Serum ribonuclease activities and body weight loss

ABSTRACT

The levels of serum ribonucleases [RNase] were determined in a control group of healthy adults and in groups of patients suffering from body weight loss secondary to Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The study also included a group of premature infants with body weight much less than normal. The results obtained support the correlation between the rise of serum ribonuclease levels and the extent of weight loss. These results also emphasise the importance of measuring the specific activities of both the alkaline and the acidic RNases and calculating the ratio of these activities for the correct assessment of the extent of weight loss in a certain pathological condition