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Glucose-forming amylase in human urine
Journal of Biochemistry
|May 1, 1975
Summary
Researchers isolated three novel glucose-forming amylase proteins from human urine. These enzymes, distinct in properties, can break down starch and glycogen into glucose, suggesting a normal physiological role.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Human urine contains various enzymes, but specific amylase activities are not fully characterized.
- Alpha-amylase is a known enzyme in urine, but other forms may exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize glucose-forming amylase enzymes present in normal human urine.
- To determine if these enzymes have distinct biochemical and enzymatic properties.
Main Methods:
- Removal of alpha-amylase using raw starch adsorption.
- Purification of urine proteins via DEAE-cellulose chromatography and Bio Gel P-150 gel filtration.
- Enzymatic assays to determine substrate specificity and product formation.
Main Results:
- Three homogeneous glucose-forming amylase fractions (F-1, F-2, F-3) were isolated.
- All fractions hydrolyzed starch and glycogen, yielding glucose as the sole product.
- Enzymes exhibited differences in molecular weight, isoelectric point, stability, and enzymatic characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Human urine normally contains multiple glucose-forming amylases.
- These distinct amylase isoforms may play a specific physiological role in carbohydrate metabolism.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise functions of these urinary amylases.