New lung cancer study findings have been reported from K. Dimakou et al
2009 JUL 13 - (NewsRx.com) -- "Adenosine deaminase (ADA) has been widely used for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion. Two isoenzymes have been described, ADA(1) and ADA(2)," researchers in Athens, Greece report. "To evaluate the diagnostic value of sputum ADA, ADA, and ADA(2) activity in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We measured total ADA, ADA(1) and ADA(2) activity in the sputum of 27 patients with pulmonary TB (11 had a negative Ziehl-Neelsen stain for acid-fast bacilli [AFB]). Nineteen patients with lung cancer were used as controls. Sputum total ADA activity was significantly higher in TB than in lung cancer patients (median 18 U/l [range 3-70] vs. 6 U/l [2-16]; P< 0.001). Sputum ADA, activity was significantly higher in TB compared to lung cancer patients (9 U/l [0-65] vs. 5 U/l [0-12]; P = 0.001). Sputum ADA(2) was significantly higher than ADA, in TB patients (P = 0.001). Sputum ADA and ADA2 were higher in both AFB-positive and AFB-negative TB patients. Using a cut-off level of respectively 16 UI/l and 5 UI/l for sputum total ADA and ADA(2), sensitivity and specificity were 55.6% and 100% for total ADA and 81.5% and 63.2% for ADA(2). Sputum total ADA and ADA(2) levels are elevated in patients with pulmonary TB," wrote K. Dimakou and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "As they are elevated even in AFB-negative patients, they may assist In the early diagnosis of pulmonary TB.." Dimakou and colleagues published their study in International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (Adenosine deaminase activity and its isoenzymes in the sputum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 2009;13(6):744-748). For additional information, contact R. Bakakos, 11 Kononos St., Athens, Greece. Publisher contact information for the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease is: International Union Against Tuberculosis Lung Disease (I U a T L D), 68 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris, France. Keywords: Greece, Athens, Adenosine, Adenosine Deaminase, Cutaneous Tuberculosis, Deaminase, Diagnostics, Drugs, Enzyme Research, Enzymes, Enzymology, Infectious Disease, Lung Cancer, Lung Disease, Lung Neoplasms, Mycobacteria, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Oncology, Pharmaceuticals, Pleural Effusion, Proteins, Proteomics, Therapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Tuberculosis Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Tuberculosis Week via NewsRx.com.
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