15
Views
5
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Plasma β-hexosaminidase isoenzymes a and B exhibit different relations to blood glucose levels in a population of Type 1 diabetic patients

, , &
Pages 723-728 | Received 20 Feb 1995, Accepted 11 Sep 1995, Published online: 08 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

The activity of lysosomal enzymes, such as β-hexosaminidase (Hex), is increased in the plasma and serum of diabetic patients. A positive association has been shown between enzyme activity and glycated proteins, indicating an association with the degree of metabolic control. Several isoenzymes of Hex exist. Studies have reported different proportions of the isoenzymes in plasma from diabetic patients, compared with healthy subjects.

In the present study, Hex isoenzymes were examined in 76 Type 1 diabetic patients, of mean age 37.4 years (SD 12.9) compared with 38 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects in an attempt to evaluate the influence of long-and short-term changes in blood glucose levels on these isoenzymes. The results show that Hex A activity (p<0.01), but not Hex B activity, was higher in the diabetic patients. Hex A activity was positively associated with both the actual blood glucose levels (r = 0.48, p<0.001) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (r = 0.43, p<0.001), while Hex B activity was associated with the level of HbA1c only (r = 0.42, p<0.001). Both Hex A and B activities were also positively associated with early signs of diabetic nephropathy (e.g. urinary excretion of Hex, fractional albumin excretion ratio and urinary albumin). There was no association between Hex A and B activities and different degrees of retinopathy.

In conclusion, the present study demonstrates an association between Hex A and B and metabolic parameters in diabetes as well as with clinical signs of early diabetic nephropathy, but no association with the degree of retinopathy. Furthermore, Hex A seems to be more influenced than Hex B by short-term changes in blood glucose levels.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.