Genetic and dietary control of plasma tissue kallikrein secretion and urinary kinins exretion in man

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Tissue kallikrein is a major kinin-forming enzyme involved in artery and kidney functions. Urinary tissue kallikrein activity (UKLKa) reflects renal tissue kallikrein activity and depends on Na and K intake, and genetic factors, especially the tissue kallikrein-inactivating polymorphism, R53H. The effect of these factors on the level of kinin peptides is, however, not known. Moreover, a circulating form of tissue kallikrein is present in human plasma but its origin and regulation are unknown. METHODS: We used a crossover study to investigate UKLKa, plasma tissue kallikrein (pTK), and urinary kallidin peptides and metabolites (Uki) in 10 R53H and 30 R53R normotensive male subjects..