The activity of class I, II, III and IV alcohol dehydrogenase isoenzymes and aldehyde dehydrogenase in cervical cancer

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the metabolism of cervical cancer cells and normal cervical cells by measurement of ADH isoenzymes and ALDH activities.MethodsThe study material consisted of 40 cancerous cervical tissues. Class III, IV of ADH and total ADH activity was measured by the photometric method and class I, II ADH and ALDH activity by the fluorometric method with class-specific fluorogenic substrates.ResultsThe activity of the class I ADH isoenzyme and the total ADH were significantly higher in cervical cancer as compared to healthy tissues. Class I of ADH and total ADH activity are significantly higher in every stage of cancer as compared to the control. There are no significant differences between planoepitheliale and adenocarcinoma.ConclusionThe increased activity of total ADH in cervical cancer may be the cause of some metabolic disorders in cancer cells, which may intensify carcinogenesis in this organ.