Glycoprotein Acetylation
Inflammation marker
GlycA
Glycoprotein Acetylation
NMR-derived composite inflammatory biomarker reflecting glycosylation of acute phase proteins. More stable than CRP with lower intra-individual variability, providing a better measure of chronic systemic inflammation.
PED Notes
Chronic PED use causes sustained low-grade systemic inflammation reflected by GlycA. Unlike CRP which spikes acutely and normalises quickly, GlycA captures chronic inflammatory burden — more relevant for long-term health monitoring in enhanced athletes. AAS-induced hepatic acute phase protein production elevates GlycA. Intense training, joint stress, and chronic muscle damage from heavy lifting contribute. GH may reduce GlycA through anti-inflammatory effects, partially counteracting AAS-driven elevation. GlycA independently predicts cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.
When high
Understanding GlycA:
- GlycA reflects chronic systemic inflammation with low day-to-day variation
- More stable than CRP — less affected by acute transient events
- Independently predicts cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality
- Optimal: <350 umol/L; Average: 350-400 umol/L; Elevated: >400 umol/L
If Elevated (>400 umol/L):
- Assess inflammatory sources: overtraining, chronic injuries, visceral fat
- Check alongside CRP — if both elevated, systemic inflammation is confirmed
- Consider oral AAS hepatic contribution — liver produces acute phase proteins
- Review training volume — chronic overreaching drives persistent inflammation
Supplements:
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) -- 2-4g/day (most effective anti-inflammatory supplement)
- Curcumin -- 500-1000mg/day with piperine (anti-inflammatory)
- Boswellia -- 300-500mg/day (anti-inflammatory)
Lifestyle:
- Ensure adequate recovery between training sessions
- Manage body fat -- visceral fat is a major driver of chronic inflammation
- Address chronic injuries and joint issues
- Consider deload periods every 4-6 weeks
Pharmacological options (see CRP for shared rationale):
- Rosuvastatin -- 5-10mg/day; reduces GlycA alongside hs-CRP (statins broadly suppress hepatic acute phase protein production); particularly valuable when ApoB is also elevated; monitor CK and ALT
- GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide 0.25-2.4mg weekly, tirzepatide 2.5-15mg weekly) -- reduce GlycA via weight loss, visceral fat reduction, and direct anti-inflammatory effects on adipose tissue; ideal for GH/MK-677 users with concurrent insulin resistance and chronic inflammation
- SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin 10-25mg/day) -- reduce systemic inflammation markers independent of glycaemic effect; emerging cardio-renal protection relevant to enhanced athletes
- Low-dose colchicine -- 0.5mg/day; same rationale as for hs-CRP (LoDoCo2 trial); physician-supervised
- Most GlycA elevation in athletes responds to lifestyle, deload, training volume reduction, and omega-3 first; pharmacology is reserved for confirmed cardiovascular risk where multiple inflammatory markers remain stubborn
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Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range