The word "LE Enzyme" is often misspelled as "LAE Enzyme". The correct spelling is "LE" as in "ell-ee" enzyme. The reason for this is because "LE" is an abbreviation for "lipase enzyme" which is pronounced with a short "e" sound in the first syllable. Therefore, "LE Enzyme" should be pronounced as "lip-ace enzyme". It is important to use the correct spelling and pronunciation when referring to this enzyme in scientific and medical contexts.
LE enzyme, also known as Lupus Erythematosus (LE) cell enzyme, is an important diagnostic tool used in the field of immunology to detect the presence of autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It refers to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test that detects the presence of antibodies known as LE cells.
LE cells are abnormal cells that occur in the bone marrow and other organs of individuals with SLE. These cells form when white blood cells engulf and phagocytize the body's own cells that have been coated with antibodies. The antibodies present in LE cells are called anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) and they have a specific affinity for the nuclei of LE cells.
The LE enzyme assay involves collecting a blood sample from the patient and then isolating their white blood cells. These cells are incubated with a specific substrate that undergoes color change in the presence of LE cells. The degree of color change is measured spectrophotometrically, providing a quantitative assessment of the presence of LE cells and the activity of ANAs.
The presence of LE cells and ANAs can indicate the presence of autoimmune disorders, particularly SLE. SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects various tissues and organs, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, skin rash, and fatigue. Early detection of this disease enables timely treatment and management, improving patient outcomes.
In conclusion, LE enzyme is an immunological test that detects the presence of LE cells and anti-nuclear antibodies in the blood, aiding in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune disorders.