Serum enzymes in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Serum enzymes that show changed activities in diabetes mellitus can be divided into four groups: Group 1 includes some lysosomal enzymes (β glucuronidase, N acetyl β glucosaminidase, acid phosphatase, and amylase) that show increased activity correlated with blood sugar concentration. Because lysosomal enzymes as well as liver amylase show latency and may be 'activated' by several agents, their increased activity in the serum of diabetics might be a manifestation of an activation occurring in tissues. Group 2 includes alkaline phosphatase and trehalase, which are increased but not correlated with blood sugar concentration. Their enhanced activity may reflect tissue metabolic disorders. Group 3 includes enzymes that increase in the postketotic period almost regularly - phosphohexose isomerase - or in only the most severe cases - aminotransferases and several dehydrogenases - because of tissue damage caused by metabolic and circulatory alterations. Cholinesterase, on the other hand, is decreased. Group 4 includes any of the enzymes mentioned and others that may be more active in diabetics with complications such as hepatic and renal involvement and obesity.