Bromelain treatment alters leukocyte expression of cell surface molecules involved in cellular adhesion and activation

Bromelain as a natural anti-inflammatory drug: a systematic review

Inflammation is a complex and necessary mechanism of an organ's response to biological, chemical and/or physical stimuli. In recent years, investigations on natural compounds with therapeutic actions for the treatment of different diseases have increased. Among these compounds, bromelain is highlighted, as a cysteine protease isolated from the Ananas comosus (pineapple) stem. This review aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of bromelain, as well as its pathways on inflammatory mediators, through a systematic review with in vitro studies on different cell lines. The search was performed in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Bromelain reduced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α secretion when immune cells were already stimulated in an overproduction condition by proinflammatory cytokines, generating a modulation in the inflammatory response through prostaglandins reduction and activation of a cascade reactions that trigger neutrophils and macrophages, in addition to accelerating the healing process.

Synergic Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Breast Cancer Chemoprevention and Combination Therapies

Breast cancer is the most common tumor in women. Chemotherapy is the gold standard for cancer treatment; however, severe side effects and tumor resistance are the major obstacles to chemotherapy success. Numerous dietary components and phytochemicals have been found to inhibit the molecular and signaling pathways associated with different stages of breast cancer development. In particular, this review is focused on the antitumor effects of PUFAs, dietary enzymes, and glucosinolates against breast cancer. The major databases were consulted to search in vitro and preclinical studies; only those with solid scientific evidence and reporting protective effects on breast cancer treatment were included. A consistent number of studies highlighted that dietary components and phytochemicals can have remarkable therapeutic effects as single agents or in combination with other anticancer agents, administered at different concentrations and via different routes of administration. These provide a natural strategy for chemoprevention, reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, impair cell proliferation and viability, and induce apoptosis. Some of these bioactive compounds of dietary origin, however, show poor solubility and low bioavailability; hence, encapsulation in nanoformulations are promising tools able to increase clinical efficiency.

The Effect of Diosmin, Escin, and Bromelain on Human Endothelial Cells Derived from the Umbilical Vein and the Varicose Vein-A Preliminary Study

In this study, we investigated the properties of human varicose vein (VV) endothelial cells (HVVEC) in comparison to the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The cells were treated with three bioactive compounds with proven beneficial effects in the therapy of patients with VV, diosmin, escin, and bromelain. Two concentrations of tested drugs were used (1, 10 mg/mL), which did not affect the viability of either cell type. Escin led to a slight generation of reactive oxygen species in HUVEC cells. We observed a slight release of superoxide in HVVEC cells upon treatment with diosmin and escin. Diosmin and bromelain showed a tendency to release nitric oxide in HUVEC. Using membrane fluorescent probes, we demonstrated a reduced fluidity of HVVEC, which may lead to their increased adhesion, and, consequently, a much more frequent occurrence of venous thrombosis. For the first time, we show the mechanism of action of drugs used in VV therapy on endothelial cells derived from a VV. Studies with HVVEC have shown that tested drugs may lead to a reduction in the adhesive properties of these cells, and thus to a lower risk of thrombosis.

Effect of bromelain on periodontal destruction and alveolar bone in rats with experimental periodontitis

PURPOSE

Several substances that have anti-inflammatory, antiproteinase, and anti-infective properties have been evaluated as modulators of the inflammatory response in periodontal disease. However, evidence for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of bromelain is limited. This study evaluated the impact of systemically administered bromelain on the progression of experimental periodontitis.

METHODS

Four equal groups of 32 Wistar albino rats were created as follows (n = 8): control, periodontitis + saline, periodontitis + 5 mg/kg/day bromelain, and periodontitis + 10 mg/kg/day bromelain. To quantify the resorption of bone and bone volume/tissue volume, bone surface / bone volume, and connectivity, lower jawbones were fixed and then scanned using microcomputed tomography (micro CT). Blood samples were taken to measure the macrophage colony-stimulating factor(M-CSF) concentrations, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), interleukin-6(IL-6), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathological assessments were made to examine the tissue.

