Inflammatory response is associated with increased cathepsin B and decreased cathepsin S concentrations in the circulation.

OBJECTIVE

Extracellular matrix remodeling by cathepsins play an important role in many conditions associated with inflammation. The aim of this study was to study the effect of inflammation on circulating levels of human cathepsin B and S.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Blood sampling was carried out prior to surgery and 4 and 30 days after surgery, respectively. Two patient groups were included: (1) patients undergoing orthopedic surgery (n = 29) and coronary bypass patients (n = 21). Serum cathepsin B and S levels were measured using sandwich ELISAs. C-reactive protein (CRP) was analysed by turbidimetry.

RESULTS

Serum cathepsin B showed significantly higher values 4 days after surgery in comparison with samples collected prior to surgery. Serum cathepsin S instead showed significantly lower values 4 days after surgery. Similar results were found in both patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammation has different effects on circulating levels of cathepsin B and S.