ELANE and diabetic peripheral angiopathy: Because of its potential contribution to the development of vascular disease, elevated plasma neutrophil elastase concentrations may also be used as a predictor of complications such as diabetic angiopathy and coronary artery disease.[52] In addition, previous studies in our laboratory have shown a positive correlation between circulating levels of neutrophil elastase produced by activated neutrophils and the number and titer of autoantibodies against B-cell-specific antigens, suggesting neutrophil activation and suggesting increased protease activity.