[Isoforms A and B of lysosomal N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase in serum and urine of parenterally fed patients].

UNLABELLED: Parenteral nutrition entails numerous metabolic complications resulting from food bypass of the gastrointestinal tract. Up to now have not been established all complications of parenteral nutrition, despite intensive research and clinical observations. Knowledge of the biochemical changes resulting from parenteral nutrition is essential to effective prevention, early detection and effective treatment of the metabolic disorders induced by parenteral nutrition. The aim of the study was to evaluate the catabolism of glycoconjugates of parenterally fed patients, reflected by the activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase (HEX): HEX A and HEX B isoenzymes in serum and urine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of blood and urine were collected from 23 patients: before intravenous alimentation, at start, as well as of fifth and tenth day of parenteral nutrition. The activity of HEX A and HEX B in serum and urine was determined by the colorimetric method of Zwierz et al. as modified by Marciniak et al. The activity of urinary HEXA and HEX B has been calculated per 1 mg of creatinine. RESULTS: The activity of serum HEXA significantly decreased at fifth day, in comparison to the activity before parenteral alimentation, and significantly increased at tenth day of parenteral nutrition. The activity of HEX B in serum increased significantly at fifth and tenth day of the parenteral nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral nutrition alter the catabolism of glycoconjugates, reflected by significant changes in serum HEX A and HEX B activities. Urine was the not appropriate material to evaluate the catabolism of glycoconjugates in view of HEX A and HEX B activities.