INFLAMMATORY ENZYME ASSAY

Collection Instr. …………: Recommended 8-hour fasting and light diet on the day before collection.

Technical Information: The research and dosages of some specific enzymes can be used for the diagnosis and localization of some inflammatory disorders, in order to assist and follow their treatments. They can be dosed in a joint profile or ordered individually.

1. a) Interleukin 1-beta (IL-1 beta) is a paracrine cytokine. High levels of this cytokine are seen in septic shock. The cytokine is involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, and in patients with this condition, its concentration in synovial fluid is significantly higher, which is not the case in serum.
2. b) Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine (multifunctional protein) that can be released by various cells in the body in response to a variety of stimuli. More specifically, IL-6 secreted by adipocytes, endothelial cells, and immune system cells, is an important factor in maintaining the low-grade inflammation state characteristic of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as by acute immune activation triggered by infection and sepsis. Serum IL-6 levels may reflect the presence of underlying systemic inflammatory, metabolic and physiological stimuli. 

1. c) The TNFα gene encodes a pro-inflammatory cytokine, which acts as a factor that promotes atherogenesis and vascular damage. In addition, TNF is involved in many processes, such as apoptosis, cell proliferation and differentiation. The polymorphism analyzed can condition its activity levels, interfering unfavorably in pro-inflammatory mechanisms. 

1. d) Interleukin-10 (IL-10 or IL10), also known as cytokine synthesis inhibition factor (CSIF), is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines by T lymphocytes and macrophages. Its presence has been demonstrated in human atherosclerotic plaques, since it has been observed in experimental studies that low levels of IL-10 favor the development of morphologically larger and more unstable atherosclerotic lesions. 

8. e) Malonic dialdehyde (MDA) is an end product of lipid lipoperoxidation. It contributes to the inflammatory reaction by activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFBeta and IL-8. 

1. f) Oxidized LDL is a specific marker widely used to identify Oxidative Stress. Atherosclerosis is widely recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease that involves an innate and adaptive immune response, and its cellular and humoral components have been implicated in the atherogenesis process. Clinical Interpretation: Anti-OxLDL antibodies are present in patients with atherosclerosis, endometriosis, diabetes, and other stressful situations.  Anti-OxLDL is closely linked with atheroma plaque size.

1. g) Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme, specialized in the removal of the superoxide anion radical (O2-). Antioxidant enzymes are the cells’ first line of defense against reactive oxygen species. SOD needs to work in conjunction with enzymes that destroy H2O2 (the end product of O2- metabolization). Supplementation with antioxidants for at least 90 days usually reduces SOD levels in coronary heart disease patients. Thus, this test is a marker of the effectiveness of antioxidant treatment.