Travis J
Department of Biochemistry, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
Am J Med. 1988 Jun 24;84(6A):37-42. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(88)90156-8.
Elastase and cathepsin G are two of the major enzymes present in and secreted by human neutrophils. These proteinases can rapidly degrade connective tissue proteins. However, they also may be involved in other processes, including the activation or inactivation of protein hormones and the inactivation of plasma proteinase inhibitors. Neutrophil elastase has been implicated in the development of pulmonary emphysema, although a function for cathepsin G has not yet been elucidated. Both enzymes are normally tightly controlled by plasma proteinase inhibitors. However, this proteinase-proteinase inhibitor balance can be perturbed in favor of free enzyme by several methods, with resulting tissue damage. The use of inhibitors from several sources should be helpful in augmenting natural levels so that homeostasis can be maintained.
弹性蛋白酶和组织蛋白酶G是人类中性粒细胞中存在并分泌的两种主要酶。这些蛋白酶能迅速降解结缔组织蛋白。然而，它们也可能参与其他过程，包括蛋白激素的激活或失活以及血浆蛋白酶抑制剂的失活。中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶与肺气肿的发生有关，尽管组织蛋白酶G的功能尚未阐明。这两种酶通常都受到血浆蛋白酶抑制剂的严格控制。然而，通过几种方法，这种蛋白酶-蛋白酶抑制剂的平衡可能会受到干扰，有利于游离酶的产生，从而导致组织损伤。使用来自多种来源的抑制剂应有助于提高天然水平，从而维持体内平衡。
