Alpha-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase

Alpha-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase is believed to be deficient in Sanfilippo syndrome type B

Alpha-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase

Alpha-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (often referred to as NAG) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the terminal alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine or alpha-N-acetylglucosamine residues from glycoproteins, glycolipids, and oligosaccharides.

Function

NAG plays an essential role in:

• The degradation and recycling of glycoproteins and glycolipids.
• The catabolism of intracellular bioactive peptides.

Clinical Significance

• Increased levels of NAG in urine can be an early marker of kidney tubular damage or dysfunction. It is especially valuable as a marker for acute kidney injury.
• Elevated urinary NAG activity has been observed in various renal disorders, including glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and renal tubular acidosis.

Assay Methods

• Fluorometric and colorimetric assays are standard methods used for measuring NAG activity in clinical samples.

References

• "Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity and kidney injury molecule-1 as indicators of injury and prognosis of acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis." - American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
• "Role of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetic nephropathy" - Journal of Diabetes and its Complications.

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