EFFECT OF ACETALDEHYDE AND ACETYLSALICYLIC-ACID ON HBA(1C) CHROMATOGRAPHY IN THE FPLC METHOD WITH MONO-S CATION-EXCHANGER

The effects of alcohol and aspirin on HbA(1c) chromatography in the Mo no S method were studied in vitro and in vivo. A modified chromatograp hy with enhanced resolution was used, making possible detailed examina tion of:minor interfering peaks included in the routine HbA(1c) value. Incubation with acetylsalicylic acid increased a hemoglobin fraction separate from HbA(1c). In vivo this fraction was elevated by 0.1% of t he total hemoglobin during therapeutic aspirin ingestion for one month . In vitro acetaldehyde generated two labile hemoglobin fractions and slightly increased a minor stable fraction which was also elevated in vivo in both alcoholics and heavy drinkers. In relation to the HbA(1c) concentration, this stable fraction was equal in both alcoholic group s. We conclude that the in vivo effects of both aspirin and alcohol ar e negligible in routine HbA(1c) determination. Factors other than acet aldehyde might account for the unexpected HbA(1c) values in alcoholics . (C) 1998 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.