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Increased monoester lipase activity in red blood cells during hyperthyroidism
The Journal of Endocrinology
|March 1, 1986
Summary
Hyperthyroid patients exhibit increased monoester lipase (MEL) activity in red blood cells (RBC). This enzymatic change normalizes with treatment, suggesting a potential diagnostic marker for thyroid function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Human red blood cells (RBC) possess membrane-bound monoester lipase (MEL) activity.
- This MEL activity has an externally oriented active site, enabling hydrolysis of exogenous lipid substrates by intact cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MEL activity in RBC of hyperthyroid patients.
- To determine if MEL levels correlate with thyroid status and RBC indices.
Main Methods:
- Radiochemical assay used to measure membrane-bound MEL activity in intact RBC.
- Comparison of MEL levels between 29 untreated hyperthyroid patients and a control group.
- Analysis of RBC indices including mean cellular volume and mean cellular hemoglobin content.
Main Results:
- Hyperthyroid patients showed significantly higher MEL levels in RBC compared to controls (P < 0.01).
- Increased MEL values were associated with decreased mean cellular volume and hemoglobin content (P < 0.001).
- MEL levels normalized in 13 patients after becoming euthyroid through treatment.
Conclusions:
- Elevated RBC MEL activity is a novel characteristic of hyperthyroidism.
- RBC MEL activity may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing thyroid status.
- Further research is warranted to explore the diagnostic and prognostic implications of this enzymatic alteration.