Interaction of lysosomal enzymes and their natural inhibitors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum in atopic bronchial asthma.

To evaluate the role of proteolytic balance in atopic bronchial asthma, the activity of lysosomal enzymes and the concentration of their natural inhibitors were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum in 28 patients with asthma. The results were statistically analyzed. A significant increase of lysosomal enzyme activities as compared with healthy volunteers was detected mainly in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Similarly, a selective increase in the concentration of the natural inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes, especially alpha-2-macroglobulin, was noted. Moreover, the concentrations of alpha-1-antitrypsin and the activities of neutral protease, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-2-macroglobulin and acid protease were correlated. These findings suggest the participation of lysosomal enzymes and their natural inhibitors in immune response during atopic bronchial asthma. The protease antiprotease balance control may be used in prognostic and therapeutic procedure in diseases of the respiratory tract.