Beta-Glucuronidase Activity in Gastric Juice in Various Gastric Diseases

Abstract

Rahbek, I., Lintrup, J., Jensen, E. & Kromann, N. 1973. Beta-Glucuronidase Activity in Gastric Juice. Scand. J. Gastroent. 8. 139-144.

Beta-glucuronidase was determined in fasting gastric secretion and neutralized basal secretion. In fasting secretion elevated enzyme concentrations were found in 9 of 13 patients with gastric cancer, in 5 of 12 with pernicious anaemia, and in none of 8 controls. In neutralized basal secretion the results are best expressed as secretion rate. The mean enzyme value proved 8 times higher in gastric cancer than in normals. Elevated levels were found in 7 of 11 patients with gastric cancer, in 2 of 8 with pernicious anaemia, in 3 of 10 with gastric ulcer, and in none of 8 controls. According to the present results, determination of beta-glucuronidase in gastric juice seems of limited value in diagnosing gastric cancer.

Key-words::

• Achlorhydria
• enzyme tests
• gastric juice
• glucuronidase
• pernicious anaemia
• stomach neoplasm
• stomach ulcer