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Published on: June 7, 2018
Study on neutrophil enzymes in atopic disease
1Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical College.
Abstract:
Neutrophils (PMN) from 20 patients with atopic disease (atopy), the parents of 8 of the patients and 10 normal controls were studied by light-microscopic cytochemistry. The results revealed that myeloperoxidase (MPO) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities in PMN in all cases significantly decreased and alkaline phosphatase activity was normal. Parents or parent of 7 of those patients had PMN enzyme deficiency similar to that of the patients. The results indicated that a primary combined and partial deficiency of MPO and ACP in PMN azurophilic granule existed in atopy. It is postulated that the deficiency led to reduction of PMN bactericidal power and delay of bactericidal action. Foreign bodies which were partially degraded could possess antigenic property. This is believed to be the important cytobiological mechanism of the tendency toward infections and formation of sensitive antigen in atopy.
Insights
Atopic disease patients exhibit reduced neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) and acid phosphatase (ACP) enzyme activity. This neutrophil enzyme deficiency may impair bacterial killing, contributing to infections and antigen sensitivity in atopy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Atopic diseases are characterized by heightened immune responses.
- Neutrophils play a crucial role in innate immunity and pathogen clearance.
- Understanding neutrophil function in atopy is vital for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neutrophil (PMN) enzyme activity in patients with atopic disease.
- To determine if PMN enzyme deficiencies are inherited in atopic families.
- To elucidate the cytobiological mechanisms underlying atopy.
Main Methods:
- Light-microscopic cytochemistry was used to analyze PMN enzyme activity.
- Samples were obtained from 20 atopic patients, 8 patient parents, and 10 healthy controls.
- Assayed enzymes included myeloperoxidase (MPO), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase.
Main Results:
- Significantly decreased MPO and ACP activities were observed in PMN from all atopic patients.
- Normal alkaline phosphatase activity was noted in all study groups.
- A similar PMN enzyme deficiency was found in parents of 7 out of 8 atopic patients, suggesting a hereditary component.
Conclusions:
- A primary, combined, partial deficiency of MPO and ACP in PMN azurophilic granules is identified in atopy.
- This deficiency may reduce PMN bactericidal capacity, leading to delayed pathogen clearance.
- Impaired bacterial degradation could result in partially degraded foreign bodies with antigenic properties, contributing to atopy's susceptibility to infections and antigen sensitization.
