What Is Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases)? Other Names: Acidic Protease, Alkaline Protease, Aspergillopepsin

What is Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Proteolytic enzymes, also known as proteases, are a group of enzymes whose primary function is to break down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids. These enzymes play a crucial role in various biological processes, including digestion, immune response, and cell signaling. Proteases are found in all living organisms and are essential for maintaining homeostasis and proper physiological functions. Other names included: Acidic Protease, Alkaline Protease, Aspergillopepsin, Dipeptidylpeptidase, DPP-IV, Endopeptidase, Exopeptidase, Neutral Protease, Pancreatic Proteinases, Pepsin, Peptidase, Protease I, Protease II, Protease 3.0, Protease 4.5, Protease 6.0, Proteinase.

Types and Sources of Proteolytic Enzymes

Proteolytic enzymes can be classified based on their source and the type of reaction they catalyze. Common sources include animals, plants, and microorganisms. For instance, trypsin and chymotrypsin are animal-derived proteases, bromelain is derived from pineapples, and papain comes from papayas5 6. Microbial proteases, such as those produced by Bacillus subtilis, are also widely used in various applications3.

Applications in Medicine and Health

Skin Care

Proteolytic enzymes have been extensively used in skin care products for their exfoliative properties. Studies have shown that these enzymes can significantly improve skin smoothness, texture, and firmness by promoting the removal of dead skin cells and enhancing the regeneration of the epidermis and dermis1. This effect is comparable to that achieved with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), making proteolytic enzymes a valuable component in anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments.

Oral Health

In the realm of oral health, proteolytic enzymes have been investigated for their potential to reduce plaque and gingivitis. However, clinical studies have shown mixed results. For example, a study involving a proteolytic enzyme mouthwash derived from B. subtilis found no significant reduction in plaque or gingivitis compared to a placebo3. Despite these findings, the role of proteases in oral health continues to be an area of active research.

Muscle Recovery

Protease supplementation has been shown to aid in muscle recovery following eccentric exercise. By regulating inflammation and leukocyte activity, proteolytic enzymes can attenuate muscle strength losses and accelerate recovery, making them beneficial for athletes and individuals undergoing physical rehabilitation6.

Renal Health

Proteolytic enzymes have also demonstrated potential benefits in renal health. In animal models of hypertension-induced renal injury, systemic administration of proteases has been shown to reduce proteinuria, ameliorate nephrosclerosis, and decrease interstitial tissue accumulation without affecting blood pressure2 7. These findings suggest that proteolytic enzymes could be a therapeutic option for managing chronic kidney diseases.

Reproductive Health

In reproductive health, proteolytic enzymes have been used to treat subclinical endometritis in postpartum water buffalo cows. The treatment resulted in reduced endometrial inflammation and shorter days to conception, indicating improved reproductive performance5.

Nutritional Applications

In animal nutrition, proteolytic enzymes are used to enhance the digestibility of dietary proteins. For instance, supplementing broiler diets with exogenous proteases has been shown to improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility, allowing for a reduction in dietary crude protein levels without compromising the health and productivity of the animals4.

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Adverse Effects of Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases)

No Significant Reduction in Acute Toxicities

Proteolytic enzymes did not significantly reduce acute toxicities such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and epitheliolysis during adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy2.

No statistically significant reduction in plaque or gingivitis was observed with the use of a proteolytic enzyme mouthwash6.

No Long-term Clinical Benefit

Proteolytic ointments did not provide long-term clinical benefits in reducing purulent exudate, pain, erythema, necrotic tissue, or overall condition of chronic leg ulcers when compared with placebo3.

Potential for Increased Inflammation

Intrauterine administration of proteolytic enzymes in postpartum water buffalo cows with subclinical endometritis showed a reduction in endometrial inflammation but did not improve pregnancy rates4.

Mixed Effects on Skin and Oral Health

Topical proteolytic enzymes improved epidermal and dermal properties over time, but the control group also showed modest improvements, indicating that the benefits might not be solely due to the enzymes9.

Proteolytic enzymes were superior in providing relief from postoperative symptoms such as edema, inflammation, pain, and trismus in dental procedures10.

No Improvement in Nutrient Utilization

Proteolytic enzymes alone did not significantly improve nutrient utilization and solubilization of non-starch polysaccharides in broiler chickens compared to a combination of enzymes8.

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How has Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Cancer Treatment

Proteolytic enzyme therapy did not improve survival rates or quality of life in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer compared to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. Patients on enzyme therapy had significantly shorter median survival and lower quality of life1.

Post-Surgical Recovery

In lung resection patients with tuberculosis, endotracheal administration of proteolytic enzymes reduced early pleuropulmonary complications, accelerated recovery, and improved respiratory function compared to placebo2.

In dental surgery, proteolytic enzymes were effective in reducing edema, inflammation, pain, and trismus, leading to better postoperative outcomes3.

Renal Protection

In rat models of hypertension-induced renal injury, proteolytic enzyme treatment reduced proteinuria, serum urea concentrations, and the severity of nephrosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis without affecting blood pressure4.

Oral administration of proteolytic enzymes in a rat remnant kidney model improved proteinuria, reduced urinary TGF-β1 excretion, and lessened tubulointerstitial fibrosis, indicating protective effects on renal function9.

Radiotherapy Tolerance

Prophylactic use of proteolytic enzymes did not reduce acute toxicities, treatment interruptions, or the need for supportive medications in patients undergoing adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy5.

Skin Care

Topical application of proteolytic enzymes improved skin smoothness, texture, and firmness, showing significant benefits in epidermal and dermal properties over time6.

Periodontal Health

In patients with advanced periodontitis, proteolytic enzyme activity in saliva decreased significantly after treatment, correlating with improved periodontal health and reduced inflammation7.

HIV Treatment

Therapeutic drug monitoring of protease inhibitors in HIV-infected patients did not show overall benefits in viral load reduction. However, subgroup analyses suggested potential benefits for certain demographics, such as black and Hispanic patients8.

Soft-Tissue Injuries

In patients with sprained ankles, oral proteolytic enzyme treatment did not show significant differences in swelling, bruising, or function compared to placebo10.

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Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases) Mechanisms of Action

Exfoliation and Skin Improvement

Proteolytic enzymes can enhance exfoliation, leading to significant improvements in skin smoothness, texture, and firmness. These changes occur in both the epidermis and dermis over time, similar to the effects of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)1.

Meat Tenderization

Proteolytic enzymes such as papain, ficin, bromelain, and others can tenderize meat by degrading myofibrillar and collagenous proteins. This results in improved tenderness and reduced shear force in both high and low-connective tissue muscles2.

Renal Protection in Hypertension

In a rat model of hypertension, systemic administration of proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, bromelain, and rutin) prevented the rise in proteinuria and reduced the severity of nephrosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. This suggests a protective role against renal injury without affecting blood pressure3.

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Common Complaints Associated with Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases) Use

Lack of Efficacy in Dental Applications

Proteolytic enzyme mouthwashes do not significantly reduce existing plaque, the rate of plaque accumulation, or the degree of gingivitis1.

Gastrointestinal Issues During Radiotherapy

Use of proteolytic enzymes during adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy does not reduce acute toxicities such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In fact, moderate to severe diarrhea and fatigue were slightly more common in the enzyme group compared to the placebo group2.

Skin Irritation and Changes

Topical application of proteolytic enzymes can lead to significant changes in the epidermis and dermis, which may include enhanced exfoliation and improvements in skin smoothness and texture. However, these changes can also be associated with skin irritation and other dermal alterations3.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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