Hexosaminidase as a new potential marker for larynx cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Larynx squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common forms of cancer in the area of the neck. The aim of our study was to investigate the activities of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase (HEX) in larynx cancer compared with the specimens from the healthy space of the tumor that served as controls.


METHODS
Larynx cancer (n=15) and normal healthy tissue around the tumor (n=15) were collected from the patients during total laryngectomy. Specimens were immediately frozen in -80 degrees C. To assess hexosaminidase activity, release of p-nitrophenol from p-nitrophenol derivatives was used.


RESULTS
We observed a significantly higher activity of the investigated enzyme in all laryngeal cancer specimens compared with that in healthy tissue homogenates. The differences were statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
It could be assumed that HEX may release particular sugars from the ends of oligosaccharide chains of glycocalyx proteins, changing adhesive forces binding together cells, and the communication between cells and elements of extracellular matrix.
Olszewska
Ewa
E
Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Sklodowskiej 24 A, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland. ewaolsz@yahoo.com
Borzym-Kluczyk
Malgorzata
M
Rzewnicki
Ireneusz
I
Rutkowska
Justyna
J
Knas
Malgorzata
M
Rogowski
Marek
M
Waniewska
Edyta
E
Wielgosz
Romuald
R
D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D006596:Hexosaminidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006596:Hexosaminidases