Effect of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions on human plasma cholinesterase activity.

OBJECTIVES Metals such as iron are needed for physiological functions of the body. However, their excess may cause serious damage including poisoning. The effects of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions on human plasma cholinesterase activity were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Plasma were obtained (n = 24) from healthy male volunteers, and treated with five various concentrations of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions. Activity of butyryl cholinesterase (BChE) was assayed according to colorimetric EIIman procedure. The activity was calculated as micromole of hydrolyzed substrate, per minute in each ml. RESULTS Both ferric (Fe3+) and ferrous (Fe2+) ions significantly decreased the BChE activity in all tested concentrations. The effect of ferric (Fe3+) ions on the reduction of plasma enzyme activity was more pronounced than ferrous (Fe2+) ions (p < 0.001, respect to control group). CONCLUSIONS The present paper represents the effect of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions on ButyrylChE activity in human plasma. It reveals that both ions suppress BChE activity.