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Elastase and suppressor active peptide activity following burn injury
A N Ozkan1, E Pinney, D B Hoyt
1University of California Medical Center, Divisions of Trauma and Plastic Surgery, San Diego 92103.
The Journal of Trauma
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Proteolytic enzymes increase after severe burns, linked to elevated suppressor active peptide (SAP) levels. This peptide suppresses immune function and triggers protease release from leukocytes, contributing to injury pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Trauma Pathophysiology
Background:
- Proteolytic enzyme activity is crucial in injury pathophysiology.
- Mechanisms inducing protease release post-trauma remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of suppressor active peptide (SAP) in protease release and immune suppression following severe burns.
Main Methods:
- Measured active elastase and SAP levels in burn patient sera.
- Assessed serum elastase inhibitory capacity.
- Exposed granulocytes to SAP in vitro and measured elastase release.
Main Results:
- Burn patients (>40% TBSA) showed elevated active elastase and SAP.
- Neutrophil chemotaxis was suppressed in these patients.
- Serum elastase inhibitor (alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor) remained functional.
- In vitro, SAP exposure markedly increased elastase release from granulocytes.
Conclusions:
- Suppressor active peptide (SAP) is implicated in immune suppression and proteolytic enzyme release post-burn.
- SAP may be a key mediator in the pathophysiology of severe injury.