Chitotriosidase, also known as Chitinase-1 and CHIT1, is a member of the glycosyl hydrolase 18 family and Chitinase class II subfamily. It is a member of the mammalian chitinase family, structurally homologous to chitinases from other species, is synthesized and secreted by specifically activated macrophages. Chitotriosidase is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine. Serum and plasma chitotriosidase activity is usually measured as the first step in diagnosis of Gaucher disease. Monitoring chitotriosidase activity is widely used during treatment of this pathology by enzyme replacement therapy. Its elevated plasma level reflects gradual intralysosomal accumulation in Gaucher cells (lipid-loaded macrophages). Macrophages overloaded by the enzyme accumulated in lysosomal material (lipids) were shown to secrete chitotriosidase; its increased expression was noted in several lysosomal storage diseases and atherosclerosis. In addition to lipid storage disorders, where Chit activity has longer been used as a marker of disease activity and therapeutic response, elevation of plasma Chit may occur in hematological disorders with storage of erythrocyte membrane breakdown products as thalassemia and different systemic infectious diseases sustained by fungi and other pathogens. Recently, increased Chit activity was demonstrated in CNS from patients with different neurological disorders. Chitotriosidase is believed to play a role in mechanisms of immunity and protection against chitin-containing pathogens.
