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

Abstract

Background: Inflammation related hypertension is reported in obesity due to synthesis of angiotensinII (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-beta 1) 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.