Acetaldehyde-modified lysozyme function: its potential implication in the promotion of infection in alcoholics

Incubation of lysozyme with acetaldehyde (0.44 M) at room temperature for 2 h produces a 62% inhibition of enzymic activity. Because the active site cleft contains tryptophyls, asparagine, glutamine, and an arginine residue, and because acetaldehyde reacts with indoles, amides, and guanidines, it is suggested that these sites are likely ones for alkylation. The epsilon-amino groups of lysines on the surface of the molecule are also susceptible to covalent modification. Total acetylation of lysozyme has been reported to inactivate the enzyme. These results suggest the possibility that inactivation of a fraction of the lysozyme activity by acetaldehyde may decrease the effectiveness of the enzyme in chronic alcoholics, thereby leading to an increased potential for susceptibility to bacterial infection.