Lysozyme

Lysozyme is an enzyme ({{EC number|3.2.1.17}}), commonly referred to as the "body's own antibiotic" since it kills bacteria. It is abundantly present in a number of secretions, such as tears. This protein is present in cytoplasmic granules of the polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and released through the mucosal secretions (such as tears and saliva).

Related Topics:
Enzyme - Antibiotic - Secretion - Tears

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This enzyme functions by attacking peptidoglycan by hydrolyzing the bond that connects N-acetylmuramic acid with carbon four of N-acetylglucosamine.

Related Topics:
Enzyme - Peptidoglycan - Hydrolyzing - N-acetylmuramic acid - N-acetylglucosamine

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Lysozyme levels in the blood are often increased in sarcoidosis.

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In some forms of hereditary amyloid, the cause is a mutation in the lysozyme gene, which leads to accumulated lysozyme in several tissues ({{OMIM|105200}}).

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