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Measurement of Chitinase Activity in Biological Samples
Published on: August 22, 2019
Chitotriosidase levels in healthy elderly subjects
Ismail Kurt1, Dilek Abasli, Murat Cihan
1Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Gulhane School of Medicine, Etlik 06018, Ankara, Turkey. ikurt@gata.edu.tr
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|April 27, 2007
Summary
Serum chitotriosidase (CHIT) activity is significantly higher in healthy elderly individuals compared to younger adults. This finding suggests CHIT may serve as a biomarker for aging-related physiological changes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Chitotriosidase (CHIT) is a glycosylhydrolase enzyme homologous to chitinases.
- CHIT is selectively expressed in activated tissue macrophages, often associated with lipid accumulation in lysosomal apparatus.
- Elevated serum CHIT activity is linked to atherosclerosis severity, indicating its potential as a disease marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify serum chitotriosidase (CHIT) activity levels in healthy elderly individuals.
- To compare CHIT activity between healthy elderly and young adult populations.
Main Methods:
- Serum enzymatic activity assay using a fluorometric method with a 4-MU substrate.
- Analysis of serum CHIT activity in 90 healthy elderly subjects (65-94 years) and 69 healthy young adults (20-44 years).
Main Results:
- Mean serum CHIT activity in elderly subjects was 270 +/- 21 nmol/mL/h.
- Mean serum CHIT activity in young subjects was 136 +/- 17 nmol/mL/h.
- Statistically significant differences in CHIT activity were observed between the elderly and young cohorts.
Conclusions:
- Healthy elderly individuals exhibit significantly higher serum chitotriosidase activity than younger adults.
- These findings suggest a potential role for serum CHIT activity as a biomarker associated with the aging process.
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