What does HBG mean in BRITISH MEDICINE

Human β-glucuronidase (HBG) enzyme is a lysosomal enzyme responsible for cleaving the sugar-type molecules known as glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins. It is encoded by the GUSB gene in humans and it is active in various organs of the body including the liver, stomach, intestines, and kidney.

HBG helps to break down certain complex carbohydrates that are found in plant fiber, which aids in their digestion and absorption by the body. Additionally, HBG also plays an essential role in the breakdown of conjugated steroids during their metabolism in the liver.

Yes, a defect or deficiency of HBG can cause an inherited condition known as mucopolysaccharidosis type 7 (MPS7), which results in a buildup of these sugar molecules within cells throughout the body. This can lead to multiple health issues including skeletal abnormalities, cognitive impairments, progressive hearing loss, vision problems, heart valve dysfunction and other complications.

MPS7 resulting from a lack of functional HGB enzyme activity tends to affect males more often than females. Children with two mutated copies of the GUSB gene are typically diagnosed with severe symptoms while those with one mutated copy tend to only have mild symptoms.

Treatment for MPS7 depends on what symptoms are present but may include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), bone marrow transplants (BMT) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Other supportive treatments may include physical speech therapy and psychological counseling.

Unfortunately no treatment or cure exists for MPS7 caused by insufficient levels of HGB but regular monitoring can help detect any signs or symptoms early enough for more effective management strategies. Also genetic counseling can provide useful information about the risks involved with having children when one parent has a mutated gene that impacts HGB levels.

Yes - measuring serum β-glucuronidase activity is used to screen for some forms of enzyme deficiencies such as type 1 Gaucher disease and MPS6 syndrome but it cannot be used alone as an indicator for diagnosis since other factors must also be taken into consideration before a definitive diagnosis can be made.

Although elevated serum β-glucuronidase activity has been linked to higher risk factors associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) it is not yet clear how they are linked exactly or what role high amounts play if any in its development or progression over time. Further research is required to understand this connection better.

The most commonly used method for measuring plasma β-glucuronidase activity utilizes an antibody that binds specifically to free enzyme molecules outside cells so they can then be measured spectrophotometrically using colorimetric assays or fluorometric assays depending on the class antibodies employed.