Szajda, S. D.; Snarska, J.; Kepka, A.; Krzyzak, M.; Pancewicz, S.; Zwierz, K.; Minarowska, A. M.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and other (non-tick) lymphocytic meningitis diseases (LMD) are characterized by the presence of inflammatory processes differently located and with different intensity. Inflammatory processes in TBE and LMD may influence the activity of some catabolic enzymes including lysosomal exoglycosidases: N-acetyl-{beta}-D-hexosaminidase (HEX), its isoenzymes A (HEX A) and B (HEX B) as well as {beta}-galactosidase (GAL), -mannosidase (MAN), - fucosidase (FUC) and {beta}- glucuronidase (GLU). The aim of the study was to investigate the activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in the serum and urine of patients with TBE and LMD. Material and methods: Examined group included 41 patients: a/ 25 patients with TBE, b/ 16 patients with LMD. Control group included 25 patients in which Borrelia burgdoferi and inflammatory state in central nervous system were excluded. Lysosomal exoglycosidases activity were assayed in the serum and urine by the colorimetric method, with the p-nitrophenyl derivative of appropriate sugar as substrate. Results: Concentration of activity (pKat/mL) of HEX, HEX A, HEX B and GLU increases significantly in serum of patients with TBE, and LMD as well as GAL, MAN and FUC serum activity in LMD patients in comparison to serum of patients from the control group (p<0.01). A significant increase (p<0.05) in the specific activity of FUC (pKat/g protein) and the activity of HEX, HEX B and GLU expressed in pKat/g creatinine was also found in the urine of TBE patients compared to the control group. Our results suggests existence of negative correlation for GAL activity in serum and urine of patients with LMD (r=- 0,568; p=0,022). Conclusions: 1. TBE and LMD change catabolism of glycoconjugates. 2. Lysosomal exoglycosidases activity concentrations in blood serum can be used in the diagnosis of TBE and LMD. 3. Concentrations activities of {beta}-galactosidase, -mannosidase and -fucosidase in serum can vary from TBE, inflammation of other LMD. 4. Lysosomal exoglycosidase activity in urine converted to g creatinine can distinguish TBE from LMD.