Plasma acidic glycohydrolases in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

We assayed plasma activities of beta-galactosidase, beta-hexosaminidase, alpha-fucosidase and alpha-galactosidase involved in degradation of the glycoprotein molecule in 110 insulin-dependent diabetics aged 3-1/2 to 19 years and compared them to a group of normal youngsters. We correlated the plasma enzyme activities with the duration, control and sequelae of insulin-dependent diabetes. Insulin-dependent diabetics had a significantly higher plasma activity of beta-hexosaminidase and alpha-mannosidase (p less than 0.01) and a significantly lower plasma activity of alpha-fucosidase and alpha-galactosidase (p less than 0.01). Of the 5 enzymes studied, only plasma beta-hexosaminidase correlated with fasting and postprandial blood sugar (p less than 0.01), cholesterol and triglycerides (p less than 0.05). Additionally, poor control of diabetes was also associated with a significantly higher plasma beta-hexosaminidase activity (p less than 0.01). Proteinuria or an abnormal Addis count suggestive of renal involvement was associated with various changes in plasma acidic hydrolases. These changes may be related to insulin deficiency rather than hyperglycemia and may be genetically determined.