Methylglyoxal (MGO) - also called pyruvic aldehyde or 2-oxopropanal - is a byproduct of glycolysis in humans. MGO will binds to free amine groups in proteins, lipids and peptides, leading to a loss of function of these altered molecules known as Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). In turn, these substances can cause or worsen diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, or kidney disease. The reaction between MGO and the modified amino acid Na-acetyl-l-arginine is the subject of this kinetics study.  Data were collected using the change in UV-visible absorption spectra over time as a function of pH. The Na-acetyl-l-arginine and MGO were combined in a 20:1 mole ratio to facilitate pseudo-first-order kinetics over the pH range of 1.87-12.8. Stopped-flow spectroscopy as well as traditional UV-vis spectrophotometry were utilized to follow the progress of reactions. These experiments showed that MGO exists in at least three hydrated forms that depend on pH value and hydroxide concentration, but do not exist in rapid equilibrium. These advances in the understanding of methylglyoxal are critical in the goal of determining the rate law of the reaction between methylglyoxal and the arginine functional group.<br/>

Kinetic investigation of the reaction of methylglyoxal with Na-acetyl-l-arginine using UV-visible absorption spectra

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.