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PubMed1997

beta-Glucuronidase in common duct bile, methodological aspects, variation of pH optima and relation to gallstones.

beta-Glucuronidase of human or bacterial origin may deconjugate bilirubin diglucuronide, causing pigment gallstones. Intrinsic interference by biliary compounds must be minimized for accurate assay of beta-glucuronidase. We report a modified ion-pair extraction of interfering substances by tetrahexylammonium chloride (THAC) in ethyl acetate in the presence of albumin, and a microtitre plate assay for biliary beta-glucuronidase activity in bile with the substrate p-nitrophenol-glucuronide. Adding albumin improved the recovery of beta-glucuronidase activity to 99.8% (CV 1.9%), and 92.2% of the bilirubin in bile samples was extracted in one step. Competitive inhibition was overcome by increasing the substrate concentration. In endoscopically obtained common duct bile from 44 patients, five different beta-glucuronidase activity peaks were identified, at pH 3.9, 4.8, 5.3, 5.8 and 7.2. The pH profiles were classified into one bacterial pattern and five patterns for presumed human beta-glucuronidase. Of the latter patterns, four displayed dual activity peaks. In a second sample, obtained at follow up in four patients, their original pH profile was maintained. In conclusion, using the modified purification and assay system, we found functionally diverse subcategories of human beta-glucuronidase with respect to activity at variable pH. Our results indicate that several pH optima have to be taken into consideration in order to clarify the role of human biliary beta-glucuronidase in the pathogenesis of pigment gallstones. Bacterial beta-glucuronidase activity was associated with duodenal diverticula (p < 0.05) and common duct stones (p < 0.05).

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Cancer-associated alterations of human hepatocellular carcinoma beta-glucuronidase--study on phosphorylation by 3', 5'-cyclic AMP dependent-protein kinase].

beta-Glucuronidase purified from human hepatocellular carcinoma consisted of a major subunit with molecular weight of 64,000 (64K-Da) and a minor 76K-Da subunit, whereas the hydrolase from normal liver had almost exclusively 64K-Da subunit. beta-Glucuronidase from the hepatoma and normal liver could serve as a substrate for a cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The rate of phosphorylation reaction of the hepatoma beta-glucuronidase was rapid, whereas that of the normal liver beta-glucuronidase was slow and much lower. Stoichiometry of beta-glucuronidase was 4.3 mol and 0.46 mol of phosphate per mol of the beta-glucuronidase from the hepatoma and normal liver, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 32P-labeled beta-glucuronidase indicated that the 64K-dalton subunit was phosphorylated both in hepatoma and normal liver beta-glucuronidase. Tryptic peptide mapping of 32P-labeled beta-glucuronidase from hepatoma identified two distinct phosphopeptides (X and Y). The peptide from hepatoma hydrolase was phosphorylated predominantly at the X, while the peptide Y was the major phosphopeptide in the hydrolase of normal liver. Two-dimensional analysis of phosphoamino acids revealed two sites, phosphoserine and phosphothreonine.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed2006

Is plasma beta-glucuronidase a novel human biomarker for monitoring anticholinesterase pesticides exposure? A Malaysian experience.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the effects of acute and chronic pesticide exposure on the plasma beta-glucuronidase enzyme activity among five patients of acute pesticide poisoning in Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang, 230 farmers in the MADA area, Kedah and 49 fishermen in Setiu, Terengganu. The duration of pesticide exposure among the patients was unknown, but the plasma samples from patients were collected on day one in the hospital. The duration of pesticide exposure among the farmers was between 1 and 45 years. The beta-glucuronidase activity was compared with plasma cholinesterase activity in the same individual. The plasma cholinesterase activity was measured using Cholinesterase (PTC) Reagent set kit (Teco Diagnostics, UK) based on colorimetric method, while the plasma beta-glucuronidase activity was measured fluorometrically based on beta-glucuronidase assay. The plasma cholinesterase activity was significantly reduced (p<0.05) among the patients (1386.786+/-791.291 U/L/min) but the inhibition in plasma cholinesterase activity among the farmers (7346.5+/-1860.786 U/L/min) was not significant (p>0.05). The plasma beta-glucuronidase activity among the farmers was significantly elevated (p<0.05) (0.737+/-0.425 microM/h) but not significant among the patients (p>0.05). The plasma cholinesterase activity was positively correlated with the plasma beta-glucuronidase activity among the farmers (r=0.205, p<0.01) but not among the patients (r=0.79, p>0.05). Thus, plasma beta-glucuronidase enzyme activity can be measured as a biomarker for the chronic exposure of pesticide. However, further studies need to be performed to confirm whether plasma beta-glucuronidase can be a sensitive biomarker for anticholinesterase pesticide poisoning.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Glucuronidase deconjugation in inflammation.

