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Chymase inhibition as a pharmacological target: a role in inflammatory and functional gastrointestinal disorders?

S Heuston1, N P Hyland

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University College Cork, Ireland Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Ireland.

British Journal of Pharmacology
|June 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Chymase, an enzyme linked to cardiovascular disease, is increasingly associated with gastrointestinal (GI) inflammatory and functional bowel diseases. Inhibiting chymase may offer a new therapeutic strategy for these gut disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Enzymology
  • Inflammation research

Background:

  • Chymase is a key enzyme in angiotensin II generation, impacting cardiovascular pathophysiology and vascular remodeling.
  • Recent research links chymase to inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
  • Preclinical studies suggest chymase involvement in the pathogenesis of gut inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiological role of chymase and its inhibition in inflammation and tissue injury.
  • To discuss the potential role of chymase in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including functional bowel diseases.
  • To explore chymase as a potential therapeutic target for GI diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing current knowledge on chymase.
  • Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies related to chymase and GI disorders.
  • Discussion of chymase inhibition as a therapeutic strategy.

Main Results:

  • Chymase plays a role in cardiovascular disease pathophysiology.
  • Emerging evidence implicates chymase in the pathogenesis of IBD and potentially functional bowel diseases.
  • Chymase may contribute to increased epithelial permeability in GI disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Chymase is implicated in inflammation and tissue injury beyond the GI tract.
  • Chymase may be a novel therapeutic target for GI disorders, warranting further investigation.
  • Chymase inhibitors require preclinical evaluation for efficacy in GI diseases.

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