Elevated serum ribonuclease activities in haema tologic disorders

ABSTRACT

Several clinical manifestations associated with anaemias reflect abnormalities in cellular metabolism. Since ribonucleases [RNases] are involved in regulating RNA metabolism, the present investigation was undertaken to study the relationship between RNase activities and haematologic disorders. The sickle cell trait did not show any significant effect on serum RNase levels while sickle cell disease significantly raised the serum level of the acidic form of the enzyme. The serum levels of RNases were significantly higher than normal in patients with G6PD deficiency, haemolytic anaemia associated with Plasmodium Falciparum malaria and in iron deficiency anaemia. This elevation of RNase activities could be a response to RNA overproduction in association with anaemias