Neutrophil Elastase Increases Vascular Permeability and Leukocyte Transmigration in Cultured Endothelial Cells and Obese Mice.

Neutrophil elastase (NE) plays a pivotal role in inflammation. However, the mechanism underlying NE-mediated inflammation in obesity remains unclear. Here, we report that NE activates protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2), stimulates actin filament (F-actin) formation, decreases intercellular junction molecule VE-cadherin expression, and increases the permeability of human arterial endothelial cells (hECs).