Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Chitotriosidase is a functional chitinase secreted by activated macrophages. It is encoded by a gene located on chromosome 1q31-32, whose mutations may be responsible for chitotriosidase deficiency, encountered in almost 6% of Caucasian population. OBJECTIVE: RESULTS: We found that plasma chitotriosidase levels are significantly increased in African children with acute malaria (185.0+/-141.0 nmol/h/ml; median 150; range 11-521) with respect to reference values obtained in age matched African children (84.4.5+/-72.8 nmol/ml/h; median 63; range 4-350) (P<0.001). Moreover the levels of chitotriosidase were higher in African children than in Caucasian children matched for age (28.86+/-18.7 nmol/h/ml; median 24; range 1-98) (P<0.0001). A remarkable significant correlation was found between plasma chitotriosidase and reticulo-endothelial activation, as judged by thrombocytopenia degree and serum ferritin level in children with acute malaria. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, it appears that genetic and environmental features might be responsible for diversity of plasma chitotriosidase activity in black children living in Burkina Faso.
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Authors | Rita Barone, Jacques Simporé, Lucia Malaguarnera, Salvatore Pignatelli, Salvatore Musumeci |
Journal | Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry
(Clin Chim Acta)
Vol. 331
Issue 1-2
Pg. 79-85
(May 2003)
ISSN: 0009-8981 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 12691867
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Hexosaminidases
- chitotriosidase
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Topics |
- Acute Disease
- Animals
- Burkina Faso
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Hexosaminidases
(blood)
- Humans
- Infant
- Malaria, Falciparum
(enzymology)
- Male
- Plasmodium falciparum
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