Pathophysiological roles of human chymase

Angiotensin (Ang) II plays an important role in cardiovascular homeostasis such as regulation of blood pressure and tissue remodeling. Alternative Ang II-forming pathways, independent of Ang I converting enzyme (ACE), have been reported. Several serine proteinases including kallikrein, cathepsin G and chymase appear to be involved in ACE-independent Ang II formation in vivo. Among them, biochemical analysis revealed that chymase is a highly efficient Ang II-forming enzyme with a high substrate specificity against Ang I and is rich in various human tissues. However, the pathophysiological roles of chymase have not yet been clarified. Recent reports from us and others indicated that chymase seems to be related to development of atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, remodeling of cardiovascular tissues, rheumatoid arthritis and etc. In this review article, the recent findings for chymase related to cardiovascular diseases are summarized.