This chapter focuses on deglucuronidation by beta-glucuronidase in inflammation. We investigated whether glucuronides were converted to free parent compounds by beta-glucuronidase released from human-stimulated neutrophils in inflammation. Beta-glucuronidase activity was assayed using 4-methylumbelliferyl-glucuronide and methanol extracts of rat plasma containing luteolin monoglucuronide as a substrate. The released 4-methylumbelliferone, a fluorescent molecule, was quantitated on a microplate fluorometer. Deglucuronidation of luteolin monoglucuronide was examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The beta-glucuronidase activity in mouse plasma after iv injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased with time, as did the levels of inflammation marker, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Four kinds of human cell (neutrophils, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, IMR-90, and Caco-2) possess beta-glucuronidase activity. Among these, Caco-2 cells showed the highest level of beta-glucuronidase activity. Supernatants obtained from neutrophils stimulated with cytochalasin B and ionomycin showed higher levels of beta-glucuronidase activity than those of nonstimulated neutrophils. HPLC analyses also showed that supernatants obtained from stimulated neutrophils hydrolyzed luteolin monoglucuronide to free luteolin. As reported previously (Shimoi et al., 1998), two main peaks (free luteolin and luteolin monoglucuronide) were observed in plasma of rats administered with luteolin. In LPS-treated rats, the peak of luteolin monoglucuronide decreased to about half and the ratio of luteolin to luteolin monoglucuronide increased. These results suggest that beta-glucuronidase released from neutrophils or certain injured cells may hydrolyze glucuronide conjugates to free aglycones at the site of inflammation.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1991

In vivo random beta-glucuronidase gene fusions in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Vectors were constructed for the isolation of random transcriptional and translational beta-glucuronidase gene fusions in plants. This system is based on the random integration of the transferred DNA (T-DNA) into the plant nuclear genome. The Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase coding sequence without promoter, and also devoid of its ATG initiation site in the translational gene fusion vector, was inserted in the T-DNA with its 5' end at a distance of 4 base pairs from the right T-DNA border sequence. Transgenic plants can be selected by using a chimeric (P35S-nptII-3' ocs) kanamycin-resistance gene present in the same T-DNA. Subsequent screening of these for beta-glucuronidase expression allows the identification of clones harboring a fusion of the beta-glucuronidase coding sequence with plant 5' regulatory sequences. After transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana C24 root explants, beta-glucuronidase expression was detected in 54% and 1.6% of the plants transformed with the transcriptional and translational fusion vectors, respectively. Several different patterns of tissue-specific beta-glucuronidase expression were identified. The plant upstream sequence of a beta-glucuronidase fusion that is specifically expressed in the phloem of all organs was cloned and sequenced. After introduction in A. thaliana C24 and Nicotiana tabacum SR1, this sequence mediates the same highly phloem-specific beta-glucuronidase expression pattern as in the original transgenic plant from which it was isolated. These data demonstrate that this system facilitates the isolation and analysis of plant DNA sequences mediating regulated gene expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1974

Inducibility of beta-glucuronidase in wild-type and hexuronate-negative mutants of Escherichia coli K-12.

