The imbalance between enzyme activities and lipid concentrations may play a significant role amongst various risk factors involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. We investigated the total, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, as well as the glycerol ester hydrolase (GEH)&eguals;lipase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in men with atherosclerosis. In addition, we calculated the enzymes metabolic activity, being a quotient of the lipase catalytic activity/triacylglycerol concentration (GEH/TAG), and GPx/GEH ratio. Mean MDA concentrations were significantly higher and those of glutathione peroxidase activitiy lower in atherosclerotic men, in comparison with the control group. Moreover, the activity of glutathione peroxidase was significantly negatively correlated with TAG concentrations (r≥-0.58 and T-C (total cholesterol) r≥-0.48. The HDL-cholesterol level was reduced but the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and TAG concentrations were increased in men with atherosclerosis, in comparison with controls. We observed no difference in lipase activitiy between the groups but the GPx/GEH ratio was decreased in men with atherosclerosis. The relatively high levels of TAG and lipase, along with the increased MDA concentration, as well as the reduction in the activity of glutathione peroxidase may favour the formation of free radicals responsible for the damage of the endothelium, leading towards atherosclerosis.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, serum, Lipase