Rapid, simple enzymatic assay of free L-fucose in serum and urine, and its use as a marker for cancer, cirrhosis, and gastric ulcers.

We devised a kit for use with automated analyzers, for assay of urinary free L-fucose by means of a newly isolated L-fucose dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.122), and we measured L-fucose in healthy subjects, cancer patients, and patients with other diseases. It takes 10 min to complete one assay. Absorbance and L-fucose concentration were linearly related up to at least 3.0 mmol/L, analytical recovery was 90-104%, and intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were less than 4.2% and 7.8%, respectively. The concentrations of L-fucose, corrected for creatinine, were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects in nine of 18 patients with gastric ulcers, 19 of 21 patients with cirrhosis of the liver, and 206 of 366 patients with some type of cancer, reflecting a changed L-fucose metabolism. Because urine specimens are analyzed and the test is rapid and inexpensive, this method may be suitable for mass screening for some kinds of cancer, cirrhosis, and gastric ulcers.