Butyrylcholinesterase is a mouthful, so we’ll call it BCHE or Buche, named after the gene that codes for it, is one of our cholinesterase enzymes essential for detoxification.
While most people are familiar with digestive enzymes, our bodies also produce various enzymes crucial for proper functioning, all coded by our DNA. When our DNA has a genetic variant or mutation, it may not produce these necessary enzymes.
My Journey with BCHE
My journey with BChE began when I underwent a DNA test for family planning before pursuing IVF due to fertility challenges. The test aimed to identify any genetic disorders we might pass to our children. The geneticist informed me I have a variant of the BChE gene linked to Pseudocholinesterase Deficiency. She reassured me it was nothing to worry about, except during surgery with certain anesthetics. I was advised to inform the anesthesiologist, who would know how to manage it.
Pseudocholinesterase, another name for Butyrylcholinesterase, was initially thought to have no significant role in the body. However, given my numerous health issues, I wondered if there was more to this deficiency. My research revealed several websites focusing on anesthesia complications.
Anesthesia and BCHE Deficiency
BCHE deficiency causes sensitivity to certain muscle relaxants—choline esters like succinylcholine and mivacurium. This issue is well-documented because it led to severe outcomes like brain death due to prolonged paralysis post-surgery. People with BCHE variants needed breathing assistance until they cleared the drug from their system.
Beyond Anesthesia: Other Issues with BCHE Deficiency
Years later, I rediscovered the BCHE gene in my raw DNA data and found on SNPedia that it could cause more problems. I found Anne Wright‘s work describing a sensitivity to cholinesterase inhibitors. Inhibition of cholinesterase disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain and central nervous system, affecting the functioning of various body systems that rely on the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. BCHE protects Acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) enzymes, which balance the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. Low BCHE means Acetylcholine can build up, leading to muscle spasms, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and fatigue. BCHE as a scavenger enzyme protects the brain from pesticides, herbicides, and nightshade alkaloids.
Acquired Butyrylcholinesterase Deficiency
You can also acquire BCHE deficiency without a genetic variant from:
- Exposure to chemical pesticides & herbicides
- Exposure to Sarin gas (Gulf War Syndrome)
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, birth control)
- Liver or kidney disease
- Chronic infections
- Certain cancers
- Protein malnutrition
- Severe burns
- Cocaine addiction
- Certain prescription drugs
- Too much Solanine/Nightshades (e.g., potatoes with green)
What are NIGHTSHADES?
Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant, goji berry, tomatillo, and related spices) contain toxic glycoalkaloids, which are natural pesticides and inhibit cholinesterase. I’ve written a more complete list here. These compounds require the same detoxifying enzymes as chemical pesticides. Reduced BCHE activity can lead to the accumulation of these alkaloids, causing symptoms like pain, brain fog, anxiety, headaches, and sleep disruption
High Oxalate Foods
Gut health and oxalates might also affect BCHE. Impaired gut health can reduce Oxalobacter formigenes, bacteria that break down oxalates, another plant toxin. Oxalates then put stress on our liver and kidneys and impair the glutathione needed for detoxification. Antibiotics can destroy these bacteria, which probiotics can’t replenish. Avoiding high-oxalate foods might help. Sally Norton’s book, “Toxic Superfoods,” explains this well.
Recent BCHE Studies
Mice with low BChE can live completely normal, healthy, fertile lives until drugs or toxins are introduced. BChE knockout mice (mice with no BChE) became obese on the same diet as normal mice. Recent studies show BCHE processes fats and proteins, and is involved in fat accumulation and hunger hormone regulation. Low BChE can lead to obesity, drug addiction, and higher risks of certain diseases. Studies have linked low BChE to higher mortality rates from cancers, COVID-19, sepsis, major cardiac events, trauma, and coronary heart disease. A study on SIDS found low BChE in affected babies, but it’s unclear if this was genetic or maternal.
Diagnosing BCHE Deficiency
Most people don’t know they have BChE deficiency unless they encounter problems with anesthesia. Anesthesiologists should know how to handle it, but not all do. Knowing your BChE status before surgery is crucial. One member of my Facebook group did not know she has a BChE deficiency and woke up in the morgue, after her surgery.
