Related Experiment Videos
Relationship between proteolytic enzymes and atherosclerosis in aortic aneurysms
B Lehnert1, F Wadouh, A Dwenger
1Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, West Germany.
Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Elastase levels are significantly higher in the infrarenal aorta, particularly in aneurysms, suggesting its key role in the formation of these aortic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Aortic aneurysms involve complex pathological processes affecting aortic wall integrity.
- Proteolytic enzymes, such as elastase and collagenase, are implicated in the degradation of the aortic extracellular matrix.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of aortic elastase and collagenase in patients with thoracic or infrarenal aneurysms and occlusive disease.
- To compare enzyme activity in diseased aortic tissue versus normal aorta.
Main Methods:
- Assay of aortic elastase and collagenase activity in surgical specimens from 38 patients and 15 controls.
- Macroscopic and histological evaluation of atherosclerosis and wall degeneration.
Main Results:
- Elastase was elevated in normal infrarenal aortas and atherosclerotic aneurysms compared to the ascending aorta.
- The highest elastase content was observed in infrarenal aneurysms.
- Collagenase showed no significant differences, though higher activity was found in the infrarenal region.
- Infrarenal specimens exhibited severe atherosclerosis and elastic fiber depletion.
Conclusions:
- Elevated elastase in the infrarenal aorta suggests increased fiber metabolism in this region.
- Significantly higher elastolytic activity in infrarenal aneurysms highlights elastase's critical role in their development.