RESULTS

Treatment with bromelain improved the healing of the periodontium by decreasing the number of leukocytes and ligament deterioration in the gingival connective tissue and by supporting reintegration with alveolar bone. Bromelain used in ligature-induced periodontitis reduced alveolar bone (AB) resorption as measured by microCT; reduced inflammatory parameters such as IL-6 and TNF-α; regulated oxidative-antioxidative processes by increasing GPx and SOD and reducing MDA levels; and regulated AB modeling by decreasing M-CSF, RANKL, and MMP-8 and increasing OPG levels.

CONCLUSION

Bromelain may be an option in periodontal therapy by regulating cytokine levels, improving the healing process, and reducing bone resorption and oxidative stress.

Anticancer properties of bromelain: State-of-the-art and recent trends

Bromelain is a key enzyme found in pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.); a proteolytic substance with multiple beneficial effects for human health such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic, traditionally used in many countries for its potential therapeutic value. The aim of this updated and comprehensive review focuses on the potential anticancer benefits of bromelain, analyzing the cytotoxic, apoptotic, necrotic, autophagic, immunomodulating, and anti-inflammatory effects in cancer cells and animal models. Detailed information about Bromelain and its anticancer effects at the cellular, molecular and signaling levels were collected from online databases such as PubMed/MedLine, TRIP database, GeenMedical, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The results of the analyzed studies showed that Bromelain possesses corroborated pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-edema, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-coagulant, anti-osteoarthritis, anti-trauma pain, anti-diarrhea, wound repair. Nonetheless, bromelain clinical studies are scarce and still more research is needed to validate the scientific value of this enzyme in human cancer diseases.

Extracellular Heat Shock Protein 27 Is Released by Plasma-Treated Ovarian Cancer Cells and Affects THP-1 Monocyte Activity

Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is a cytoprotective molecule and is inducible via oxidative stress. Anti-cancer therapies, such as the recently investigated gas plasma, subject tumor cells to a plethora of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In ovarian tumor microenvironments (TME), immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages can be found in large numbers and are often associated with cancer progression. Therefore, we quantified extracellular Hsp27 of OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3 cells after gas plasma exposure in vitro. We found Hsp27 to be significantly increased. Following this, we investigated the effects of Hsp27 on THP-1 monocytes. Live cell imaging of Hsp27-treated THP-1 cells showed decelerated cell numbers and a reduction in cell cluster sizes. In addition, reduced metabolic activity and proliferation were identified using flow cytometry. Mitochondrial ROS production decreased. Using multicolor flow cytometry, the expression profile of eight out of twelve investigated cell surface markers was significantly modulated in Hsp27-treated THP-1 cells. A significantly decreased release of IL18 accommodated this. Taken together, our results suggest an immunomodulatory effect of Hsp27 on THP-1 monocytes. These data call for further investigations on Hsp27’s impact on the interplay of ovarian cancer cells and monocytes/macrophages under oxidative stress conditions.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in association with bromelain and escin for the management of patients affected by chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been purposed for the management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) with encouraging results. Phytotherapeutic compounds have been used in everyday clinical practice for patients with CP/CPSS due to their anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ESWT in association with the use of bromelain and escin extracts in patients with CP/CPSS. For this purpose, 95 patients with a clinical diagnosis of CP/CPSS were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly allocated to either the ESWT plus bromelain and escin group (group A; n=48) or the ESWT only group (group B; n=47). A total of five weekly ESWT treatment sessions were administered alone or in combination with bromelain and escin. Each session consisted of 3,000 focused shock waves. Doses of 160 and 500 mg/day bromelain and escin were administered respectively for 5 weeks. The changes in urinary symptoms, pain and quality of life were considered the main outcome measures and were assessed at baseline, and at 4, 12 and 24 weeks of follow-up. Urinary symptoms, pain and quality of life were evaluated using the international prostatic symptoms score (IPSS), visual analog scale (VAS) and the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). After 4 weeks, the mean VAS score, mean IPSS and mean satisfaction rate score had significantly improved in patients receiving ESWT plus bromelain and escin. After 12 weeks, the mean IPSS and mean satisfaction rate score were stable in the ESWT plus bromelain and escin group, while the mean VAS score was significantly lower when compared with the baseline values in both groups. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that in patients affected by CP/CPPS, treatment with ESWT plus bromelain and escin leads to pain resolution, and both treatments improve the IPSS, VAS and NIH-CPSI results.

