Isolation and Identification of N -carbamoyl-β- d -glucopyranosylamine from Human Serum

Abstract

N-carbamoyl-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (NCG) is a compound, which can chemically be synthesized by the condensation of glucose and urea by heating under acidic condition. In this study, we isolated and identified NCG and its anomer from human serum. This is the first study showing the occurrence and isolation of NCG from a natural source. The NCG level in human serum was estimated to be 71+/-33 microM using a glucose-3-dehydrogenase-based assay. Because NCG is not commercially used in foods or drugs, we conclude that the NCG isolated from human serum is synthesized from blood glucose and urea in vivo.

Clinical application of the serum 1,5‐anhydroglucitol assay method using glucose 3‐dehydrogenase

“…G3DH can oxidize most glucoside compounds, with Michaelis constants (Km) ranging from 10 -3 to 10 -2 M (7). We previously reported the presence of N-carbamoyl-b-D-glucopyranosylamine (NCG) in human serum (9). Although the mechanism of NCG formation, and its physiological significance, remain unknown, NCG is believed to be produced in vivo, as it has not been utilized in medicine or food.…”