The relationship of mast cell tryptase and oxidative stress parameters with clinical and angiographic findings of coronary artery disease

Mast cell tryptase is secreted from mast cells that are concentrated in the shoulder regions of atheromas. The fact that rupture usually takes place in this particular region, the link between tryptase and rupture has been of interest. It has been hypothesized that tryptase may activate matrix metalloproteinases, thus promoting plaque rupture. It is well known that micro ruptures within the atheroscleroic plaques lead to plaque expansion and plaque growth. Thus, we hypothesized that mast cell tryptase may be associated to severity of coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of mast cell tryptase and oxidative stress parameters to clinical and angiographic findings and stage of coronary artery disease. We found a statistically significant positive correlation between mast cell tryptase levels and Gensini score which is a surrogate od severity of coronary artery disease, This correlation remained significant after adjustment for traditional risk factors such as age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking status, and serum lipid levels. On the other hand, serum AOPP and MDA concentrations, which are markers of oxidative stress, were not correlated to Gensini score. As an additional finding, mast cell tryptase levels were siginificantly and positively correlated to carotid intima media thickness. These findings suggest that mast cell tryptase may be an independent marker of coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.