Statistical evaluation of the isoform patterns of N-acetyl-β-hexosaminidase from human renal cancer tissue separated by isoelectrofocusing

Objectives Isoenzymes of HEX from human renal carcinoma and neighbouring macroscopically normal renal tissue can show different patterns on isoelectrofocusing gels. The aim of our work was to elaborate the method for statistical evaluation of differences. Design and methods Isoenzymes of N-acetyl-β-hexosaminidase were separated from renal (control and cancerous) tissues of 15 patients. Isoenzymes were electrofocused in Multiphor II, with ampholine pH 3.5–9.0 (2%) and then evaluated densitometrically and analysed statistically. Results A similar pattern in activity of isoforms of isoenzymes A and B in normal and cancerous renal tissue was observed. Conclusions The proposed method of statistical evaluation of differences in isoforms of N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase can also be adapted to estimate the isoforms of other enzymes in different tissues.