ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) (Labkit)
DEA | DGKC
| REF | Volume |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Product description:
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a membrane-bound metalloenzyme that consists of a group of
isoenzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of organic phosphate esters, optimally at alkaline pH.
Cell membranes of many cell types have ALP activity; however, only a few produce sufficient ALP
to affect serum activity. The physiologic roles of ALP have not been clearly defined, and may
vary according to tissue. Alkaline phosphatase activity is present in the liver (l-ALP), bone
(b-ALP), kidney (k-ALP), small intestine, and other organs of the body, and placenta in
pregnancy. In sera of healthy adults, ALP activity originates mainly in the liver, with most of
the rest coming from the skeleton.
ALP is increased in metabolic bone diseases, including osteoporosis, osteomalacia and rickets,
hyperparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, and thyrotoxicosis, and in individuals with
acromegaly, bone metastases, and other disorders with increased bone formation. In patients with
impaired renal function, ALP is the preferred marker for bone turnover because its clearance
does not depend on glomerular filtration. Total ALP activity is markedly increased in Paget's
disease of bone, and b-ALP is increased in patients with bone metastases from prostate and
breast cancer. In children, ALP activity is higher than in adults because of increased
osteoblastic activity during growth.
