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Increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity in ankylosing spondylitis
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels are common in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Further tests indicate the liver, not bone, is the primary source of this increased enzyme activity in AS patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) is observed in some ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.
- The source of this increased AP activity in AS has been debated, with some suggesting a bone origin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of elevated serum AP levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
- To determine if increased AP activity correlates with disease activity or medication.
Main Methods:
- Serum AP levels were measured in 76 AS patients.
- AP isoenzyme studies were performed on patients with elevated AP.
- Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels were also assessed.
Main Results:
- 17% of AS patients showed raised serum AP levels.
- AP isoenzyme analysis revealed a liver origin in 6 out of 8 investigated patients.
- Elevated AP was not linked to disease activity or drug therapy.
Conclusions:
- Increased serum AP activity is confirmed in ankylosing spondylitis.
- The liver, not bone, is the likely source of elevated AP in AS.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind liver-derived AP elevation in AS.