The ratio of alpha-galactosidase to beta-glucuronidase activities in dried blood for the identification of female Fabry disease patients

J Inherit Metab Dis. 2005;28(5):803-5. doi: 10.1007/s10545-005-0039-4.

Abstract

Female heterozygous patients with Fabry disease are difficult to identify because of the relatively high residual activity of alpha-galactosidase. We systematically evaluated the activities of various lysosomal enzymes in dried blood samples from Fabry patients and found that the beta-glucuronidase activity was frequently elevated. The ratio of alpha-galactosidase to beta-glucuronidase proved to be a helpful tool for the diagnosis of female Fabry disease patients.

MeSH terms

  • Blood*
  • Enzyme Therapy*
  • Fabry Disease / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Glucuronidase / blood*
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Reference Values
  • Specimen Handling
  • alpha-Galactosidase / blood*

Substances

  • alpha-Galactosidase
  • Glucuronidase