In strain K-12 of Escherichia coli, beta-glucuronidase synthesis was induced only by beta-glucuronides: all intermediates of the hexuronate pathway able to enter the cells failed to induce the enzyme significantly. The induction pattern of beta-glucuronidase clearly differentiates the mode of regulation of its synthesis from those of the subsequent enzymes of the pathway, which are induced by fructuronate and/or tagaturonate. In mutant strains blocked in glucuronate metabolism after the isomerase step, beta-glucuronidase synthesis was still induced by a beta-glucuronide. Glucuronate and fructuronate, which are accumulated and mutually interconverted within the cells, become good inducers of beta-glucuronidase: they induce up to a level one-half that obtained in the wild-type strain in the presence of beta-glucuronide alone. In an isomerase-negative strain where fructuronate is not produced, beta-glucuronidase was no longer induced by beta-glucuronide unless supplemented with fructuronate. In this strain, glucuronate alone or fructuronate alone exhibited greater inducing ability than in the wild-type strain. Moreover, fructuronate could also enhance glucuronate-induced synthesis of beta-glucuronidase. Glucuronate was not able to activate beta-glucuronideinduced synthesis of beta-glucuronidase. Therefore, the induction of beta-glucuronidase synthesis depends upon two factors which, when acting separately, are both poor inducers but can act cooperatively; one factor is beta-glucuronide or glucuronate and the second is fructuronate. The specific inducing capacity of each of these three compounds as well as the hypothetical mechanism(s) of the action of fructuronate are discussed.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1997

The role of beta-glucuronidase in drug disposition and drug targeting in humans.

Glucuronides of drugs often accumulate during long term therapy. The hydrolysis of glucuronides can be catalysed by beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme expressed in many tissues and body fluids in humans. The possible contribution of beta-glucuronidase to drug disposition in humans has not been assessed in a systematic manner, but this enzyme may be able to release, locally or systemically, the active or inactive parent compound from drug glucuronides, thereby modifying the disposition and action of these drugs. Based on the information available on the localisation, expression and variability of beta-glucuronidase, the concept of beta-glucuronidase-mediated drug metabolism is outlined in this article using examples from the literature. Since some issues surrounding the beta-glucuronidase-mediated deconjugation of drug glucuronides still need to be clarified in humans, additional data from animal models supporting this concept have been included. Moreover, as beta-glucuronidase has already been proven to be useful in tumour specific bioactivation of glucuronide prodrugs of anticancer agents, we also focus on anticancer prodrug approaches utilising beta-glucuronidase. This review summarises the role of beta-glucuronidase in drug disposition and drug targeting in humans.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1988

Phosphorylation of beta-glucuronidases from human normal liver and hepatoma by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

beta-Glucuronidases purified from human hepatoma and from normal liver could serve as a substrate for a cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The rate of phosphorylation reaction of the hepatoma beta-glucuronidase was rapid, whereas that of the normal liver beta-glucuronidase was slow and much lower. Stoichiometry of phosphorylation was 4.3 and 0.46 mol of phosphate/mol of the beta-glucuronidase from the hepatoma and normal liver, respectively. Tryptic peptide mapping of 32P-labeled beta-glucuronidase from hepatoma identified two distinct phosphopeptides (X and Y). The peptide from hepatoma hydrolase was phosphorylated predominantly at the X, while the peptide Y was the major phosphopeptide in the hydrolase of normal liver. Analysis of phosphoamino acids revealed two sites, phosphoserine and phosphothreonine. beta-Glucuronidase from hepatoma consisted of a major subunit with molecular mass of 64,000 (64 kDa) and a minor subunit with 76 kDa, whereas the hydrolase from normal liver had almost exclusively 64 kDa subunit. 32P-labeled beta-glucuronidase indicated that the 64 kDa subunit was phosphorylated both in hepatoma and normal liver beta-glucuronidases.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1987

Origin of the increased activity of beta-glucuronidase in the soluble fraction of rat mammary tumors during ovariectomy-induced regression.

