Strong induction of members of the chitinase family of proteins in atherosclerosis: chitotriosidase and human cartilage gp-39 expressed in lesion macrophages.
Chitotriosidase, an enzyme involved in the degradation of chitin-containing pathogens with unclear function in humans, has been proposed as a marker of lipid accumulation in macrophages in different lipid-storage diseases, including atherosclerosis.
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.
Serum CHIT 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.
Chitotriosidase, a biomarker of sarcoidosis activity and macrophage activation, is increased in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with sarcoidosis as well as in patients with atherosclerosis.