Studies on the activities of lysosomal enzymes in serum and buccal pouch tissue of hamsters during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced carcinogenesis

Alterations in the activities of certain lysosomal enzymes such as β-d-galactosidase, β-d-glucosidase, β-d-glucuronidase, α-l-fucosidase, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, cathepsins B and D were studied in serum and tissue homogenates of buccal mucosa of hamsters treated with 0.5% 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in liquid paraffin. Among the enzymes studied, the activities of β-d-galactosidase and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase showed significant elevation both in serum and tissue homogenates from papilloma onwards and the elevations were progressive with the development of carcinomas. The elevations in the activities of α-d-fucosidase and cathepsin D were found to be significant from papillomatous tissues onwards whereas in serum they showed higher activities only in carcinoma stages. The activities of β-d-glucosidase, β-d-glucuronidase and cathepsin B in both serum and in tissue homogenate were elevated markedly only in carcinoma stages. It is suggested that β-d-galactosidase and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase may be used as diagnostic markers for premalignant and malignant lesions of oral mucosa.