein glycation in live cells.

Structural stability of myoglobin and glycomyoglobin: a comparative molecular dynamics simulation study

Glycoproteins are formed as the result of enzymatic glycosylation or chemical glycation in the body, and produced in vitro in industrial processes. The covalently attached carbohydrate molecule(s) confer new properties to the protein, including modified stability. In the present study, the structural stability of a glycoprotein form of myoglobin, bearing a glucose unit in the N-terminus, has been compared with its native form by the use of molecular dynamics simulation. Both structures were subjected to temperatures of 300 and 500 K in an aqueous environment for 10 ns. Changes in secondary structures and RMSD were then assessed. An overall higher stability was detected for glycomyoglobin, for which the most stable segments/residues were highlighted and compared with the native form. The simple addition of a covalently bound glucose is suggested to exert its stabilizing effect via increased contacts with surrounding water molecules, as well as a different pattern of interactions with neighbor residues.

Deferiprone: structural and functional modulating agent of hemoglobin fructation

Diabetic complication arises from the presence of advanced glycation end products in different sites of the body. Great attention should be paid to recognizing anti-glycation compounds. Here, deferiprone as an oral iron chelator drug administrated in treatment of β-thalassemic patients was selected to find its effect on the fructation of hemoglobin (Hb). Our results indicated that deferiprone could prevent the AGE and carbonyl formation via inhibition of structural changes in the structure of Hb during the fructation process. Moreover, deferiprone can preserve peroxidase and esterase activities of fructated Hb similar to native Hb. Therefore, deferiprone can be introduced as an anti-glycation drug to prevent the AGE formation.

Desferal as improving agent for hemoglobin fructation: structural and functional impacts

Hyperglycemia and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have considerable effects in diabetic patients. So, the recognition of anti-glycation property of compounds has a substantial benefit. Here, desferal, an iron chelator which is one of the most effective drugs in β-thalassemia patients, was chosen to explore its effects on the fructation process of hemoglobin (Hb). The results indicated that desferal had a retardation effect on the functional and structural changes of Hb during fructation. It can prevent the AGE and carbonyl formations and helix depletion during the Hb fructation process. Moreover, desferal can preserve peroxidase and esterase activities of fructated Hb similar as native Hb. Therefore, desferal can be introduced as an anti-glycation drug to prevent the AGE formation.

Methylglyoxal-induced modifications of hemoglobin: structural and functional characteristics

Methylglyoxal (MG) reacts with proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Although hemoglobin modification by MG is known, the modified protein is not yet characterized. We have studied the nature of AGE formed by MG on human hemoglobin (HbA(0)) and its effect on structure and function of the protein. After reaction of HbA(0) with MG, the modified protein (MG-Hb) was separated and its properties were compared with those of the unmodified protein HbA(0). As shown by MALDI-mass spectrometry, MG converted Arg-92α and Arg-104β to hydroimidazolones in MG-Hb. Compared to HbA(0), MG-Hb exhibited decreased absorbance around 280nm, reduced tryptophan fluorescence (excitation 285nm) and increased α-helix content. However, MG modification did not change the quaternary structure of the heme protein. MG-Hb appeared to be more thermolabile than HbA(0). The modified protein was found to be more effective than HbA(0) in H(2)O(2)-mediated iron release and oxidative damages involving Fenton reaction. MG-Hb exhibited less peroxidase activity and more esterase activity than HbA(0). MG-induced structural and functional changes of hemoglobin may enhance oxidative stress and associated complications, particularly in diabetes mellitus with increased level of MG.

Oxidative stress, insulin signaling, and diabetes

Oxidative stress has been implicated as a contributor to both the onset and the progression of diabetes and its associated complications. Some of the consequences of an oxidative environment are the development of insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, impaired glucose tolerance, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which can lead ultimately to the diabetic disease state. Experimental and clinical data suggest an inverse association between insulin sensitivity and ROS levels. Oxidative stress can arise from a number of different sources, whether disease state or lifestyle, including episodes of ketosis, sleep restriction, and excessive nutrient intake. Oxidative stress activates a series of stress pathways involving a family of serine/threonine kinases, which in turn have a negative effect on insulin signaling. More experimental evidence is needed to pinpoint the mechanisms contributing to insulin resistance in both type 1 diabetics and nondiabetic individuals. Oxidative stress can be reduced by controlling hyperglycemia and calorie intake. Overall, this review outlines various mechanisms that lead to the development of oxidative stress. Intervention and therapy that alter or disrupt these mechanisms may serve to reduce the risk of insulin resistance and the development of diabetes.

