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Plasma phospholipase A2 in children with malignant disorders
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Cluj Medical School, Romania.
European Journal of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry : Journal of the Forum of European Clinical Chemistry Societies
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Elevated plasma phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity was observed in 39% of children with malignant disorders, exceeding levels seen in healthy children. This enzyme activity may indicate a patient's response to cancer, rather than aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Oncology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Plasma phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an enzyme involved in cellular processes.
- Elevated PLA2 activity has been implicated in various pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalytic activity concentrations in children with malignant disorders.
- To compare PLA2 activity in children with cancer versus healthy children.
- To explore the potential correlation between PLA2 activity and the patient's response to malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of plasma phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalytic activity in 49 children with malignant disorders.
- Comparison of PLA2 activity levels with those in 16 healthy children.
- Analysis of PLA2 activity in subgroups of children with specific cancers like lymphoma and leukemia.
Main Results:
- Plasma PLA2 catalytic activity ranged from 0-48 U/l in children with malignancies, with 39% exceeding 10 U/l.
- Healthy children consistently showed PLA2 activity below 10 U/l.
- 44% of children with malignant lymphoma and acute leukemia had PLA2 activity above 10 U/l.
Conclusions:
- Plasma phospholipase A2 (PLA2) determination may not be a diagnostic tool for childhood malignancies.
- Elevated PLA2 activity in children with cancer could serve as an indicator of the patient's physiological response to the malignant process.