The activity of beta-glucuronidase in methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary tumors regressing after ovariectomy was studied. beta-Glucuronidase, acid phosphatase, and beta-hexosaminidase were similarly increased in the lysosome-rich fraction of regressing compared to growing tumors, whereas in the soluble fraction, a 5-fold increase in the activity of beta-glucuronidase midway regression was not paralleled by an increase in the specific activity of the other two enzymes. Results of sedimentability studies indicated an equal stability of the lysosomes at the two tumor conditions. The elevated beta-glucuronidase activity in the soluble fraction was completely precipitable by rabbit monospecific antisera against beta-glucuronidase from other species. The activity in the soluble and in the lysosome-rich fraction showed a similar pH dependence and electrophoretic mobility of immunoreactive subunits, and only minor differences in affinity towards concanavalin A:Sepharose. Thus, the increased "soluble" beta-glucuronidase activity is neither tumor nor cytosol specific. Cell death during tumor regression is believed to occur according to a controlled sequence of event, called apoptosis. Dying cells become apoptotic bodies which are further degraded during phagocytosis by neighboring tumor cells. We discuss that breakage of these bodies during homogenization of the tumor is the cause for the observed increase in soluble beta-glucuronidase activity, while the lysosomes of the ingesting tumor cells remain intact. Physiologically, the enhanced intratumoral availability of beta-glucuronidase and other lysosomal enzymes might facilitate the hydrolysis of conjugates of a variety of xenobiotics and, possibly, also of steroid hormones.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cationic polymeric gene delivery of beta-glucuronidase for doxorubicin prodrug therapy.

BACKGROUND: An approach to improve current chemotherapy is the selective transduction of tumor cells with suicide genes to sensitize these cells to prodrugs of cytostatic agents. METHODS: In this study, gene transfer was accomplished with the cationic polymer poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), able to condense plasmid-DNA by electrostatic interaction. OVCAR-3 cells were transfected with plasmids encoding E. coli-derived or human beta-glucuronidase and the transfection efficiency and inhibition by serum was determined. Next, we measured the sensitivity of OVCAR-3 cells transiently expressing beta-glucuronidase to the glucuronide prodrug of doxorubicin (DOX-GA3) or to doxorubicin. RESULTS: OVCAR-3 cells were efficiently transfected with a plasmid encoding E. coli-derived beta-glucuronidase. The degree of transfection (30% of cells) was higher than that achieved with commercially available cationic lipids (DOTAP, Lipofectamine) without inhibition by serum. OVCAR-3 cells transiently expressing beta-glucuronidase were equally sensitive to the glucuronide prodrug of doxorubicin (DOX-GA3) or to doxorubicin itself, indicating complete conversion of prodrug to drug. Similar studies were performed with the plasmid encoding for human beta-glucuronidase, which is likely to be less immunogenic. Also in this case, OVCAR-3 cells showed an increased sensitivity to the prodrug DOX-GA3, although less pronounced than when the bacterial enzyme was used. A strong bystander effect was observed when OVCAR-3 cells transfected with beta-glucuronidase were mixed with non-transfected cells at different ratios. Complete tumor cell growth inhibition was already observed when only 15% of the cells expressed the activating enzyme. CONCLUSION: These studies suggest that beta-glucuronidase gene therapy using PDMAEMA as a carrier system and DOX-GA3 as the prodrug has a potential application in cancer gene therapy.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗
PubMed2004

Correlation of cerebrospinal fluid beta-glucuronidase activity with plasma methotrexate concentrations in leukemic children receiving high-dose methotrexate.

