The beta-glucuronidase activity in the blood cells and serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus]

Beta-glucuronidase (beta-GU) activity and protein concentration were measured in peripheral blood cells (neutrophils and mononuclear cells) and blood serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE patients were found to tend towards decrease of beta-GU activity in neutrophils and to an appreciable increase thereof (2-fold) in blood serum. The concentration of protein in both neutrophils and mononuclear cells was within normal. Substantial changes in beta-GU activity were seen in SLE patients with trophic disorders (a significant decrease of the enzyme in neutrophils and a rise in blood serum). These patients also manifested a noticeable reduction of protein concentration in mononuclear cells. The measurement of beta-GU activity in blood cells can be used for the choice of adequate therapy in the course of the treatment of SLE patients.