[Catalytic activity of UDPAG-2-epimerase in the rat. Probable use in the differential diagnosis of diseases in man]. / Actividad catalítica de la UDPAG-2'-epimeraza en la rata. Probable utilidad en el diagnstico diferencial de padecimentos humanos

In this communication, we report, for the first time in the literature, on the presence of UD-PAG-2'-epimerase catalytic activity in various organs; i.e. kidney, brain, heart, testicle, and pancreas of rat (Mus norvegicus albinus) and the kinetical behavior of hepatic and renal activities are compared in a preliminary way. The subcellular distribution, the enzymatic stability at 4 degrees C., the catalytical efficiency and stability as a function of pH, and the enzymatic activity and differential denaturation as a function of the temperature would allow to postulate on the existence of UDPAG=2'-epimerase isozymes. The medical importance of such a differential kinetical behaviour of UDPAG-2'-epimerase as a function of its tissue origin is stressed, particularly in connection to the differential diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of various human diseases.

[Differential changes in serum levels of N-acetylneuramic acid and L-fucose as manifestations of physiological and physiopathological adaptation in man. Pregnancy as an experimental model. The tumoral, vascular and hepatic diseases as possible pathological models]. / Cambios diferenciales en los niveles séricos del acido N-acetilneuramínico y de la L-fucosa como manifestaciones de adaptación fisiológica y fisiopatológica en el humano. La gestación como modelo experimental. Los padecimientos tumorales, vasculares y hepáticos como posibles modelos patológicos

In this paper we report on the modifications that normal pregnancy introduces on the blood maternal serum concentrations of both N-acetyl maternal serum concentrations of both N-acetyl-neuraminic acid which is elevated above normal level and L-fucose which on the contrary is diminished. The experiences were performed with women in the last trimester of normal gestations. The probable physiochemical meaning and biological significance of those such changes are discussed in connection both to the maternal physiological adaptation during pregnancy and to the possible metabolical changes in intracellular regulation that might take place in such a situation. Similarly it is emphasized the probability that numerous pathological conditions including malignancy vascular diseases and hepatic disorders which course with overt changes in plasma glucoproteins might be amenable to present notorious modifications in N-acetylneuraminic acid and L-fucose plasmatic levels.