Variation in Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Activity in Blood Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Kuilenburg A B P Van, Lenthe H van, Blom M J, Mul E P J, Gennip A H Van
Primary Institution: Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
Hypothesis
The study investigates the variability of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity in human blood cells and its implications for detecting patients with DPD deficiency.
Conclusion
The study found significant variability in DPD activity among different blood cell types, which complicates the detection of patients with partial DPD deficiency.
Supporting Evidence
- The highest DPD activity was found in monocytes, followed by lymphocytes, granulocytes, and platelets.
- No significant DPD activity was detected in erythrocytes.
- Cancer patients had a significantly higher percentage of monocytes in their PBM cells compared to healthy volunteers.
- A positive correlation was observed between DPD activity and the percentage of monocytes.
Takeaway
This study shows that different types of blood cells have different levels of a key enzyme, which can make it hard to find patients who might not have enough of that enzyme.
Methodology
The activity of DPD was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cancer patients and healthy volunteers.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of patients and controls.
Limitations
The study does not specify the sample size or the diversity of the patient population.
Participant Demographics
Cancer patients and healthy volunteers were compared.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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