Determinants of Immunoglobulin-G N-Glycan Patterns in the Aging General Population.

The effect of demographic and lifestyle factors on IgG N-glycosylation, which determines IgG's inflammatory response, remains poorly characterized. Aging, higher BMI, female sex, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption are determinants of IgG N-glycome patterns, which are indicative of inflammation. Women exhibit a distinct change in IgG N-glycosylation between age 45 and 55, a change that is absent in men. Repeated measurements confirm that N-glycan compositions gradually evolve toward a pro-inflammatory direction over time. BMI, Body-mass index; IgG, Immunoglobulin G; Nano-LC-ESI-MS, Nanoflow liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry.