Evaluation of plasmatic leucocyte elastase levels in coronary artery disease.

Leucocyte elastase may be involved in the structural modification observed in the atherosclerotic process. Therefore, we tested the usefulness of leucocyte elastase plasma level determination as a marker for atherosclerosis. Plasma levels of elastase were determined by ELISA in 100 consecutive patients (mean age 56 +/- 9.8 years) admitted to hospital for coronary angiographic investigation of chest pain. Eighty-seven patients had evidence of atherosclerosis, and 13 patients had normal coronary vessels. No significant difference in leucocyte elastase was found between the 2 groups, nor was there any relationship between elastase levels and the severity of atherosclerosis. However, relationships between plasma leucocyte elastase levels and various lipid fractions (Apo AI, LDL) and daily tobacco consumption were found. Leucocyte elastase may thus play a role not only by direct modification of the vessel wall, but also indirectly via risk factors such as dyslipoproteinemia and leucocyte toxicity.