Definition
N-Acetyl-/β-glucosaminidase (NAG) is a high molecular-weight (∼140 kDa) hydrolytic lysosomal enzyme that is found in many tissues of the body. It breaks chemical bonds of glycosides and amino sugars that form structural components in many tissues. It is necessary for the degradation and disposal of various parts of the cell, including the cell membrane.
Characteristics
NAG present in high concentration in the lysosomes of proximal renal tubular cells. There are two main isoenzymes found in human kidneys. Isoenzyme-A is part of intralysosomal compartment excreted in urine due to exocytosis. Isoenzyme-B is associated to the lysosomal membrane and excreted in urine during tubular damage. These two enzymes differ in their heat sensitivity and stable in acid urine [1]. Because of its stability in urine, its relatively large molecular mass which precludes filtration by the glomerulus and its presence in high activity in the tubular lysosomes, elevation of urinary NAG activity has...
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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Wen, X., Kellum, J.A. (2012). N-Acetyl-beta-D-Glucosaminidase (NAG). In: Vincent, JL., Hall, J.B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Intensive Care Medicine. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00418-6_305
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00418-6_305
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-00417-9
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-00418-6
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