Predicting perimenopause by analysing immunoglobulin G glycome

A new study published in iScience has shown association between perimenopause and changes in IgG glycome composition – an abundant antibody that has been shown to be a biomarker of an individual’s health.

The research was led by team from the Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory in Zagreb, Croatia, Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing in Stratford upon Avon, UK, and King’s College London. The study followed nearly 2000 women for 15 years and analysed their IgG glycans several times during that period, many samples were taken from TwinsUK which is the largest twin registry in the UK.

Analysis of the IgG glycome in multiple samples from the same individuals showed the antibody changing from an inflammation-suppressive to proinflammatory state. While this is common as we age, researchers saw this change happen more rapidly as women transitioned from a regular menstrual cycle to perimenopause and then menopause.

This change in IgG glycans is associated with many health risks that accompany menopause such as diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. The IgG glycome change is identifiable years before disease occurs or any diagnosis would be sought. This suggest glycans and chronic inflammation is linked and the transformation of IgG glycans plays a part in developing disease.