Investigations upon collagen metabolites in blood serum and urine of patients with acquired valvular heart disease.

In 45 patients suffering from acquired valvular heart disease (a.v.h.d.) and in 20 controls blood serum levels of copper (Cu2+), ceruloplasmin (Clp), hydroxyproline (Hypro), hydroxylisine (Hyliz), collagen-like protein (Col-p), and daily urine excretion of Cu2+, Hypro, Hyliz and glycosamino-glicans (GAG) were determined. The comparison of the obtained mean values has shown that blood serum levels of Cu2+, Clp, Hypro, Hyliz, Col-p in the studied patients were statistically significantly higher than those found in controls, and the values of daily urine excretion of Cu2+, Hypro, Hyliz, GAG behaviour were similar. There were no significant differences between active and inactive processes and between infective and rheumatic endocarditis excluding GAG urine excretion. These elevated collagen degradation products provide evidence for disturbed collagen metabolism and confirm our previous biochemical, histopathological and ultrastructural examinations of connective tissue in patient with a.v.h.d. They also indicate that general collagenopathy might be the primary cause of a.v.h.d.