FIGLU Test is used for deficiency of ?
**Core Concept:**
The FIGLU (5-FU, GOT, GPT, LDH) test is a blood test used to diagnose and monitor the severity of folate (vitamin B9) deficiency, specifically the folate deficiency anaemia. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells). It is involved in the one-carbon cycle, where it helps in the synthesis of nucleotides and methionine. Deficiency of folate leads to impaired DNA synthesis, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis and the production of smaller, more fragile red blood cells.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
The correct answer is **C**. Folate deficiency can lead to a variety of biochemical abnormalities in the blood test results. One of these abnormalities is elevated levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT or SGOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT or SGPT). These transaminases are liver enzymes that increase in response to liver cell damage or dysfunction. In the context of folate deficiency, liver cell damage is a consequence of the anaemia caused by ineffective erythropoiesis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **5-FU (5-Fluorouracil)** is a chemotherapeutic agent used in cancer treatment, unrelated to folate deficiency.
B. **GOT and GPT** are liver enzymes mentioned earlier, but the deficiency itself is not caused by these enzymes. The elevated levels are a result of liver cell damage.
D. **LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)** is another liver enzyme that might increase in various pathological conditions. However, it is not directly related to folate deficiency and its anaemia.
**Clinical Pearl:**
The FIGLU test (Folate, Indole-3-Acetic Acid, Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase, Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase) is crucial in diagnosing and following up on folate deficiency. The presence of elevated GOT and GPT in conjunction with low or normal serum folate levels can help diagnose folate deficiency anaemia. Monitoring these enzymes along with serum folate levels can also help assess the response to folate supplementation therapy.