Serum chitotriosidase activity is increased in subjects with atherosclerosis disease.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study was undertaken to analyze the relation between serum activity of chitotriosidase enzyme, a protein synthesized exclusively by activated macrophages, and atherosclerotic lesion extent in subjects with atherothrombotic stroke (ATS) and in subjects with ischemic heart disease (IHD).

METHODS AND RESULTS:

We assayed the serum chitotriosidase activity and a common chitotriosidase gene polymorphism that causes deficiency in chitotriosidase activity in 3 Spanish populations, ATS (n=153), IHD (n=124), and control (n=148) subjects. Statistical differences were found in serum chitotriosidase activity between ATS (88.1+/-4.6 nmol/mL. h, P<0.0001) and IHD subjects (79.0+/-6.3, P=0.002) versus control group (70.9+/-5.2). These observed differences were not attributable to a distinct allelic or genotype distribution. The extension of the atherosclerotic lesion in carotids of ATS subjects was measured by duplex sonography. Chitotriosidase activities were 66.9+/-9.6, 88.7+/-8.3, and 107.7+/-11.8 for subjects with carotid stenosis <or=30%, 31% to 60%, and >60%, respectively. Statistical differences were observed between subjects with major and intermediate stenosis grade compared with subjects with minor stenosis, P=0.005 and P=0.016, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Serum chitotriosidase activity is significantly increased in individuals suffering from atherosclerosis disease and is related to the severity of the atherosclerotic lesion, suggesting a possible role as atherosclerotic extent marker.

• Authors: Marta Artieda, Ana Cenarro, Alberto Gañán, Ivonne Jericó, Carmen Gonzalvo, Juan M Casado, Isabel Vitoria, José Puzo, Miguel Pocoví, Fernando Civeira
• Journal: Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol) Vol. 23 Issue 9 Pg. 1645-52 (Sep 01 2003) ISSN: 1524-4636 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 12893688 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• C-Reactive Protein
• Hexosaminidases
• chitotriosidase

Topics

• Aged
• Arteriosclerosis (blood, enzymology, genetics)
• Body Mass Index
• Brain Ischemia (blood, enzymology, genetics)
• C-Reactive Protein (metabolism)
• Hexosaminidases (blood, genetics, metabolism)
• Humans
• Polymorphism, Genetic (genetics)
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Severity of Illness Index
• Spain
• Stroke (blood, enzymology, genetics)