In this paper, results of the one year follow-up on the effects of elastase on peripheral hemodynamics, platelet aggregation and other blood parameters in patients with arteriosclerosis are reported. Blood flow (BF) and maximum venous outflow (MVO) of the forearm and calf were measured by venous occlusion plethysmography using strain gauge to investigate peripheral hemodynamics in 10 patients (mean age 65.7 years) before treatment with oral administration of 10, 800 units of elastase per day, at 3, 6, and 12 months during treatment. Platelet aggregation, plasma β-thromboglobulin, plasma lipids, plasma euglobulin lysis time were also measured. Significant increase in BF of the bilateral forearm and calf was observed at 12 months following the treatment and MVO of the forearm and calf was also increased. Circulating platelet aggregates (ex vivo platelet aggregation) and plasma triglycerides decreased at 12 months following elastase treatment.
These results show that elastase may have beneficial effects on peripheral hemodynamics in the treatment of patients with arteriosclerosis.