Objective-This study was undertaken to analyze the relation between serum activity of chitotriosidase enzyme, a protein synthesized exclusively by activated macrophages, and atherosclerotic lesion extent in subjects with atherothrombotic stroke (ATS) and in subjects with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods and Results-We assayed the serum chitotriosidase activity and a common chitotriosidase gene polymorphism that causes deficiency in chitotriosidase activity in 3 Spanish populations, ATS (nϭ153), IHD (nϭ124), and control (nϭ148) subjects. Statistical differences were found in serum chitotriosidase activity between ATS (88.1Ϯ4.6 nmol/mL · h, PϽ0.0001) and IHD subjects (79.0Ϯ6.3, Pϭ0.002) versus control group (70.9Ϯ5.2). These observed differences were not attributable to a distinct allelic or genotype distribution. The extension of the atherosclerotic lesion in carotids of ATS subjects was measured by duplex sonography. Chitotriosidase activities were 66.9Ϯ9.6, 88.7Ϯ8.3, and 107.7Ϯ11.8 for subjects with carotid stenosis Յ30%, 31% to 60%, and Ͼ60%, respectively. Statistical differences were observed between subjects with major and intermediate stenosis grade compared with subjects with minor stenosis, Pϭ0.005 and Pϭ0.016, respectively. Conclusions-Serum chitotriosidase activity is significantly increased in individuals suffering from atherosclerosis disease and is related to the severity of the atherosclerotic lesion, suggesting a possible role as atherosclerotic extent marker.

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The existence of inequalities in the mortality of the population aged 65 or over was demonstrated. There was an inverse relationship between mean available income and mortality in urban areas.