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Microheterogeneity of Serum β‐Hexosaminidase in Chronic Alcohol Abusers in a Driver's License Regranting Program
Author(s) -
Maenhout Thomas M.,
Poll Anneleen,
Wuyts Birgitte,
Lecocq Elke,
Vlierberghe Hans,
Buyzere Marc L.,
Delanghe Joris R.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/acer.12112
Subject(s) - carbohydrate deficient transferrin , ethyl glucuronide , isoelectric focusing , chemistry , alcohol abuse , agarose , alcohol , transferrin , gene isoform , heavy drinking , medicine , chromatography , enzyme , biochemistry , psychiatry , alcohol consumption , gene
Background Carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin ( CDT ) is one of the best indicators for chronic alcohol abuse and detection of relapse. In this study, we explore the microheterogeneity of β‐hexosaminidase (β‐ HEX ) in chronic alcohol abusers in the framework of a driver's license regranting program. Studies have shown that increased serum activity of β‐ HEX B (isoforms P , I , and B ) may be a sensitive marker for chronic alcohol abuse. Here, we describe methodology, limitations, and correlation of β‐ HEX isoforms with CDT . Methods CDT was assayed at the central laboratory of the G hent U niversity H ospital by capillary zone electrophoresis, measured on the C apillarys 2™ system and was expressed as a percentage of total serum transferrin (% CDT ). Serum of chronic alcohol abusers was compared to nonheavy drinkers using agarose gel isoelectric focusing ( IEF ). Total β‐ HEX activity was assayed fluorimetrically following preparative IEF in 81 subjects. β‐ HEX isoforms were investigated and compared between nonheavy drinkers and heavy drinkers. Results Agarose gel IEF shows additional cathodal bands in serum of chronic alcohol abusers. Mean total β‐ HEX activity between p H 6.8 and 7.7, designated as HEX ‐7, showed the highest correlation with % CDT ( r = 0.70, p < 0.0001, n = 68). In a selected subgroup, where CDT could not be quantified ( n = 13) because of an atypical electropherogram, HEX ‐7 was in concordance with either estimated % CDT value or liver enzyme activities. Conclusions In this proof‐of‐concept study, we introduce a novel approach to quantify β‐ HEX isoforms using preparative IEF and fluorimetry. A highly significant correlation of HEX ‐7 and % CDT has been found. Because of exclusion of the P isoform, HEX ‐7 could be a useful supplementary marker for detecting chronic alcohol abuse.