BACKGROUND: The activity of lysosomal enzymes is increased in body fluids during inflammation, in which cellular malfunction and cellular death occurs. Because chemotherapy also causes cell malfunction and death, for identifying a neurologic effect, we studied the activity of beta-glucuronidase in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of leukemic children during treatment. PROCEDURE: The beta-glucuronidase activity in CSF was determined in 13 patients with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with the medium risk arm of ALL Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (BFM) 95 protocol. Plasma methotrexate (MTX) levels were determined at 24 and 48 hr after the infusion of high-dose (5 g/m(2)/24 hr) MTX (MCA phase). RESULTS: The mean (SD) beta-glucuronidase activity prior to the onset of chemotherapy was 19.9 (5.6) nmoles/4-methylumbelliferone/ml/hr. No significant changes in activity were noted during the phases of the protocol except of the MCA3. The activity was 24.4 (6.8) on MCA2, 28.4 (9.3) on MCA3, and 24.1 (9.5) on MCA4. The beta-glucuronidase activity was positively correlated with the plasma MTX levels at both 24 hr (r = 0.483, P = 0.006) and 48 hr (r = 0.676, P < 0.0001). No progressive changes were noted during the different phases of the protocol. The greatest beta-glucuronidase activity was measured in two patients with neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The beta-glucuronidase activity is increased in the CSF of leukemic children receiving high-dose MTX and particularly in neurotoxicity. It is positively correlated with plasma MTX levels. No cumulative effect of the chemotherapy was observed. The increased beta-glucuronidase activity is most likely due to enzyme leakage through the cell membranes caused mainly by a toxic effect of MTX on the cells of the central nervous system (CNS).

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1996

Enhanced translation of rat beta-glucuronidase cDNA is conferred by 155-bp segment of internal coding sequence.

When cDNAs for human and rodent beta-glucuronidases were expressed in COS-7 cells using several different promoters, rodent beta-glucuronidases were produced three times more than human beta-glucuronidase, although their transcriptional levels were similar. Similar observations were also recorded in LMTK- cells using SV40 early or chicken beta-actin promoters. In hopes of enhancing yields of recombinant human beta-glucuronidase for enzyme replacement therapy, we sought to determine the region within the linear sequences responsible for the higher levels of expression of the rodent cDNAs. To do so, we made various rat-human chimeric cDNAs utilizing conserved restriction enzyme sites. The levels of products expressed from these chimeric cDNAs in COS cells were assessed by activity assay and by metabolic labeling of the proteins followed by immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE. From the results of these expression studies, we identified a 155-bp ClaI (643)-AflII (797) fragment in the rat open reading frame responsible for the increased rate of translation of the rat beta-glucuronidase (RBG) cDNA. Replacement of the homologous ClaI (683)-AflII (838) fragment in human beta-glucuronidase (HBG) with this 155-bp fragment from RBG increased the translation level of the resulting chimeric HRaH. Conversely, substitution of the 155-bp human fragment for that of rat in RBG cDNA reduced the total synthesis of the resulting chimeric HHaR. Placement of the 155-bp segment between the initiation ATG and the promoter has only negative effects on the expression of either cDNA. A more stable secondary structure of the human cDNA in this region might explain a reduced rate of translation. However, secondary structure analysis of mRNAs from the 155-bp fragment of rat and human cDNAs predicted that, while both can form stem-loops, the rat fragment (delta Gzero = -42.1 kcal/ mol) is actually more stable than the human fragment (delta Gzero = -32.1 kcal/mol). In fact, the free energy of stability of the first 50 bp within this ClaI-AflII fragment from rat (-10.3 kcal/mol) indicates that the secondary structure is considerably more stable than the corresponding 50 bp from human (-2.1 kcal/mol). This segment of the rat sequence also contains a tar-like sequence in a stem-loop. Although tar-like sequences can enhance rates of translation, altering this sequence by mutagenesis had no effect on the rate of synthesis of rat beta-glucuronidase. Thus, although the region conferring enhanced rate of synthesis from rat cDNA has been identified, the mechanism by which it does so is not yet clear.

Actins↗
PubMed1999

Effects of beta-glucuronidase-deficient and lycopene-producing Escherichia coli strains on formation of azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci in the rat colon.