Methylglyoxal increases cardiomyocyte ischemia-reperfusion injury via glycative inhibition of thioredoxin activity

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is closely related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but the specific molecular basis linking DM with increased vulnerability to cardiovascular injury remains incompletely understood. Methylglyoxal (MG), a precursor to advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is increased in diabetic patient plasma, but its role in diabetic cardiovascular complications is unclear. Thioredoxin (Trx), a cytoprotective molecule with antiapoptotic function, has been demonstrated to be vulnerable to glycative inhibition, but whether Trx is glycatively inhibited by MG, thus contributing to increased cardiac injury, has never been investigated. Cultured H9c2 cardiomyocytes were treated with MG (200 muM) for 6 days. The following were determined pre- and post-simulated ischemia-reperfusion (SI-R; 8 h of hypoxia followed by 3 h of reoxygenation): cardiomyocyte death/apoptosis, Trx expression and activity, AGE formation, Trx-apoptosis-regulating kinase-1 (Trx-ASK1) complex formation, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and activity. Compared with vehicle, MG significantly increased SI-R-induced cardiomyocyte LDH release and apoptosis (P < 0.01). Prior to SI-R, Trx activity was reduced in MG-treated cells, but Trx expression was increased moderately. Moreover, Trx-ASK1 complex formation was reduced, and both p38 MAPK activity and phosphorylation were increased. To investigate the effects of MG on Trx directly, recombinant human Trx (hTrx) was incubated with MG in vitro. Compared with vehicle, MG incubation markedly increased CML formation (a glycation footprint) and inhibited Trx activity. Finally, glycation inhibitor aminoguanidine administration during MG treatment of cultured cells reduced AGE formation, increased Trx activity, restored Trx-ASK1 interaction, and reduced p38 MAPK phosphorylation and activity, caspase-3 activation, and LDH release (P < 0.01). We demonstrated for the first time that methylglyoxal sensitized cultured cardiomyocytes to SI-R injury by posttranslational modification of Trx via glycation. Therapeutic interventions scavenging AGE precursors may attenuate ischemic-reperfusion injury in hyperglycemic state diseases such as diabetes.

Thioredoxin glycation: A novel posttranslational modification that inhibits its antioxidant and organ protective actions

Thioredoxin (Trx) is an antioxidant and antiapoptotic molecule, and its activity is regulated by posttranslational modifications. Trx-1 has recently been reported to exert potent protective action against endotoxic liver injury. However, whether Trx-1 activity is affected by endotoxin has never been previously investigated. The aim of the present study was to determine endotoxic regulation of Trx-1, and the potential mechanism involved. In vitro coincubation of Trx-1 with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibited Trx-1 activity in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. The core (polysaccharide containing) region of LPS had a greater inhibitory effect on Trx-1 activity than its Lipid A fragment, suggesting the involvement of sugar groups. Periodic acid-Schiff staining and fructosamine assay demonstrated that Trx-1 was rapidly glycated by LPS. Aminoguanidine, a competitive glycation-inhibitor, completely blocked the inhibitory effect of LPS on Trx-1. Moreover, Trx-1 activity was also significantly inhibited by in vitro ribose incubation. Finally, in vivo administration of Trx-1, but not glycated Trx-1, reduced LPS-induced hepatic injury. Taken together, these results demonstrated for the first time that Trx-1 is susceptible to glycative inactivation. This novel posttranslational Trx-1 modification contributes to LPS cytotoxicity, suggesting that blockading protein glycation might be a new therapeutic strategy against endotoxic organ injury.

Fructose-induced structural and functional modifications of hemoglobin: implication for oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus

Increased fructose concentration in diabetes mellitus causes fructation of several proteins. Here we have studied fructose-induced modifications of hemoglobin. We have demonstrated structural changes in fructose-modified hemoglobin (Fr-Hb) by enhanced fluorescence emission with excitation at 285 nm, more surface accessible tryptophan residues by using acrylamide, changes in secondary and tertiary structures by CD spectroscopy, and increased thermolability by using differential scanning calorimetry in comparison with those of normal hemoglobin, HbA(0). Release of iron from hemoglobin is directly related with the extent of fructation. H2O2-induced iron release from Fr-Hb is significantly higher than that from HbA(0). In the presence of H2O2, Fr-Hb degrades arachidonic acid, deoxyribose and plasmid DNA more efficiently than HbA(0), and these processes are significantly inhibited by desferrioxamine or mannitol. Thus increased iron release from Fr-Hb may cause enhanced formation of free radicals and oxidative stress in diabetes. Compared to HbA(0), Fr-Hb exhibits increased carbonyl formation, an index of oxidative modification. Functional modification in Fr-Hb has also been demonstrated by its decreased peroxidase activity and increased esterase activity in comparison with respective HbA(0) activities. Molecular modeling study reveals Lys 7alpha, Lys 127alpha and Lys 66beta to be the probable potential targets for fructation in HbA(0).