Description
Macro-enzymes are high molecular weight forms of native enzymes. Their presence in serum may complicate the interpretation of enzyme results and lead to incorrect diagnoses with inappropriate treatment or further investigations. The most common form of macro-enzyme involves combination with an immunoglobulin and there is evidence to support a specific antigen-antibody reaction. Macro-enzymes are present more commonly in subjects with auto-immune diseases however, the reason why they arise is unknown. A number of screening methods have been employed in their detection but there is no substitute for a definitive technique such as ultracentrifugation or gel filtration chromatography to confirm their presence.