In my next BChE article, I will share ways you can find if you have this deficiency.
Eating for BCHE Deficiency
Originally, I wanted to overcome my BCHE deficiency to eat nightshades again. But now, I accept my body’s signals to avoid them and all high-oxalate foods. I’ve found a diet that works for me, alleviating most of my chronic symptoms.
Research on BCHE deficiency is ongoing. If you read the study on BCHE knockout mice, it states they become obese on a high-fat diet. This was concerning to me because I have always struggled with weight loss and I have Lipedema.
The diet used in the study comprised 45% of calories from fat, 20% from protein, and 35% from carbohydrates. However, the source of the fat used in the diet was not specified in the study. The specific composition can significantly impact the outcomes, as different types of fats can have varied effects on metabolism and health. For example, seed oils have only been in our diets that last 100 years.
Lipid Metabolism
BCHE is involved in lipid metabolism, and its activity is linked to various metabolic conditions. High BCHE activity has been associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, potentially as a compensatory mechanism to restore energy homeostasis.
Carbohydrates and BCHE Imbalance
Some studies suggest that excessive intake of carbohydrates and sugars might disrupt BCHE balance. This disruption could contribute to metabolic imbalances, given BCHE’s role in lipid metabolism and energy regulation.
Protein Intake
High-protein diets might help maintain BCHE balance and support metabolic health. The consumption of protein has been shown to influence BCHE activity positively, potentially counteracting some of the negative effects of carbohydrate-rich diets. The key is balance—we don’t want BCHE too high or too low. Protein brings balance.
A recent study looked at pea protein, often found in plant-based protein powders. Unfortunately, pea protein did not support BCHE because it’s a cholinesterase inhibitor.
That’s BCHE in a nutshell. Hopefully, more studies will be done. For now, we can be thankful for knockout mice. Stay tuned to learn more! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook to receive my latest posts in your feed.
NEXT: How to Search Raw DNA Data Files for BCHE Variants
References:
- A-Typical BCHE
- Cholinesterase Inhibitor Sensitivity Genes
- Natural inhibitors of cholinesterases: implications for adverse drug reactions.
- Butyrylcholinesterase: A Multifaceted Pharmacological Target and Tool
- Long-Chain Acylcholines Link Butyrylcholinesterase to Regulation of Non-neuronal Cholinergic Signaling
- Poison Control – Potatoes
- Gulf War Syndrome
- Pseudocholinesterase Deficiency
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors – Continuing Education | ATSDR (cdc.gov)
- Butyrylcholinesterase is a potential biomarker for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – eBioMedicine (thelancet.com)
- Tropane Alkaloids: Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biosynthesis and Production – PMC (nih.gov)
- Occurrence and Chemistry of Tropane Alkaloids in Foods, with a Focus on Sample Analysis Methods: A Review on Recent Trends and Technological Advances – PMC (nih.gov)
- Butyrylcholinesterase and lipid metabolism: Possible dual role in metabolic disorders – ScienceDirect
- Norton, Sally K. Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick–and How to Get Better.
- Cholinergic System Overview: Taylor, Palmer. “Anticholinesterase Agents.” In Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, edited by Laurence L. Brunton, John S. Lazo, and Keith L. Parker, McGraw-Hill, 2006.
- Role of Acetylcholine in the Body: Soreq, Hermona, and David Seidman. “Acetylcholinesterase—new roles for an old actor.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2.4 (2001): 294-302.
- Enzyme Deficiencies and Genetic Disorders: Scriver, Charles R., et al. The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. 8th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Nice explanation. Just adding in another nightshade source: ashwagandha sometimes found in health supplements.
Jen, you are right – I intended to link to my more detailed article about nightshades. I will add the link. Thanks for pointing it out.
Are there other ways to get your raw DNA? A professional?
I’ve had DNA testing order by doctors, but they do not release the raw data. You could ask for your doctor to order DNA testing on the BCHE gene if you are curious about it, but insurance may not pay for it. My doctor recently ordered testing for EDS genes and my insurance denied it. Now I’m stuck with a $2000 bill.
You are a very intelligent individual!