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Enzyme activities and isozyme patterns in human lung tumors
Cancer Research
|March 1, 1984
Summary
Enzyme analysis in lung tumors reveals distinct isozyme patterns, particularly for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH). These biochemical markers, alongside altered enzyme activities, show promise for differentiating cancerous from non-neoplastic lung tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Enzyme activity and isozyme patterns can vary between normal and cancerous tissues.
- Understanding these biochemical differences is crucial for accurate cancer diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the isozyme patterns and activities of six key enzymes in human lung tumors versus non-neoplastic lung tissue.
- To identify potential enzyme-based biomarkers for distinguishing lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Surgical biopsy samples of lung tumors and adjacent non-neoplastic lung tissue were analyzed.
- Isozyme patterns and enzyme activities of hexokinase, alkaline phosphatase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, and adenylate kinase were determined.
- Fetal lung tissue was included as a developmental comparison.
Main Results:
- Significant deviations in LDH and MDH isozyme patterns were observed in tumors, with higher proportions of LDH-M subunit and mitochondrial MDH.
- Tumors showed significantly lower activities of alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and adenylate kinase compared to non-neoplastic lung.
- Tumor tissues exhibited elevated activities of LDH, MDH, pyruvate kinase, and hexokinase compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Specific isozyme patterns and altered enzyme activities, particularly for LDH and MDH, are characteristic of lung tumors.
- A combination of enzyme markers, such as changes in LDH and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity along with LDH-M proportion, may reliably aid in diagnosing lung neoplasia.