Serum chymase levels in obese individuals: the relationship with inflammation and hypertension

Abstract

Abstract Background Inflammation related hypertension is reported in obesity due to synthesis of angiotensin-II (Ang-II) and proinflammatory compounds in obese adipose tissue. Mast cell chymase (MC) also stimulate Ang-II synthesis, and activate transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The aim of our study is to evaluate the relation of serum chymase levels, a serine protease enzyme secreted from mast cells, in obese patients with hypertension and cytokines that lead to cell damage. Materials and methods Three study groups are composed of individuals aged between 19 and 63 with following characteristics; (1) control (n = 30): healthy subjects with body mass index (BMI) <25; (2) obese (n = 30): patients with BMI >30; (3) obese + HT (n = 20): patients BMI >30 and hypertension. Serum Ang-II, MC, TGF-β1 and MMP-9 are determined by commercial ELISA. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity is determined with enzymatic colorimetric assay. Results Serum chymase levels did not vary between groups. Chymase levels showed significant negative correlation with ACE activity (r = −0.278, p = 0.013) and positive correlation with Ang-II levels (r = 0.251, p = 0.024). No correlation was evident between chymase levels and hsCRP, TGF-β1 and MMP-9. Conclusion Serum chymase, Ang-II, TGF-β1 and MMP-9 levels did not change in obese and hypertensive-obese patients despite evident hyperinsulinemia, increased insulin resistance and elevated hsCRP levels.