Bromelain Protects Critically Perfused Musculocutaneous Flap Tissue from Necrosis

Bromelain has previously been shown to prevent ischemia-induced necrosis in different types of tissues. In the present study, we, therefore, evaluated for the first time, the tissue-protective effects of bromelain in musculocutaneous flaps in mice. Adult C57BL/6N mice were randomly assigned to a bromelain treatment group and a control group. The animals were treated daily with intraperitoneal injections of 20 mg/kg bromelain or saline (control), starting 1 h before the flap elevation throughout a 10-day observation period. The random-pattern musculocutaneous flaps were raised on the backs of the animals and mounted into a dorsal skinfold chamber. Angiogenesis, nutritive blood perfusion and flap necrosis were quantitatively analyzed by means of repeated intravital fluorescence microscopy over 10 days after surgery. After the last microscopy, the flaps were harvested for additional histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Bromelain reduced necrosis of the critically perfused flap tissue by ~25%. The bromelain-treated flaps also exhibited a significantly higher functional microvessel density and an elevated formation of newly developed microvessels in the transition zone between the vital and necrotic tissues when compared to the controls. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated a markedly lower invasion of the myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophilic granulocytes and a significantly reduced number of cleaved caspase 3-positive apoptotic cells in the transition zone of bromelain-treated musculocutaneous flaps. These findings indicate that bromelain prevents flap necrosis by maintaining nutritive tissue perfusion and by suppressing ischemia-induced inflammation and apoptosis. Hence, bromelain may represent a promising compound to prevent ischemia-induced flap necrosis in clinical practice.

Beneficial Properties of Bromelain

Bromelain is a major sulfhydryl proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple plants, having multiple activities in many areas of medicine. Due to its low toxicity, high efficiency, high availability, and relative simplicity of acquisition, it is the object of inexhaustible interest of scientists. This review summarizes scientific reports concerning the possible application of bromelain in treating cardiovascular diseases, blood coagulation and fibrinolysis disorders, infectious diseases, inflammation-associated diseases, and many types of cancer. However, for the proper application of such multi-action activities of bromelain, further exploration of the mechanism of its action is needed. It is supposed that the anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and anti-coagulatory activity of bromelain may become a complementary therapy for COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 patients. During the irrepressible spread of novel variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, such beneficial properties of this biomolecule might help prevent escalation and the progression of the COVID-19 disease.

Bromelain a Potential Bioactive Compound: A Comprehensive Overview from a Pharmacological Perspective

Bromelain is an effective chemoresponsive proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple stems. It contains several thiol endopeptidases and is extracted and purified via several methods. It is most commonly used as an anti-inflammatory agent, though scientists have also discovered its potential as an anticancer and antimicrobial agent. It has been reported as having positive effects on the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems, and potentially on the immune system. It is a natural remedy for easing arthritis symptoms, including joint pain and stiffness. This review details bromelain's varied uses in healthcare, its low toxicity, and its relationship to nanoparticles. The door of infinite possibilities will be opened up if further extensive research is carried out on this pineapple-derived enzyme.

