What is BCHE?

Butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE), also known as pseudocholinesterase or serum cholinesterase, is a serine hydrolase enzyme that is produced predominantly in the liver. Initially, it was known for its role in the hydrolysis of choline-based esters, a common type of biochemical reaction involving the cleavage of bonds via the addition of water. In recent years, BCHE has been implicated in several other physiological processes, including lipid metabolism, the development of Alzheimer's disease, and as a biomarker for liver function, among others.

BCHE is circulating in the blood plasma and is capable of rapidly tracking the metabolism of certain drugs, such as the muscle-relaxant succinylcholine and mivacurium, used during anesthesia. This feature makes it a crucial factor in predicting individual patient response to certain anesthetic agents. A deficiency or mutation of the BCHE gene can cause a delayed metabolism and prolonged paralysis, thereby increasing the risk during general anesthesia procedures.

Furthermore, elevated levels of BCHE have also been found in individuals with obesity and metabolic syndrome. This reality has led to growing interests in the role of BCHE in lipid metabolism and, indirectly, in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

BCHE Detection Methods and Principles

Considering the integral role played by BCHE in various physiological processes and disease conditions, reliable detection methods for BCHE are critical. Several assay methods can determine BCHE activity in plasma or serum samples, each based on distinct principles.

One common BCHE detection method is the Ellman’s method, based on an enzymatic procedure using a synthetic substrate specific to BCHE. The enzyme hydrolyzes the substrate, leading to the liberation of a yellow chromophore. The measured light absorbance at a distinct wavelength quantitatively indicates the enzyme's activity.

Another BCHE detection method is High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry. This method allows the separation and quantification of BCHE as it passes through the column under high pressure. The separated BCHE is then ionized and detected by the mass spectrometer, which can determine the mass spectrometric fingerprint for BCHE. This method is highly sensitive and accurate, but it requires specialized instrumentation.

In recent times, electrochemical biosensor-based detection has also emerged as a novel BCHE detection technique. Here, BCHE, combined with choline oxidase, triggers a series of reactions, leading to the production of hydrogen peroxide, which can be detected electrochemically.

BCHE Assay Kits

Several commercial assay kits are available for BCHE detection. The specifics of each kit vary, allowing researchers to choose the most suitable detection method based on their requirements.

Human Cholinesterase/BCHE ELISA Kit is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit that can detect BCHE in serum, plasma, and cell culture samples. This kit uses antigen-antibody reactions for the detection and quantification of BCHE.

The Human Butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE) ELISA Kit is another widely used kit, providing a sandwich Enzyme Immunoassay for the quantitative measurement of BCHE.

BCHE assay using the Ellman's method. This ready-to-use kit allows for a quick estimation of BCHE activity in biological samples.

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