A Study on Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Enzyme Activity

Aim:Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common erythrocyte enzyme deficiency in the world. It is the most common cause of hemolytic anemia in our country especially in the Mediterranean region. Most patients with enzyme deficiency have no clinical symptoms. However, hemolytic state develops in the red blood cells due to drugs, infections, favism, newborn period which cause oxidative damage. In our study, we aimed to investigate G6PD enzyme activity and kinetic properties. Material and Method:G6PD enzyme activity was measured qualitatively with a fluorescence spot test and quantitatively in a G6PD deficient blood sample and in a control blood sample, and partial enzyme purification was performed to compare kinetic characteristics. Results: No fluorescence was observed qualitatively in the blood sample with enzyme deficiency. Enzyme activity measured quantitatively in the sample with G6PD deficiency was statistically significantly lower than the control (p <0.05). The kinetics of the partially purified deficient enzyme were found to have lower Km values (G6P and NADP) than in the normal enzyme. The other kinetic characteristics of enzyme of deficient G6PD activity in comparison with normal enzyme were; a higher optimum pH, more activity with the substrate analogs and a lower thermostability. Conclusion:G6PD enzyme deficiency is important in the diagnosis and monitoring of the patient in terms of public health and preventive medicine