[Pathophysiological relations and clinical significance of serine protease inhibitors (serpins)]

Serine proteases, like all other proteases, are biologically active substances. Their effects are inhibited by serine proteases inhibitors. The disturbance of balance between protease and antiprotease leads to several diseases and to their progression. The authors give an overview on some important data on serpins (biochemical parameters, structural composition), and on the clinical considerations of some diseases that are arisen from the changes in inhibitor levels. The paper includes some own examinations, too. Finally the possibilities of prevention and therapy are discussed.