What is a glycoprotein? It is a biomolecule made up of carbohydrate and protein. These Glycoproteins are found outside the cells in the body. The carbohydrates are in the form of chains of polysaccharides that are attached to proteins. A Mucin is an example of a Glycoprotein. It is often found in the membranes and has considerable water retention capacities.

Uses: Glycoproteins are especially important to the immune system.

* One form of this is immunoglobulins or antibodies and their reaction with antigens. Because of how Glycoproteins are able to help the immune system, research has been done to see if some of them can be used effectively for vaccines and against genital herpes. Results showed varied results. The clinical studies took place at University of Texas in Galveston in Department of Pediatrics and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development. Glycoproteins were found to have been effective with some women patients and not with men.

* Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). These Glycoproteins interact with the T cells (type of white blood cells) that fight against diseases in the body.

* Glycoproteins are also found in the zona pellucida. This is the membrane that is surrounding the plasma membrane of the oocyte which plays a part in the female reproductive system.

* Glycoprotein is also found in connective tissue, which makes it useful in the treatment of arthritis.

* There are also soluble Glycoproteins; examples of this are egg whites and blood plasma.

* Glycoproteins can also be found in a number of hormones in the body; one of which is the hormone that helps to regulate the thyroid gland

* Proteoglycans are a form of Glycoprotein. Examples of these are Chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is a Glycoprotein made up of the Glyconutrient N-Acetylgalactosamine and Glucuronic acid; it is used in conjunction with Glucosamine as a treatment for Osteoarthritis. Chondroitin sulfate is found in cartilage and is a necessary ingredient for providing resistance in cartilage. This is why it has been proved useful to arthritis patients.

* Glycoprotein is also good for your heart and may be a factor in preventing heart disease. Glycoprotein IIB/IIIA inhibitors are some of the medicines that are used for heart patients.

As you can see Glycoproteins can be found in many areas of the body. They are especially useful for boosting the immune system and improve your health by this means. More research is being done on these Glycoproteins to find out their many uses.