We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App





Proline-Specific Peptidase Activities in Plasma of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 16 Mar 2022
Print article
Image: The HPLC model: LC-2050 series, three types of detector setup (UV, PDA, detector-less) are available to suit any analysis methods and aims (Photo courtesy of Shimadzu)
Image: The HPLC model: LC-2050 series, three types of detector setup (UV, PDA, detector-less) are available to suit any analysis methods and aims (Photo courtesy of Shimadzu)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can elicit a protracted pneumonitis, but also kidney, cardiovascular and neurological complications and thromboembolic phenomena of unclear pathogenesis.

These COVID-19 patients experience several features of dysregulated immune system observed in sepsis. The activity of proline-specific peptidases in plasma of COVID-19 hospitalized patients has been investigated. The peptidases studied were dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP), prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP) and prolylcarboxpeptidase (PRCP).

Medical Biochemists at the University of Antwerp (Antwerp, Belgium) and their colleagues collected heparin plasma samples from 56 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed (PCR test) COVID-19 shortly after hospital admission (=baseline, 1 to 5 days after hospital admission) and thereafter at irregular time points until discharge. Additionally, plasma was taken from a control group of 32 healthy volunteers.

The scientists measured DPP4 activity colorimetrically using the substrate Gly-Pro-pNA. FAP and PREP activity was measured fluorometrically using Z-Gly-Pro-AMC in a combined FAP/PREP assay. PRCP activity was determined by measuring the hydrolysis of Z-Pro-Phe by use of a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography technique. The enzymatically formed Z-Pro was tracked by its UV absorbance at 210 nm after separation on a Shimadzu HPLC apparatus (Kyoto, Japan).

The investigators reported that compared to healthy controls, both DPP4 and FAP activities were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients at hospital admission and FAP activity further decreased significantly in the first week of hospitalization. While PRCP activity remained unchanged, PREP activity was significantly increased in COVID-19 patients at hospitalization and further increased during hospital stay and stayed elevated until the day of discharge.

The authors concluded that a similar pattern in the proline-specific peptidase activities in COVID-19 patients compared with patients experiencing septic shock: decreased DPP4 and FAP activity and elevated PREP activity. The study was published on March 10, 2022 in the journal Clinica Chimica Acta.

Related Links:
University of Antwerp 
Shimadzu 

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
Gold Member
SARS-CoV-2 Test
One Step SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (P761H)

Print article

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.