Biochemistry Lecture 4: Plasma Enzymes

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of functional enzymes in the blood?

To diagnose diseases
To synthesize bilirubin
To increase in response to tissue damage
To perform a physiologic function in the blood (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a source of non-functional plasma enzymes?

Increased permeability of cell membrane
Cell damage with the release of its content of enzymes into the blood
Synthesis of new enzymes by the liver (correct)
Routine normal destruction of erythrocytes

What is the medical importance of measuring non-functional plasma enzymes?

To diagnose only myocardial infarction
To diagnose and monitor diseases, as well as to follow up the effect of treatment (correct)
To synthesize new enzymes in the liver
To determine the normal range of enzymes in the blood

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down starch and glycogen to maltose?

Amylase (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is synthesized in response to increased bilirubin levels in obstructive liver diseases?

Alkaline phosphatase (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site of Lipase production?

Pancreas (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is commonly elevated in the plasma of patients with prostatic cancer?

Acid Phosphatase (ACP) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for enzymes that perform unknown physiologic function in blood?

Non-functional enzymes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of enzymes in the diagnosis of diseases?

Different organs cause elevation of different plasma enzymes (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases can cause an increase in serum LDH?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Alkaline Phosphatase?

catalyzing the hydrolysis of organic phosphate esters (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the use of enzymes as reagents?

For determination of normal and pathological components in serum, urine, gastric juice, etc. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why do non-functional plasma enzymes increase in response to tissue damage or necrosis?

Because the cell releases its content of enzymes into the blood (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is present in all cells of the body?

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of salivary Amylase?

initiating the digestion of complex carbohydrates (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is elevated in the plasma of patients with acute pancreatitis?

Amylase (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lysozyme in saliva?

To attack the cell walls of bacteria (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is involved in the formation of dental plaque and the initiation of caries?

Glucosyltransferases (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of enzyme biomarkers in dental diagnosis?

To indicate periodontal disease (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using enzymes like papain and bromelain in dental materials and procedures?

To break down surface proteins and aid in the removal of the impression from the oral cavity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of enzyme-based tests in dental diagnosis?

To assess the breakdown of connective tissues in oral diseases (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using enzymes like hyaluronidase in periodontal therapy?

To enhance the effectiveness of local anesthetics (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of collagenase in periodontal therapy?

To facilitate the removal of diseased tissue and promote periodontal healing (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of dental caries?

The demineralization of tooth structures due to bacterial acid production (B) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Plasma Enzymes

Blood plasma contains functional and non-functional enzymes
Functional enzymes perform physiological functions in the blood, examples include lipoprotein lipase, pseudocholinesterase, and enzymes of blood coagulation
Non-functional enzymes arise from the routine destruction of cells or tissue damage/necrosis and can be used in diagnosis
Sources of non-functional plasma enzymes include:
- Increased enzyme synthesis
- Increased permeability of cell membrane
- Cell damage with release of enzymes into the blood

Medical Importance of Non-Functional Plasma Enzymes

Measurement of non-functional enzymes is important for:
- Diagnosis of diseases, as different enzymes are elevated in different organ diseases
- Prognosis of diseases, by following up the effect of treatment on enzyme levels
Enzymes of diagnostic value include:
- Amylase, which breaks down starch and glycogen to maltose
- Lipase, which is elevated in pancreatic disease and inflammation
- Aspartate Amino Transaminase (AST) and Alanine Amino Transaminase (ALT), which are elevated in heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, and erythrocyte damage
- Acid Phosphatase (ACP), which is elevated in prostatic cancer
- Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), which is elevated in liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidney, and neoplastic diseases
- Alkaline phosphatase, which is elevated in bone and liver diseases
- Creatine Kinase, which is elevated in muscle damage

Enzymes in Dentistry

Salivary enzymes, such as amylase, lysozyme, salivary peroxidase, and lactoperoxidase, are important for maintaining oral health
Enzymes can be used in dental diagnosis, such as:
- Elevated alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase in saliva indicating periodontal disease
- Enzyme-based tests, such as measuring matrix metalloproteinases, to assess breakdown of connective tissues in oral diseases
Enzymes are involved in dental materials and procedures, such as:
- Using papain and bromelain to break down surface proteins
- Using enzymes in denture cleansers to remove biofilm
Enzymes and dental caries:
- Enzymes produced by oral bacteria contribute to the formation of dental plaque and initiation of caries
Enzymes in periodontal therapy:
- Enzymatic therapy is used as an adjunct to periodontal treatment
- Enzymes like collagenase and hyaluronidase are used to break down collagen fibers and facilitate periodontal healing