Ornithine decarboxylase assay in human colorectal mucosa. Methodologic issues of importance to quality control

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Abstract
Ornithine decarboxylase may be a useful biomarker for risk of neoplasia in colorectal tissues. Investigators have reported enzyme activities varying by as much as 10- to 20-fold using variations of the usual 14CO2 release assay. We have examined the effect of different methodologic factors on calculated ornithine decarboxylase activity. Major effects on the assay result (>20% change) were produced by: (I) use of Tris vs. phosphate buffer, the former yielding 1.5- to 4-fold greater activity; (2) protein content of the reaction mixture with significant error if 14C-ornithine, the nature of the trapping agent used, and incorporation of a sonication step, did not have a significant effect on ODC quantification (≤20%). Thus, seemingly minor variations in assay conditions can greatly affect the results, which may provide a partial explanation for the variability of ODC activities reported in the literature. Strict quality control measures are mandatory in the interpretation of clinical observations utilizing this marker as an endpoint.