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Serum chitotriosidase activity is increased in subjects with atherosclerosis disease
Marta Artieda1, Ana Cenarro, Alberto Gañán
1Laboratorio de Investigación Molecular, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Isabel la Católica, 1-3, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain. martieda@hmservet.insalud.es
Insights
Serum chitotriosidase activity is elevated in patients with atherosclerosis, including those with atherothrombotic stroke and ischemic heart disease. Higher enzyme levels correlate with more severe atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting its potential as a marker for disease extent.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Chitotriosidase is an enzyme produced by activated macrophages.
- Macrophages play a role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques.
- Elevated inflammatory markers are associated with cardiovascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum chitotriosidase activity and the extent of atherosclerotic lesions.
- To compare chitotriosidase activity in patients with atherothrombotic stroke (ATS) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) against a control group.
Main Methods:
- Serum chitotriosidase activity was measured in Spanish populations with ATS (n=153), IHD (n=124), and controls (n=148).
- A common chitotriosidase gene polymorphism was also assessed.
- Atherosclerotic lesion extent in ATS patients was quantified using duplex sonography.
Main Results:
- Serum chitotriosidase activity was significantly higher in ATS and IHD groups compared to controls (P<0.0001 and P=0.002, respectively).
- These differences were not linked to genetic variations in chitotriosidase.
- Chitotriosidase activity increased with the severity of carotid stenosis in ATS patients (P=0.005 and P=0.016 for higher grades).
Conclusions:
- Serum chitotriosidase activity is elevated in individuals with atherosclerosis.
- Enzyme activity correlates with the severity of atherosclerotic lesions.
- Chitotriosidase may serve as a marker for atherosclerotic disease extent.
Objective:
This study was undertaken to analyze the relation between serum activity of chitotriosidase enzyme, a protein synthesized exclusively by activated macrophages, and atherosclerotic lesion extent in subjects with atherothrombotic stroke (ATS) and in subjects with ischemic heart disease (IHD).
Methods And Results:
We assayed the serum chitotriosidase activity and a common chitotriosidase gene polymorphism that causes deficiency in chitotriosidase activity in 3 Spanish populations, ATS (n=153), IHD (n=124), and control (n=148) subjects. Statistical differences were found in serum chitotriosidase activity between ATS (88.1+/-4.6 nmol/mL. h, P<0.0001) and IHD subjects (79.0+/-6.3, P=0.002) versus control group (70.9+/-5.2). These observed differences were not attributable to a distinct allelic or genotype distribution. The extension of the atherosclerotic lesion in carotids of ATS subjects was measured by duplex sonography. Chitotriosidase activities were 66.9+/-9.6, 88.7+/-8.3, and 107.7+/-11.8 for subjects with carotid stenosis
Conclusions:
Serum chitotriosidase activity is significantly increased in individuals suffering from atherosclerosis disease and is related to the severity of the atherosclerotic lesion, suggesting a possible role as atherosclerotic extent marker.