title: 5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase isoenzyme in patients with hepatitis B infection.
abstract: The hypothesis that hepatitis B infection is etiologically related to hepatoma has been investigated by studying the interrelationships between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, Australia antigen) and the fast-moving 5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase Band V isoenzyme (5'-NPDase-V). Sera from 58 patients with viral hepatitis were tested for 5'-NPDase-V and HBsAg. The isoenzyme was found in 34 of 37 patients who were also positive for HBsAg but in only 4 of 21 hepatitis patients who were HBsAg negative. Five patients convalescing from hepatitis were negative for both HBsAg and the isoenzyme. Preparative gel electrophoresis showed that these 2 markers were different proteins. Of 34 hepatoma patients, 29 were positive for 5'-NPDase-V. Only 1 isoenzyme-positive patient was positive for HBsAg by counterimmunoelectrophoresis. However, of 16 isoenzyme-positive hepatoma patients available for radioimmunoassay, 8 were NBsAg positive (50%). None of 21 hepatoma samples tested for antibody to NBsAg was positive. Of 21 "normal" carriers of HBsAg and 10 carriers with Down's syndrome, 4 persons were detected with the isoenzyme. The results suggest that HBsAg and 5'-NPDase-V in the presence of liver damage are associated and thus provide a new marker enzyme between hepatitis B infection and hepatoma.
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology*; D002353:Carrier State / Q000378:metabolism; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000201:enzymology*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology*; D009711:Nucleotides; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D007527:Isoenzymes; D009711:Nucleotides; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases