Proteolytic enzymes: a therapeutic evaluation

Abstract

A promising development 0/ recent years has been the application of proteolytic enzymes to the therapy of disease in the human. Originally applied directly to the diseased area to efJect a local enzymatic debridement, proteolytic enzyme therapy is now being extended on a systemic basis to widen considerably the scope of its applicability. This report summarizes the current state of knowledge of proteolytic enzymes as therapeutic agents. It indicates those areas where the usefulness of proteolytic enzyme therapy is well established and those areas where the efficacy of such enzyme therapy is less well accepted or under active clinical investigation. Though much has been accomplished already at the clinicallevel, particular stress is placed on the problems which remain to be solved if proper exploitation of this new and exciting area of pharmacology is to be achieved.

Enzymes for trauma

“…Plasmin actively lyses the fibrin that is the chief substance composing thrombi. Streptodornase acts by directly depolymerizing desoxyribonucleic acid and thus is thought to reduce the viscosity of purulent exudates (Sherry & Fletcher, 1960).…”

“…Therefore, most clinical trials have relied on investigators' subjective interpretations of results. Contributing further to this question of efficacy is the absence of evidence showing that enzymes are delivered intact by the circulation to the inflamed area, not having been previously affected by the powerful anti-proteolytic activity of serum (Sherry & Fletcher, 1960).…”

The Emerging Role of Serratiopeptidase in Oral Surgery: Literature Update

“…Enzymes are derived from plants (papase and bromelain), animals (trypsin and chymotrypsin), bacteria (streptokinase, streptodornase, and serratiopeptidase), and fungi [1].…”

Potential Use of Atlantic Cod Trypsin in Biomedicine

“…For these reasons, cod trypsin has been tested and used for different biomedical applications. Trypsin and chymotrypsin from the pancreas of cattle or pigs have been used for decades as therapeutic agents in clinical trials for humans and animals [14–19]. The recombinant form of Atlantic cod trypsin has been produced in an active form in microorganisms [20, 21].…”