Although leukocyte elastase is suspected to be involved in the damage of vein wall during chronic venous disease, the equilibrium between this protease and its inhibitor, alpha1-antitrypsin, has not yet been evaluated. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between leukocyte elastase and alpha1-antitrypsin, in the blood of patients with chronic venous disease.
Patients and methods
The concentration and the activity of leukocyte elastase along with the activity of alpha1-antitrypsin were evaluated in the blood of 55 chronic venous disease patients. The results were compared with those obtained in 33 healthy age and sex-matched volunteers.
Results
A significant decrease in the leukocyte elastase activity that correlated with an increased alpha1-antitrypsin activity was observed in the serum of patients with mild clinical symptoms of chronic venous disease.
Conclusions
The results of the study did not confirm a hypothesis about an important role of proteolytic activity of leukocyte elastase in the vein wall injury mechanism. They show that the leukocyte elastase–alpha1-antitrypsin balance is rather shifted toward antiprotease activity, especially in an early stage of chronic venous disease.
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