The present paper describes concisely the expression and role of α(1,2)-linked fucose on some glycoconjugates as well as the detection, distribution and potential role of that glycotope on human soluble plasma and cellular fibronectins in addition to the expression on both normal and pathological amniotic fluid and seminal plasma fibronectins. The determination of α(1,2)fucosylated glycans is considered with respect to its usefulness as a potential clinically applicable biomarker in obstetrics to monitor pregnancy and in andrology to evaluate the ejaculate of infertile men and in vitro fertilization.

Keywords:
α(1,2)-fucose-containing epitope, amniotic fluid, fibronectin, glycomarker, seminal plasma, Ulex europaeus agglutinin
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2011 Biochemical Society
2011
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