Lysozyme Blood Test

The Lysozyme Blood Test is used for monitoring disease progression/regression in cases of proven sarcoidosis.

Description

Serum lysozyme has been shown to be elevated in a number of conditions, including tuberculosis and sarcoidosis as well as leukemia.

Used for differential diagnosis of leukemia. Present in association with some cases of myelogenous leukemia and in most cases of monocytic leukemia.

Confirming marked increases in the granulocyte or monocyte pools as in granulocytic or monocytic leukemias, myeloproliferative disorders, and malignant histiocytosis.

 Following the course of therapy in cases of chronic granulocytic or chronic monocytic leukemias.

Lysozyme is a bacteriolytic enzyme that is found in some hematopoietic cells. It is primarily present in granulocytes, monocytes, and histiocytes. The enzyme is present in only minute amounts in lymphocytes; and is not present in myeloblasts, eosinophils, and basophils.

 Lysozyme in the plasma comes chiefly from the degradation of granulocytes and monocytes and its concentration reflects the turnover of these cells. Increases are seen in benign (eg, infection, inflammation) and malignant processes(eg, some leukemias). Plasma lysozyme is elevated in patients with acute or chronic granulocytic or monocytic leukemias and falls with successful treatment. Conversely, patients with lymphocytic leukemia may have depressed plasma lysozyme levels.

 Patients with renal disorders (including rejection of transplanted kidneys) or Crohn’s disease (regional enteritis) also tend to have elevated levels of plasma lysozyme.

Increased levels may be seen in nonmalignant disorders including infections, Crohn’s disease, kidney transplant rejection, and other renal disorders.