Primary Lactase Deficiency: Genetic or Acquired?

Did malaria select for primary adult lactase deficiency?

Prevalence of lactase deficiency in British adults.

The prevalence of lactase deficiency in British adults is unknown. Examination of the distribution of lactase activities in single and multiple biopsies of jejunum indicated that 0.8 U/g wet weight was a suitable cut-off point to separate lactase deficient patients from others. One hundred and fifty white British adults were selected, none of whom had significant intestinal disease and all of w...

Genetic Testing for Lactase Insufficiency

Background/Overview Genetic testing of adults with suspected lactase insufficiency is proposed as an alternative to current diagnostic practices. Studies have demonstrated a tight correlation between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -13910 C > T upstream of the gene coding for the enzyme lactase and lactase insufficiency in persons of European ancestry. Currently, two indirect tests of la...

Genetic Testing for Lactase Insufficiency

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The biosynthetic basis of adult lactase deficiency.

The intestinal brush-border enzyme lactase splits lactose into its component monosaccharides, glucose and galactose. Relative deficiency of the enzyme during adulthood is a common condition worldwide and is frequently associated with symptoms of lactose intolerance. We studied the synthesis and processing of lactase in normal and adult hypolactasic subjects using human intestinal explants in or...