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Updated: May 10, 2026
03:32
Measurement of Chitinase Activity in Biological Samples
Published on: August 22, 2019
[Plasma cholinesterase activity in hepatic diseases].
Manel Araoud1, Hamida Mhenni, Ilhem Hellara
1Laboratoire de biochimie-toxicologie, Hôpital universitaire Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisie. rdmanel@yahoo.fr
Annales De Biologie Clinique
|June 11, 2013
Summary
Plasma cholinesterase activity (ChE) is a valuable biomarker for diagnosing liver diseases. Lower ChE levels indicate liver impairment, particularly in cases of hepatic insufficiency, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hepatology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Context:
- Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity is a potential biomarker influenced by various pathological conditions.
- Liver diseases, including hepatitis and cirrhosis, can significantly alter ChE levels.
- Accurate diagnosis and assessment of liver function are crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the diagnostic utility of plasma cholinesterase activity in differentiating various types of liver injury.
- To evaluate the correlation between ChE activity and established liver disease markers.
- To determine the role of ChE in diagnosing hepatic insufficiency.
Summary:
- A study involving 102 liver disease patients and 53 controls found significantly lower ChE activity in patients (p < 0.0001).
- ChE levels were most reduced in cirrhotic patients compared to those with hepatitis.
- Elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT, ALP), bilirubin, and decreased albumin were observed in patients. Hypoalbuminemia was pronounced in cirrhosis.
- ChE showed correlations with bilirubin, albumin, and total protein in cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis.
- Significantly reduced ChE activity was noted in patients with hepatic insufficiency (HI), suggesting its utility in diagnosing impaired liver function.
Impact:
- Plasma cholinesterase activity serves as a valuable indicator for diagnosing liver diseases and assessing hepatic insufficiency.
- This enzyme assay can aid clinicians in confirming or guiding the diagnosis of impaired liver function.
- Understanding ChE variations provides insights into the severity and type of liver damage.
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