A phytopharmacological overview of medicinal plants used for prophylactic and treatment of colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic diseases that develop on the genetic background. They are characterized by an idiopathic, chronic course and periods of activation and remission. However, genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in its pathogenesis. Significant improvements in treatment strategies have been witnessed. Depending on the severity of the disease, mesalamine, immunosuppressants, anti-TNF, anti-integrin, Janus kinase inhibitors, and thiopurines can be used for treatment. However, these treatments have side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, hair loss, gas, vomiting, rash, fever, and decreased white blood cell count. The search for treatment that may be a safer alternative, immunomodulatory, and immunosuppressive therapy has gained importance nowadays. Herbal medicine is preferred to treat a wide range of acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis. Preclinical and clinical studies show that plants are promising in terms of their use in treating pathological conditions. The effectiveness of plants in treating ulcerative colitis has been determined. However, more studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of these herbal medicines. The present review presents information on medicinal plants and phytochemicals reported for use or potential of application in ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Nutrition in wound healing: investigation of the molecular mechanisms, a narrative review

Nutrition can be outlined in terms of epigenetic signals influencing each of the wound healing steps (haemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling phase). Specific nutrients, such as amino acids, minerals, vitamins, natural compounds and herbal extracts, target DNA-regulating transcription factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and glycosaminoglycan, and are specifically involved in the wound healing process. This review focuses on experimental in vivo and clinical evidence of dietary supplements administration in pressure ulcers. A good nutritional status is, for example, fundamental to the haemostasis phase of skin wounds. In the inflammatory phase, vitamin A enhances cytokine release, bromelain and amino acids prevent prolonged inflammatory events, while vitamin C enhances neutrophil migration and lymphocyte activation. In the proliferative phase, vitamin C and Centella asiatica are required for collagen synthesis. Glucosamine enhances hyaluronic acid production, vitamin A promotes epithelial cell differentiation, zinc is required for DNA and protein synthesis and cell division, and Aloe vera supports granulation tissue generation. Finally, in the remodelling phase, amino acids and proteins play a key role in wound scar stabilisation.

Cisplatin bioconjugated enzymatic GNPs amplify the effect of cisplatin with acquiescence

Enzymatic gold nanoparticles (B-GNPs) have been synthesized using a natural anticancer agent bromelain (a cysteine protease) and these nanoparticles were used to bioconjugate Cisplatin (highly effective against osteosarcoma and lung cancer). Cisplatin bioconjugated bromelain encapsulated gold nanoparticles (B-C-GNPs) were found profoundly potent against same cancers at much lower concentration with minimum side effects due to the synergistic effect of bromelain. The B-C-GNPs have been observed to inhibit the proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines Saos-2 and MG-63 with IC₅₀ estimation of 4.51 µg/ml and 3.21 µg/ml, respectively, and against small lung cancer cell line A-549 with IC₅₀ 2.5 µg/ml which is lower than IC₅₀ of cisplatin against same cell lines. The B-GNPs/B-C-GNPs were characterized by TEM, UV-Visible spectroscopy, Zeta potential and DLS to confirm the production, purity, crystalline nature, stability of nanoemulsion, size and shape distribution. The change in 2D and 3D conformation of bromelain after encapsulation was studied by Circular Dichroism and Fluorometry, respectively. It was found that after encapsulation, a 19.4% loss in secondary structure was observed, but tertiary structure was not altered significantly and this loss improved the anticancer activity. The confirmation of bioconjugation of cisplatin with B-GNPs was done by UV-Visible spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR, 2D ¹H NMR DOSY and ICP-MS. Further, it was found that almost ~4 cisplatin molecules bound with each B-GNPs nanoparticle.

