Overview and Clinical Significance
Serum lysozyme is an enzyme involved in immune defense, playing a crucial role in bacterial cell wall degradation, inflammation regulation, and hematologic health. It is primarily produced by monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils.
Clinical Significance
- Immune Function & Antibacterial Activity: Lysozyme helps break down bacterial cell walls, enhancing innate immune responses.
- Hematologic Disorders & Leukemia: Elevated serum lysozyme levels are linked to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), monocytic leukemia, and myeloproliferative disorders.
- Inflammation & Autoimmune Conditions: Increased lysozyme concentrations may indicate sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, or chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Renal Function & Metabolic Effects: High lysozyme levels can contribute to potassium wasting and hypokalemia, particularly in leukemia patients.
- Diagnostic & Therapeutic Applications: Serum lysozyme testing helps assess immune function, hematologic disorders, and inflammatory conditions.
Serum lysozyme is a key biomarker of immune activity, influencing infection resistance, hematologic health, and inflammatory regulation.
