Diverse Origins of Fibrinolytic Enzymes: A Comprehensive Review
February 2024
in “
Heliyon
”
Studysummary This review discusses the potential of fibrinolytic enzymes from various sources, especially fermented foods, for their therapeutic use in cardiovascular diseases and emphasizes the need for further research on those from non-Asian regions to optimize discovery and application. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
This comprehensive review explores the diverse origins of fibrinolytic enzymes, emphasizing their potential in thrombolytic therapy and highlighting limitations of current thrombolytic drugs. It discusses enzymes from microbial and non-microbial sources, particularly those in fermented foods, for their high specificity, low production costs, and reduced toxicity. The review categorizes fibrinolytic enzymes into serine proteases, metalloproteases, and serine metalloproteases, noting their distinct mechanisms and applications. It highlights enzymes like nattokinase from natto and lumbrokinase from earthworms for their therapeutic potential. Despite promising in vitro results, further in vivo studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. The review calls for more research into fibrinolytic enzymes from diverse food sources beyond Asia to enhance therapeutic options and develop functional foods with health benefits.
