A possible hemoglobin marker of alcoholism.
Human erythrocytes were found to synthesize 5-deoxy-D-xylulose-1-phosphate from added acetaldehyde and endogenous dihydroxyacetone phosphate. In separate experiments 5-deoxy-D-xylulose-1-phosphate was observed to react with hemoglobin Ao, forming a stable adduct. Formation and accumulation of this unique form of hemoglobin in the blood of alcohol users, by integrating the blood acetaldehyde concentration, would provide a dose-time record of alcohol consumption.
D000079:Acetaldehyde / Q000494:pharmacology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood*; D003837:Deoxy Sugars / Q000097:blood; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006019:Glycolysis / Q000187:drug effects; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans
D003837:Deoxy Sugars; D006454:Hemoglobins; D000079:Acetaldehyde