PhD defence
Glycosylation signatures of type 2 diabetes complications and metabolic syndrome
- E. Memarian
- Date
- Thursday 17 September 2026
- Time
- Location
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
- Prof.dr. M. Wuhrer
- Prof.dr. G. Lauc
- dr. V. Dotz
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) affect millions of people worldwide and can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and eye damage. Detecting people at risk early is therefore important, but current clinical markers do not always provide enough information to predict who will develop complications.
This thesis investigated whether changes in glycosylation could provide new clues about metabolic health and diabetes-related complications. Glycosylation is involved in processes such as inflammation and immune regulation and can change when disease develops.
Using advanced laboratory techniques, including liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, we analysed glycan patterns in blood samples from different populations. We identified specific glycosylation patterns associated with MetS, suboptimal health status, and complications of T2D, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and retinopathy. In particular, changes in the glycosylation of immunoglobulin G, an important protein of the immune system, were also investigated for diabetes-related complications.
We also showed that dried blood spots, which require only a small blood sample and are easy to collect, transport, and store, can provide reliable glycan measurements. This could make glycomic testing more practical and accessible in the future.
Together, these findings show that glycosylation patterns have potential as new biomarkers for earlier detection and risk assessment in metabolic diseases. The research contributes to the development of more personalised approaches to preventing and managing T2D and its complications.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
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General information
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