Erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase measurements in Balkan endemic nephropathy

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a chronic progressive kidney disease leading to renal insufficiency. The possible etiological role of some toxic factors was considered in this study by investigating the activity of erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D), an enzyme influenced by various environmental factors. We observed that ALA-D activity was markedly decreased in patients with BEN and in 32% of their healthy family members. Glutathione concentration was found normal in all the groups studied, however, it was possible to reactivate the enzyme in vitro by addition of exogenous glutathione. Percent activation was significantly higher in the groups with decreased ALA-D activity. Blood lead levels were within normal range. The results suggest a normal synthesis of ALA-D apoenzyme, and also the presence of some factors, environmental, metabolic, or genetic, which may affect the enzyme activity through binding to the reactive groups in the active center of this enzyme or by oxidation of the reactive groups. Additional studies are necessary to further elucidate the significance of decreased ALA-D activity in BEN and their healthy relatives.