ACTIVITY OF CATHEPSIN D AND a1-ANTITRYPSIN IN THE BLOOD SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH MAMMARY CARCINOMA
Wozniak A., Mila-Kierzenkowska C., Schachtschabel D.O., Wozniak B., Rozwodowska M., Drewa T., Drewa S., Sir J., Sir I., Maciak R., Krzyzynska-Malinowska E.
The aim of this study was to determine the activity of cathepsin D and a1-antitrypsin in the blood serum of patients with mammary carcinoma. Patients and methods: The study was conducted on 52 women operated for a unilateral breast tumor, divided into two groups, according to the number of metastases and tumor size. Cathepsin D activity was determined using the method of Anson, while a1-antitrypsin activity was determined according to the Eriksson method. Results: Both groups of patients with mammary carcinoma were found to have higher activity of cathepsin D before the treatment compared to healthy females. After the surgery the enzyme activity increased significantly, whereas 6 months after the surgery it generally decreased. The activity of a1-antitrypsin was significantly lower in patients before the treatment than in the controls, while after 6 months an increase in a1-antitrypsin activity was observed. The correlation between activity of cathepsin D and a1-antitrypsin was revealed. High enzyme activity and low a1-antitrypsin activity may result from the stage of neoplastic transformation. Conclusion: The determination of cathepsin D activity together with a1-antitrypsin activity may serve as useful biochemical marker in monitoring of malignant changes in breast tumor.
Leave a comment