Evaluation of elastin metabolism in children from families with high risk of atherosclerosis.

Markers of elastin metabolism were estimated in sera of children from families with a high risk of atherosclerosis (ATH). There was no statistically significant difference in the serum elastase-like activity between the groups studied. The concentration of elastin-derived peptides was statistically significantly elevated in the ATH group. Anti-elastin antibodies were found to be present in 73% of ATH children, while they circulated in 5% of control subjects only. Antibodies observed in the youngest ATH children were of the IgM type, suggesting the initial stage of the autoimmunization to elastin. The data obtained in this study may indicate an enhanced metabolism of elastin in ATH children.