We tried to inhibit the formation of azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the rat intestine by feeding a culture of a beta-glucuronidase-deficient Escherichia coli strain or a cell suspension of a lycopene-producing E. coli strain. Feeding of the former culture to F344 rats did not decrease fecal beta-glucuronidase activity or the number of ACF compared with the control beta-glucuronidase-proficient groups. However, a significant positive correlation between the fecal beta-glucuronidase activity and the ACF number was observed among groups treated with cultures of beta-glucuronidase-proficient and -deficient strains. In the group treated with lycopene-producing cells, the number of ACF was significantly lower than that in the control group. A vegetable juice containing a larger amount of lycopene than a cell suspension of the lycopene-producing E. coli also decreased the number of ACF to the same extent as a cell suspension of the lycopene-producing bacteria. These results suggest that feeding of the beta-glucuronidase-deficient E. coli is not very effective in preventing colon carcinogenesis, although activity of the fecal beta-glucuronidase is associated with AOM-induced ACF formation, and that lycopene-producing intestinal bacteria can effectively prevent colon carcinogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Systemic hyperosmolality improves beta-glucuronidase distribution and pathology in murine MPS VII brain following intraventricular gene transfer.

Mucopolysaccharidosis VII, a classical lysosomal storage disease, is caused by deficiency of the enzyme beta-glucuronidase. Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations are severe with accumulations of storage vacuoles in all cell types. Intraventricular gene transfer can lead to transduction of the ependyma, with production and secretion of beta-glucuronidase into the cerebral spinal fluid and underlying cortex resulting in reversal of disease pathology restricted to the periventricular areas. We tested if systemic hyperosmolality would increase the distribution of beta-glucuronidase in brain parenchyma after intraventricular virus injection. Mice were administered mannitol, intraperitoneally, 20 days after gene transfer and 1 day prior to sacrifice. Mannitol-induced systemic hyperosmolality caused a marked penetration of beta-glucuronidase into the brain parenchyma. If mannitol was administered at the time of the intraventricular injection of virus, there was penetration of vector across the ependymal cell layer, with infection of cells in the subependymal region. This also resulted in increased beta-glucuronidase activity throughout the brain. Sections of brains from beta-glucuronidase-deficient mice showed correction of cellular pathology in the subependymal region plus cortical structures away from the ventricular wall. These data indicate that virus-mediated gene transfer to the brain via the ventricles, coupled with systemic mannitol administration, can lead to extensive CNS distribution of beta-glucuronidase with concomitant correction of the storage defect. Our findings have positive therapeutic implications for the treatment of CNS disorders with gene transfer vectors and recombinant proteins.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1999

Molecular basis of feline beta-glucuronidase deficiency: an animal model of mucopolysaccharidosis VII.

A family of domestic cats was found that exhibited clinical and biochemical abnormalities consistent with mucopolysaccharidosis VII, an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by beta-glucuronidase deficiency. beta-Glucuronidase activity was undetectable in affected cat fibroblasts and restored by retroviral gene transfer of rat beta-glucuronidase cDNA. beta-Glucuronidase mRNA was normal in affected cat testis by Northern blot analysis. Normal feline beta-glucuronidase cDNA was cloned and characterized, and amplified from affected cat fibroblasts by reverse transcription coupled polymerase chain reaction. There was a G-to-A transition in the affected cat cDNA that predicted an E351K substitution, destroyed a BssSI site, and eliminated GUSB enzymatic activity in expression studies. Multiple species comparison and the crystal structure of human beta-glucuronidase indicated that E351 is a highly conserved residue most likely essential in maintenance of the enzyme's conformation. BssSI digestion of polymerase chain reaction products amplified from genomic DNA indicated that affected cats were homozygous and cats with half-normal beta-glucuronidase activity were heterozygous for the missense mutation. Carriers identified in this manner produced affected kittens in prospective breedings, and a feline MPS VII breeding colony has been established.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1985

Beta-glucuronidase release from leukocytes in children.