Enkephalin related peptides are released from jejunum wall by orally ingested bromelain

Stem bromelain [EC 3.4.22.32] is a thiol-endopeptidase and orally recommended in traditional medicine due to its analgesic activity, but the mechanisms are not known. Proenkephalin is expressed in the nervous system, but also in the gastrointestinal tract, where it can be assessed by ingested stem bromelain. Here we demonstrated that stem bromelain hydrolyses synthetic proenkephalin fragments after basic amino acid residues flanking the enkephalin sequences. We also observed with in vivo studies that oral administration of bromelain reduced jejunum proenkephalin levels and increased the serum enkephalin in mice. Effective anti-nociceptive effects in mice were observed 3 h after oral administration of 3 mg/kg stem bromelain by the acetic acid-induced writhing test. However, with higher doses this effect is reduced due to hydrolysis of enkephalin that possibly occurs by the presence of ananain in commercial pineapple stem bromelain preparations, that is also a thiol-protease with broad specificity. The analgesic effects were also evaluated by hot-plate and formalin tests and the obtained results indicated that enkephalin generated in intestine acts in periphery where it also can have anti-inflammatory activity.

Implications of designing a bromelain loaded enteric nanoformulation on its stability and anti-inflammatory potential upon oral administration

The objective of the present investigation was to develop an enteric nano-formulation of bromelain to improve its stability and anti-inflammatory potential. Bromelain loaded nanoparticles (Br-NPs) were developed using a Eudragit L 100 polymer by a double emulsion solvent evaporation method to obtain gastro-resistant properties. Br-NPs were characterized for particle size (248.89 ± 22.76 nm), zeta potential (-27.34 ± 2.17 mV), entrapment efficiency (85.42 ± 5.34%), surface morphology (spherical) and in vitro release profile. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the entrapment of bromelain while thermal and pXRD analysis concomitantly corroborated the reduced crystallinity of bromelain in nanoparticles. Formulations showed gastro-resistant behavior at gastric pH and sustained bromelain release up to 10 h in phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 and followed Higuchi square root release kinetics. The optimized lyophilized formulation ensured 2 year shelf-life at room temperature. In vivo studies revealed significantly improved performance of entrapped bromelain in inhibiting carrageenan induced paw edema by mitigating leucocyte migration and release of nitric oxide, TNFα and IL-1β in paw compared to bromelain solution. In conclusion, enteric Br-NPs could be a viable drug delivery system for effective oral bromelain delivery in inflammatory conditions.

Gold nanoconjugates reinforce the potency of conjugated cisplatin and doxorubicin

Osteosarcoma or osteogenic sarcoma is the most common and prevalent cancerous tumor of bone and occurs especially in children and teens. Recent treatment strategy includes a combination of both chemotherapy and surgeries. Although, the use of single drug-based chemotherapy treatment remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, combinatorial therapy has emerged as a potential strategy for treatment with limited side- effects. Here, we evaluated the combinatorial anticancerous effect of cisplatin (CIS) and doxorubicin (DOX) bioconjugated bromelain encapsulated gold nanoparticles (B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX) in the treatment of osteosarcoma. The synthesized B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX were characterized by various characterization techniques like UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, DLS and zeta potential to ensure the synthesis, size, shape, size distribution and stability. Drug loading efficiency bioconjugation of CIS and DOX was ensured by UV-vis spectroscopy. Bioconjugation of CIS and DOX was further confirmed using UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, Zeta potential and FT-IR analysis. The combinatorial effect of CIS and DOX in B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX showed highly improved potency against MG-63 and Saos-2 cells at a very low concentration where primary osteoblasts didn't show any cytotoxic effect. The apoptotic effect of B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX on osteosarcoma and primary osteoblasts cells were analyzed by increased permeability of the cell membrane, condensed chromatin and deep blue fluorescent condensed nucleus. The results clearly showed that B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX significantly improved the potency of both the chemotherapeutic drugs by delivering them specifically into the nucleus of cancer cells through caveolae-dependent endocytosis. Thus, the greater inhibitory effect of combinatorial drugs (B-AuNPs conjugated CIS and DOX) over single drug based chemotherapy would be of great advantage during osteosarcoma treatment.

