Abstract
Methylglyoxal is a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound that promotes albumin glycation, advanced glycation end-product formation, oxidative protein damage, thiol depletion, and reduction of antioxidant capacity. This study evaluated the protective effect of bicarbonate, alone and in combination with ketone bodies, against methylglyoxal-induced albumin damage. Six biochemical assays were used: fructosamine assay, AGE fluorescence assay, protein carbonyl assay, free thiol assay, FRAP antioxidant assay, and pH/bicarbonate buffering assessment. Methylglyoxal strongly increases fructosamine, AGE fluorescence, and protein carbonyls, while diminishing free thiols and FRAP capacity. While bicarbonate mitigated some of this harm, pairing it with acetoacetate offered the most robust defense across every measured marker without disrupting pH. In conclusion bicarbonate significantly protected albumin against methylglyoxal-induced glycation, oxidative protein damage, thiol depletion, and antioxidant decline. The greatest biochemical protection was recorded when bicarbonate was combined with acetoacetate. These findings support a rare biochemical link between bicarbonate buffering, ketone-body chemistry, carbonyl stress, and albumin preservation.