The release of beta-glucuronidase from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) is important in the killing of bacteria and in producing tissue damage in acute inflammation. To investigate the effects of various diseases or drugs on degranulation, we studied the kinetics of beta-glucuronidase release from PMNs exposed to opsonized zymosan. PMNs of children with bacterial infections demonstrated increased degranulation. Within 5, 15, and 30 min the PMNs released 19 +/- 3%, 23 +/- 3%, and 26 +/- 3% of total beta-glucuronidase compared to 12 +/- 2%, 15 +/- 2%, and 16 +/- 2% of total beta-glucuronidase of control PMNs. Viral infections induced a significant delay of beta-glucuronidase release from PMNs. Maintenance therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate, as well as administration of vincristine, diminished the degranulation. After 5, 15, and 30 min the PMNs released 8 +/- 1%, 10 +/- 1%, and 11 +/- 1%, as well as 6 +/- 3%, 8 +/- 2%, and 9 +/- 2% of total beta-glucuronidase. This study demonstrated that bacterial infections stimulate beta-glucuronidase release by PMNs. In contrast, cytostatic drugs inhibit lysosomal enzyme release, increasing the susceptibility to bacterial infections. The total enzyme activities were unchanged.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Characterization of the new beta-glucuronidase from Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus.

Recently, a new gene encoding beta-glucuronidase from Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) was identified and expressed in Escherichia coli. In this paper, the characterization of the enzyme is described. Specific enzyme activity was 120,000 U/mg purified protein at 37 degrees C and pH = 7.0. The temperature and pH value, at which the enzyme has the highest specific activity, were determined and were found to be approximately 52 degrees C and 5.6, respectively. The mutant strain SEZ glcHis was designed for the efficient isolation of beta-glucuronidase from S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus. It was observed that the specific activity of beta-glucuronidase in the cytoplasmic extract of a mutated strain was about 45% lower than in the cytoplasmic extract of a wild-type strain. The specific activity of purified beta-glucuronidase from SEZ glcHis was four times as low as beta-glucuronidase purified from E. coli. Comparing the specific activity of purified streptococcal beta-glucuronidase from E. coli with E. coli beta-glucuronidase (the enzyme with the highest specific activity was supplied by Sigma), the former is 1.8 higher than the latter.

Cloning, Molecular↗
PubMed1979

Enzymic effects of beta-glucosidase destruction in mice. Changes in glucuronidase levels.

1. The injection into mice of a single dose of conduritol B epoxide, a covalent inhibitor of glucosidases, quickly produced changes in tissue levels of beta-D-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31). The specific activity of the enzyme decreased in liver, spleen and kidney while brain showed little change. The inhibitor did not act on glucuronidase in vitro, so the effect of the inhibitor is complex, possibly a result of the loss of glucosidase activity. Since glucuronidase contains glucose, we suggest that the transport of the enzyme between subcellular regions and tissues involves loss of part of the glucose moieties. 2. Levels of glucocerebrosidase (D-glucosyl-N-acylsphingosine glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.45) dropped very rapidly after epoxide injection, reaching a minimum at 1 h in liver. There was a noticeable restoration of activity within the next 1--2 h. Aryl beta-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) decrease somewhat less than cerebrosidase, reaching a minimum within 2 h. It too showed some recovery of activity within 3 h. 3. Acid phosphatase rose slightly in liver but not in brain. alpha-L-Fucosidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme were not affected by the epoxide injection. The latter two enzymes are known to contain glucose. 4. Injection of a hemolyzing agent, phenylhydrazine, produced an increased level of glucuronidase in liver and spleen within 6 days, but not in kidney. This enhancement was a little less in mice previously injected with the glucosidase inhibitor. 5. Mice injected with the epoxide once a day eight times showed a distinct rise in brain glucuronidase level, as well as a rise in brain weight. However, the other organs showed only the same decrease in glucuronidase specific activity noted with the single injection protocol. It is suggested that the difference is due to the blood-brain barrier, which could slow the loss of brain glucuronidase from the extracellular fluid.

Acid Phosphatase↗