Tacorin, an extract from Ananas comosus stem, stimulates wound healing by modulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor α, transforming growth factor β and matrix metalloproteinase 2

Wound healing is a complex biological process that involves integration of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodeling. An extract of pineapple (Ananas comosus) stem demonstrates several therapeutics properties, including acceleration of wound healing. Tacorin is a water crude extract derived from the stem of A. comosus with high protein content. The effect of tacorin on wound healing in vivo was examined using rats with an induced injury. Wound closure was faster with tacorin treatment than in the untreated group. An in vitro study was conducted on mammalian cells (3T3‐L1) to observe the effect of tacorin on cell proliferation. Tacorin was first heated to inactivate its proteolytic activity. It increased the viability of 3T3‐L1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Excessive inflammation was suppressed by tacorin as shown by decreased tumor necrosis factor α expression. Treatment with tacorin increased the expression of transforming growth factor β, a major player in tissue remodeling. Moreover, tacorin also reduced the expression of MMP‐2 to accelerate the recovery of the wound. Taken together, tacorin is able to accelerate the wound‐healing process by increasing cell proliferation, suppressing inflammation and accelerating tissue remodeling.

Combination of cisplatin and bromelain exerts synergistic cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 in vitro

Background

Bromelain, which is a cysteine endopeptidase commonly found in pineapple stems, has been investigated as a potential anti-cancer agent for the treatment of breast cancer. However, information pertaining to the effects of combining bromelain with existing chemotherapeutic drugs remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the possible synergistic cytotoxic effects of using bromelain in combination with cisplatin on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

Method

MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different concentrations (0.24–9.5 µM) of bromelain or cisplatin alone, as well as four different combinations of these two agents to assess their individual and combination effects after 24 and 48 h. Cell viability was analyzed using an MTT assay. The induction of apoptosis was assessed using cell cycle analysis and an Annexin V-FITC assay. The role of the mitochondrial membrane potential in the apoptotic process was assessed using a JC-1 staining assay. Apoptotic protein levels were assessed by western blot analysis and proteome profiling using an antibody array kit.

Results

Single-agent treatment with cisplatin or bromelain led to dose- and time-dependent decreases in the viability of the MDA-MB-231 cells at 24 and 48 h. Furthermore, most of the combinations evaluated in this study displayed synergistic effects against MDA-MB-231 cells at 48 h, with combination 1 (bromelain 2 µM + cisplatin 1.5 µM) exhibiting the greatest synergistic effect (P = 0.000). The results of subsequent assays indicated that combination 1 treatment induced apoptosis via mitochondria-mediated pathway. Combination 1 also resulted in significant decreases in the levels of several apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-x and HSP70, compared with bromelain (P = 0.002 and 0.000, respectively) or cisplatin (P = 0.000 and 0.001, respectively) single treatment. Notably, MDA-MB-231 cells treated with combination 1 showed increased levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax compared with those treated with bromelain (P = 0.000) or cisplatin single treatment (P = 0.043).

Conclusion

Bromelain in combination with cisplatin synergistically enhanced the induction of apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Antiangiogenesis, loss of cell adhesion and apoptosis are involved in the antitumoral activity of Proteases from V. cundinamarcensis (C. candamarcensis) in murine melanoma B16F1

The proteolytic enzymes from V. cundinamarcensis latex, (P1G10), display healing activity in animal models following various types of lesions. P1G10 or the purified isoforms act as mitogens on fibroblast and epithelial cells by stimulating angiogenesis and wound healing in gastric and cutaneous ulcers models. Based on evidence that plant proteinases act as antitumorals, we verified this effect on a murine melanoma model. The antitumoral effect analyzed mice survival and tumor development after subcutaneous administration of P1G10 into C57BL/6J mice bearing B16F1 low metastatic melanoma. Possible factors involved in the antitumoral action were assessed, i.e., cytotoxicity, cell adhesion and apoptosis in vitro, haemoglobin (Hb), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity. We observed that P1G10 inhibited angiogenesis measured by the decline of Hb and VEGF within the tumor, and TGF-β displayed a non-significant increase and TNF-α showed a minor non-significant reduction. On the other hand, there was an increase in NAG activity. In treated B16F1 cells, apoptosis was induced along with decreased cell binding to extracellular matrix components (ECM) and anchorage, without impairing viability.

