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Lysozyme activity in cerebrospinal fluid
Abstract:
The concentration of lysozyme (LZM) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been studied in 148 patients to evaluate its possible significance in the differential diagnosis of various diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). In the control group only 3 of 45 patients had detectable LZM in their CSF, the highest value being 1.3 mug/ml. The diabetic and epileptic groups did not differ from the control group. Of 8 patients with primary intracranial tumours, 4 had raised CSF-LZM levels. Twenty of 23 uraemic patients had elevated CSF-LZM, the highest value being 3.3 mug/ml. The highest values were found in patients with bacterial meningitis, tuberculous meningitis and leptomeningitis due to Aspergillus. A positive correlation was found between CSF-LZM and protein concentrations. The measurement of LZM may be of value in the diagnosis of inflammatory processes affecting the CNS and in the diagnosis of certain intracranial tumours.
Insights
Lysozyme (LZM) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can help diagnose central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Elevated LZM indicates inflammatory conditions like meningitis or intracranial tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Lysozyme (LZM) is an enzyme with antimicrobial properties.
- Its presence and concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may indicate pathological processes within the central nervous system (CNS).
- Understanding LZM levels can aid in differentiating various CNS diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentration of lysozyme (LZM) in the CSF of patients with various central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
- To evaluate the diagnostic significance of CSF-LZM levels in differential diagnosis.
- To explore the correlation between CSF-LZM and protein concentrations.
Main Methods:
- CSF samples were collected from 148 patients with diverse neurological conditions and controls.
- Lysozyme (LZM) concentrations in CSF were measured.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare LZM levels across different patient groups and correlate with protein levels.
Main Results:
- Normal LZM levels were observed in healthy controls, diabetic, and epileptic patients.
- Elevated CSF-LZM was found in patients with intracranial tumors (4/8) and significantly in uremic patients (20/23).
- The highest LZM concentrations were detected in patients with bacterial meningitis, tuberculous meningitis, and Aspergillus-related leptomeningitis, showing a positive correlation with CSF protein.
Conclusions:
- CSF lysozyme (LZM) measurement is a valuable tool for diagnosing inflammatory CNS diseases, including meningitis.
- Elevated LZM levels can also suggest the presence of certain intracranial tumors.
- LZM concentration in CSF shows potential as a diagnostic biomarker for specific neurological conditions.
