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Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity in Hirschsprung's disease in Israel
O Atias1, R Finaly, N Meyerstein
1Dr Joseph Kaufmann Hematology Laboratory, Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Insights
Red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is not elevated in children with Hirschsprung's disease. This study supports previous findings but requires a larger sample size for definitive conclusions regarding Hirschsprung's disease diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital disorder affecting the large intestine.
- Elevated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is observed in the affected gut segments.
- Previous research suggested a potential increase in red blood cell (RBC) AChE in affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in red blood cells (RBCs) of infants and children with Hirschsprung's disease.
- To determine if RBC AChE levels correlate with the presence of Hirschsprung's disease.
- To compare findings with previous international studies.
Main Methods:
- Study involved healthy and affected individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds (Bedouins, Ashkenazi Jews, Sephardic Jews) in Israel.
- Measured acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in red blood cells (RBCs).
- Included age-adjusted data for comprehensive analysis.
Main Results:
- Red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was not found to be augmented in children diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease.
- Findings align with a previously published Japanese study on the same topic.
- The study highlights potential ethnic variations in Hirschsprung's disease research.
Conclusions:
- The current study does not support the hypothesis that red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is elevated in Hirschsprung's disease.
- Larger sample sizes are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
- Further research is warranted to explore the role of AChE in Hirschsprung's disease pathogenesis.
Abstract:
Hirschsprung's disease is a relatively prevalent disorder in newborn babies and young children. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is augmented locally, in the neural plexus of the affected gut segment. It has been suggested that this enzyme will also be increased in red blood cells (RBCs) of affected children. Thus, we studied AChE activity in newborn babies and children, as well as age-adjusted data. This Israeli study consisted of healthy and affected Bedouins as well as Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews. This study supports the Japanese study in that the RBC AChE is not augmented in Hirschsprung's disease. However, final conclusions cannot yet be drawn, because of the small sample.