N-Acetyl-Beta-Hexosaminidase Activity in Asthma

Abstract

Background: N-acetyl-β-hexosaminidase (β-hex) is a lysosomal hydrolase, which is selectively secreted into the extracellular space by inflammatory cells. The aim of our study was to assess the activity of β-hex in the plasma of asthmatic patients, and to establish whether it correlates with asthma severity and airway inflammation. Methods: The study was conducted in a group of 46 asthmatic patients and 13 healthy volunteers. All study participants underwent analysis of exhaled nitric oxide and flow-volume spirometry. β-hex activity, peripheral blood eosinophils, total serum IgE and eosinophil cationic protein were analyzed in blood samples from all asthmatic patients and healthy volunteers. Results: β-hex activity was significantly higher in patients with severe or moderate asthma compared with healthy volunteers and was positively correlated with exhaled nitric oxide levels and serum eosinophil cationic protein in these groups of patients. There was no correlation between β-hex activity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, blood eosinophil count or total serum IgE in these groups of asthmatics. Conclusions: Our results suggest that β-hex could take part in airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. Our study is the first report in which the elevated activity of β-hex in subjects with asthma has been observed. However, more studies are needed to establish the precise role of this enzyme in asthma in humans.

Airway Epithelial Repair by a Prebiotic Mannan Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

“…Glycoprotein endogenous ligands for MR ( β -Hex A and B, aka NAGA (N-Acetyl- β , D-Glucosaminidase), NAG, and NAGase) are elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of guinea pigs exposed to ozone [4] and in serum of asthmatic patients, more so in severe asthmatics [27]. Moreover, gene variants of glycoprotein and resulting abnormal serum levels of the respective glycoproteins are associated with asthma [28].…”

Lysosomal Exoglycosidase Profile and Secretory Function in the Salivary Glands of Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

“…Bierc et al [ 12 ] noted a significant increase in HEX, GLU, and GAL activity in the salivary gland tumor tissue, while Waszkiewicz et al [ 13 ] reported that HEX determination may be a useful marker for salivary dysfunction caused by a single dose of ethanol. Determination of lysosomal exoglycosidases also appears to have a significant diagnostic value in screening and monitoring chronic periodontitis [ 14 ], cancer [ 12 , 15 ], asthma [ 16 ], alcohol dependence [ 17 , 18 ], Lyme borreliosis [ 19 ], and rheumatoid arthritis [ 19 , 20 ], as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus [ 21 – 23 ]. It has been demonstrated that increased activity of lysosomal hydrolases in saliva reflects their elevated synthesis/release, which may be associated with lysosomal membrane damage [ 22 , 24 ].…”

Beneficial Effects of PrebioticSaccharomyces cerevisiaeMannan on Allergic Asthma Mouse Models

“…Recently, gene variants of glycoproteins, affecting serum levels of respective glycoproteins, have been reported as important factors in asthma [ 32 ]. Regarding glycoprotein endogenous ligands for MR, β -hexosaminidase levels are significantly elevated in serum of severe asthmatic patients [ 33 ]. There is also a growing interest in immunoregulatory capacity of glycans and glycan-binding proteins such as galactins, selectins (C-type lectins, MR is a ligand for L-selectin) [ 34 ], and siglecs [ 35 ].…”