Enzymes. Izoenzymes. Concepts of enzymatic kinetics

The course titled "Enzymes, Isoenzymes, and Concepts of Enzymatic Kinetics" offers a comprehensive exploration into the critical role enzymes play in biochemical processes, focusing on their structure, function, and regulation. The curriculum provides an in-depth understanding of the different types of enzymes, including isoenzymes, which are multiple forms of an enzyme that catalyze the same biochemical reaction but differ in their molecular structure and are often specific to different tissues or organs. The course emphasizes the significance of isoenzymes in diagnostic biochemistry, as they can offer insights into tissue-specific damage or disease.

A significant portion of the course is dedicated to enzymatic kinetics, where students will learn about the various models of enzyme activity, particularly the Michaelis-Menten model. The course also covers the factors that influence enzyme reaction rates, such as temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration. Students will explore how enzyme-substrate interactions occur and how the enzyme's active site contributes to catalysis, providing a fundamental understanding of how enzymatic reactions are regulated in both physiological and pathological conditions.

In addition to basic enzymology, the course also focuses on the biochemical changes that occur in liver, cardiovascular, and renal pathology. It explains how various diseases affecting these organs result in altered enzyme levels and activities, offering insights into their role as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. For instance, liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can lead to elevated levels of liver-specific enzymes, while myocardial infarction or kidney failure can cause distinct enzymatic changes.

By studying these alterations in enzyme activity, students gain valuable knowledge in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these pathologies and the importance of enzymes in clinical diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.