Znaczenie osoczowej acetylohydrolazy PAF w chorobach alergicznych – aktualny stan wiedzy

Platelet activating factor (PAF) has a proven role as a mediator in pathogenesis of various disorders with inflammatory component, including those with allergic aetiology. The peripheral blood concentration of PAF is dynamically regulated by plasma PAF acetylhydrolase. An association between the enzyme activity and incidence as well as progression of numerous ailments, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease, has been demonstrated. In terms of allergic disorders those connections are underlined in case of bronchial asthma and anaphylaxis. The studies suggest that low activity of plasma PAF acetylhydrolase could be a potential predictive marker for increased severity of some types of allergic hypersensitivity reactions. The possible connections between enzyme activity and population polymorphism, levels of lipoprotein fractions, applied pharmacotherapy and chronic disorders of different aetiology appear to be also interesting within the context of allergic diseases. The aim of the following review is to systematize the current state of knowledge regarding possible importance and utilization of platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase measurement for the needs of allergology.