clinical enzymology

Enzymes are catalysts that increase the rate or velocity of physiologic reactions.
Each and every reaction in our body takes place with the help of an enzyme. In
general, most enzymes are present in cells at much higher concentrations than
in plasma. Measurement of their levels in plasma indicates whether their tissue
of origin is damaged leading to the release of intracellular components into the
blood. This forms the basis of clinical enzymology. Thus clinical enzymology
refers to measurement of enzyme activity for the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases.
After reading this lesson, you will be able to:
?? describe plasma enzymes
?? explain about the assessment of cell damage and proliferation
?? describe the role of enzymes in health and diseases
Enzymes present in plasma can be classified into 2 types, they are
?? Functional Plasma enzymes and
?? Non-functional plasma enzymes
Functional plasma enzymes:
?? Present in plasma at higher concentration than tissues
They function in plasma.
?? Mostly synthesized by the liver
?? Usually decreased in disease conditions
?? Eg. Clotting enzymes, lipoprotein lipase
Non-functional plasma enzymes:
?? Present in plasma at lower concentration than tissues
?? Do not have any function in plasma
?? Mostly synthesized by liver, skeletal muscle, heart, brain etc
?? Usually increased in disease conditions
?? Eg. Creatine kinase, Alanine transaminase etc
?? Measurement of these enzymes in plasma can be used to assess cell damage
and proliferation i.e. diagnosis of disease.