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Plasma elastase in venous disease

D A Shields1, S K Andaz, S Sarin

  • 1Department of Surgery, University College London Medical School, Middlesex Hospital, UK.

The British Journal of Surgery
|October 1, 1994
PubMed
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Neutrophil degranulation is elevated in patients with venous diseases like varicose veins and lipodermatosclerosis. Plasma elastase levels, a marker for this degranulation, were significantly higher across all patient groups compared to controls.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Venous diseases, including varicose veins, lipodermatosclerosis (LDS), and venous ulceration, are associated with chronic inflammation.
  • Neutrophil activation and degranulation are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate plasma elastase levels as a marker of neutrophil degranulation in patients with uncomplicated varicose veins, LDS, and venous ulceration.
  • To compare these levels with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma elastase levels were measured in three patient groups (n=15 each) and control subjects.
  • Neutrophil counts were also assessed and compared between groups.

Main Results:

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  • Significantly elevated plasma elastase levels were observed in all patient groups compared to controls (median values: 25.6 ng/ml for varicose veins, 22.1 ng/ml for LDS, 26.0 ng/ml for venous ulceration).
  • No significant difference in neutrophil counts was found between patient and control groups.
  • Raised elastase levels were present even in uncomplicated varicose veins, suggesting degranulation is not solely due to the inflammation in LDS and ulceration.

Conclusions:

  • Increased neutrophil degranulation occurs in patients with various stages of venous disease.
  • Plasma elastase is a sensitive marker for neutrophil degranulation in venous insufficiency, present even in early stages.