Urinary leucine aminopeptidase in bilharziasis

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Chemistry
• Parasitology

Background:

• Bilharziasis is a parasitic disease with significant public health implications.
• Urinary biomarkers can aid in diagnosing and monitoring parasitic infections.
• Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is an enzyme found in various tissues and body fluids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate urinary Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity and total protein concentration in patients with different stages and complications of bilharziasis.
• To assess the correlation between LAP activity, protein concentration, and disease severity.

Main Methods:

• Urine samples were collected from healthy subjects and patients with active urinary, intestinal, or mixed bilharziasis.
• Samples were also analyzed from patients with bilharzial hepatosplenomegaly, ascites, and bladder cancer of bilharzial etiology.
• Urinary LAP activity and total protein concentration were measured.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in urinary LAP activity was observed in all patient groups compared to controls.
• The increase in LAP activity paralleled the progression of bilharziasis.
• Urinary protein concentration was also significantly elevated in bilharzial cases, particularly in those with bladder cancer.
• No direct correlation was found between urinary LAP levels and protein concentration.

Conclusions:

• Urinary LAP activity and protein concentration are elevated in bilharziasis and its complications.
• Urinary LAP may serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring bilharziasis progression.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of LAP in bilharzial pathology.