Glycoprotein Acetylation

Inflammation marker

GlycA

Glycoprotein Acetylation

Category: Inflammation
Unit: umol/L

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.

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

References:

  • Connelly, M. A., Otvos, J. D., Shalaurova, I., Playford, M. P., & Mehta, N. N. (2017). GlycA, a novel biomarker of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk. Journal of Translational Medicine, 15, 219. DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1321-6
  • Akinkuolie, A. O., Buring, J. E., Ridker, P. M., & Mora, S. (2014). A novel protein glycan biomarker and future cardiovascular disease events. Journal of the American Heart Association, 3(5), e001221. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.114.001221
  • Dullaart, R. P. F., Gruppen, E. G., Connelly, M. A., & Lefrandt, J. D. (2019). GlycA, a novel pro-inflammatory glycoprotein biomarker is associated with mortality: Results from the PREVEND study and meta-analysis. Journal of Internal Medicine, 286(5), 596-609. DOI: 10.1111/joim.12953

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

250 - 400 umol/L

VitalMetrics Range

250 - 450 umol/L

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