ABSTRACT
Pseudocholinesterase is a protein for which no function exists in mammals including human beings. To date, no substrate has been identified for this 'enzyme'. Involvement of this protein in the aetiopathogenesis of many diseases, such as hyperlipoproteinaemia, is still actively debated. Here, we propose a theoretical method to immobilize pseudocholinesterase in hepatocytes using antibody bound to liposomes. Conceptually, this approach will have widespread application, especially in blocking human immunodeficiency virus replication in vivo.
Subject(s)
Antibodies/administration & dosage , Apolipoproteins E/administration & dosage , Biochemistry/methods , Butyrylcholinesterase/physiology , HIV Antibodies/administration & dosage , HIV Envelope Protein gp120/administration & dosage , HIV/enzymology , Immunoconjugates/administration & dosage , Immunotherapy/methods , Liver/enzymology , RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase , Animals , Apolipoproteins E/metabolism , Butyrylcholinesterase/immunology , Chloroquine/pharmacology , Drug Carriers , Endocytosis , Enzyme Activation , HIV Envelope Protein gp120/metabolism , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/therapy , HIV Infections/virology , HIV Reverse Transcriptase , Humans , Liposomes , Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1 , Lysosomes/drug effects , Lysosomes/enzymology , Mammals/metabolism , RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/immunology , Receptors, Lipoprotein/metabolism , Zidovudine/administration & dosageABSTRACT
Patients with cystic fibrosis (C.F.) showed raised serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). A moderate but significant increase in serum AFP was present in their parents and some siblings. There was no correlation between the clinical severity of the disease and serum AFP concentration. Samples from control groups with gluten-induced malabsorption and bronchiectasis had normal levels. Persistent synthesis of AFP may be an associated marker of C.F. genes, and estimation of serum AFP might help in detecting heterozygote carriers in families at risk.
