Serum lipolytic activity in Reye's syndrome

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pediatrics
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Reye's syndrome (RS) is characterized by high serum free fatty acids (FFA).
• This is often attributed to increased adipose tissue lipolysis.
• The role of intravascular lipolysis in augmenting FFA levels in RS remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and significance of intravascular lipolysis in Reye's syndrome.
• To measure lipase activity in serum samples from RS patients and controls.

Main Methods:

• Serum lipase activity was measured in unheparinized samples from Reye's syndrome patients and various control groups.
• Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) activities were assessed.
• Correlations with glucose levels were examined.

Main Results:

• Significant lipolytic activity was detected in 5 out of 7 Reye's syndrome patients.
• Similar lipase activity was found in two other individuals with specific medical histories.
• Lipase activity was generally absent in control groups, including healthy siblings, parents, and patients with other conditions.
• An inverse relationship between LPL and HL activities was observed, with glucose levels correlating directly with LPL and inversely with HL.

Conclusions:

• The presence of serum lipase activity in unheparinized Reye's syndrome patients suggests intravascular lipolysis contributes to elevated FFA levels.
• Circulating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins may serve as an additional source of FFA in Reye's syndrome.
• Further research is needed to understand the basis of LPL activity in RS sera.