Clinical application of a new method for the determination of aminoacylase in human serum.

Serum aminoacylase was assayed in 242 patients with various internal disases. The enzyme activity was normal in 89 cases without hepatic involvement and above normal in all forms of liver disease, the highest values being seen in acute viral hepatitis. Obstructive liver disease and hepatic carcinoma likewise caused a distinct enzyme increase, but this elevation was referred to secondary liver damage as in cases of congestive heart failure. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and aminoacylase activities were closely correlated, and aminoacylase is regarded as a sensitive and specific indicator of hepatic affections.