Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is an enzyme whose increase in blood may indicate, among others, for narrowing of the bile ducts. When else do we measure the concentration of leucine aminopeptidase? What is the test?
Leucine Aminopeptidase , abbreviatedLAPis an enzyme whose main function is the degradation of active peptides and proteins in the cell by selective hydrolysis of leucine residues at the N-terminus. Leucine aminopeptidase occurs in many organs, including liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestinal epithelium, cells of the immune system. However, most of the enzyme is secreted in the bile, hence it is a sensitive marker of biliary obstruction.
Leucine Aminopeptidase (LAP) - when to do?
Leucine aminopeptidase testing is ordered in case of suspicion:
- biliary obstruction
- cholestasis (especially when there is an elevated level of alkaline phosphatase)
- damage to hepatocytes
- tumor metastasis to the liver
- pancreatic cancer (especially around the head of the pancreas)
Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) - what is the test?
The leucine aminopeptidase test is performed on an empty stomach.
Leucine Aminopeptidase (LAP) - Standards
The standard for leucine aminopeptidase may vary by laboratory. Normal values are slightly higher in men.
Examples of standards for leucine aminopeptidase are:
- 20-50 U / l
- 5 - 25 nmol / l / s
Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) - how to interpret test results?
The increase in leucine aminopeptidase is observed in:
- biliary obstruction
- cholestazie
- viral hepatitis
- liver cancer
- cirrhosis of the liver
- liver ischemia
- liver necrosis
- with drugs that are toxic to the liver
- Pancreatic enzymes - standards. How to interpret the test results?
- Digestive enzymes - secretion site, action
- Biliary obstruction - symptoms, cholestasis, treatment