Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase and glutathione reductase in erythrocytes from hyperuricaemic and gout patients.

The enzymic activities of erythrocyte phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase (EC 2.7.6.1) and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) have been measured in 54 primary gout patients, 35 individuals having hyperuricaemia and 51 healthy controls. Statistical analyses have shown a significant increase (p less than 0.01) in the enzymic activity of erythrocyte PRPP synthetase in both the hyperuricaemic and gout groups compared with the controls. No correlation between activity and age was found in any of the three clinical groups. A significant decrease (p congruent to 0.01) was found in the enzymic activity of red cell glutathione reductase in the gout group compared with the other two groups. The biochemical significance of the changes in enzymic activities of the two enzymes in primary gout is discussed.