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Asialoglycoproteins

endogenous glycoproteins from which sialic acid has been removed by the action of sialidases. They bind tightly to their cell surface receptor which is located on hepatocyte plasma membranes. After internalization by adsorptive endocytosis they are delivered to lysosomes for degradation. Therefore receptor-mediated clearance of asialoglycoproteins is an important aspect of the turnover of plasma glycoproteins. They are elevated in serum of patients with hepatic cirrhosis or hepatitis.