ACP is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate groups. It is found in various organs and tissues, with the highest concentration in the prostate. Elevated PAP levels are associated with prostate inflammation and cancer. A blood test can determine enzyme levels and identify the tissue releasing them.
Acid phosphatase (ACP) is a type of enzyme produced by the body. Like all enzymes, it is composed of specialized proteins that catalyze, or stimulate, certain biological reactions. ACP is classified as a hydrolase enzyme because its purpose is to catalyze the hydrolysis of a chemical bond. In particular, it targets and breaks the molecular bonds of phosphate groups.
There are different types of this enzyme that exhibit different characteristics and behaviors. For example, like many other types of phosphatase, tartrate acid phosphatase is unique to mammals, but differs in resistance to the inhibitory effects of L(+) tartrate. Some members of this family are classified as human genes, such as ACP-1 and lysophosphatidic acid, also known as ACP-6.
In general, ACP can be found in certain organs and tissues, including blood cells, bone marrow, spleen, pancreas, liver, and kidneys. This substance is found in the greatest concentration in the prostate, however, and up to 1,000 times higher in seminal fluid than in any other bodily fluid. The latter fact is useful in forensic science as the detection of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in vaginal tissue measuring levels above 3 U/ML (units per milliliter) is used as evidence to support rape. Further evidence to confirm that the presence of this enzyme comes from semen rather than vaginal fluid is gleaned from a PAP test, which is a quantitative measurement of the various isoenzymes found in ACP generated exclusively by the prostate. Additionally, administration of this test typically coincides with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which confirms the presence of sperm.
Measurement of serum ACP levels is useful in diagnosing a variety of medical conditions. For example, abnormal levels may indicate the presence of systemic infection, anemia, hepatitis, thrombophlebitis, or hyperparathyroidism. Elevated PAP levels, in particular, are associated with inflammation of the prostate, as well as prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone. The phosphatase test is also used to evaluate enzyme damage caused by kidney disease, liver disease, or heart attack. This test is also done when certain chronic bone or metabolic diseases are suspected, such as Gaucher disease and Paget’s disease.
A simple blood test can be used to determine levels of this enzyme. The blood sample is exposed to one of several agents to elicit an enzymatic reaction, namely 4-aminoantipyrine, or a solution of disodium phenylphosphate and citrate. To measure PAP levels, tartrate is used. By observing the reaction with these different agents, the doctor is able to determine which tissue is releasing phosphatase enzymes into the bloodstream and what type they are. Usually, test results are available within a day or two.
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