Effects of canned pineapple consumption on nutritional status, immunomodulation, and physical health of selected school children

This randomized, controlled trial examined the effects of canned pineapple consumption on immunomodulation, nutritional status, and physical health of ninety-eight (98) school children with mean age of 8.44 ± 0.20. The study participants were divided into three groups: Group A (33) includes subjects who were not given canned pineapple, Group B (33) includes those who were given 140 g, and Group C (32) includes those given 280 g of canned pineapple for nine weeks. Each major group was further divided into two groups: normal (N) and underweight (U) based on 2007 WHO Growth Reference Standards. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, physical examination, dietary intake, hemoglobin level, and immunological data were analyzed. Results showed a decrease in incidence of viral and bacterial infections for both Group B and Group C (normal and underweight) after canned pineapple consumption. Granulocyte production increased by 0.77–26.61% for normal weight subjects and 14.95–34.55% for underweight. CD16+56 count augmented by 20.44–22.13% for normal weight and 3.57–15.89% for underweight subjects. Thus, intake of both one can (140 g) and two cans (280 g) of canned pineapple may shorten the duration and incidence of infection and may increase the production of granulocytes and CD16+56, but intake of two cans (280 g) demonstrated higher granulocyte and CD16+56 production. This trial is registered with Philippine Health Research Registry: PHRR140826-000225.

Over-the-counter enzyme supplements: what a clinician needs to know

Over-the-counter (OTC) enzyme use is increasing in frequency in the United States. The numerous health benefit claims by manufacturers are leading to a surge in enzyme use for various conditions and symptoms. Clinicians need to help patients navigate this complex realm and make informed decisions about the use of OTC enzymes. This review focuses on key concepts for health care providers to understand the current evidence, risks, and benefits of OTC enzymes.

Peptidases from latex of Carica candamarcensis upregulate COX-2 and IL-1 mRNA transcripts against Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium-mediated inflammation

The immunomodulatory properties of a mixture of cysteine peptidases (P1G10) obtained from the fruit lattice of Carica candamarcensis were investigated. P1G10 was obtained from fresh latex samples by chromatography in a Sephadex column and initially administered to Swiss mice (n = 5; 1 or 10 mg/kg) via i.p. After 30 min, the mice were injected with carrageenan (0.5 mg/mouse) or heat-killed S. Typhimurium (10(7) CFU/mL; 100°C/30 min) into the peritoneal cavity. Afterwards, two animal groups were i.p. administered with P1G10 (n = 6; 1, 5, or 10 mg/Kg) or PBS 24 hours prior to challenge with live S. Typhimurium (10(7) CFU/mL). P1G10 stimulated the proliferation of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes, 6 h after injection of carrageenan or heat-killed bacteria, respectively. Furthermore, survival after infection was dose-dependent and reached 60% of the animal group. On the other hand, control mice died 1-3 days after infection. The examination of mRNA transcripts in liver cells 24 h after infection confirmed fold variation increases of 5.8 and 4.8 times on average for IL-1 and COX-2, respectively, in P1G10 pretreated mice but not for TNF-α, IL-10, γ-IFN and iNOS, for which the results were comparable to untreated animals. These data are discussed in light of previous reports.

Bromelain Inhibits Allergic Sensitization and Murine Asthma via Modulation of Dendritic Cells

The incidence of atopic conditions has increased in industrialized countries. Persisting symptoms and concern for drug side-effects lead patients toward adjunctive treatments such as phytotherapy. Previously, we have shown that Bromelain (sBr), a mixture of cysteine proteases from pineapple, Ananas comosus, inhibits ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of allergic airway disease (AAD). However, sBr's effect on development of AAD when treatment is administered throughout OVA-alum sensitization was unknown and is the aim of the present study. C57BL/6J mice were sensitized with OVA/alum and challenged with 7 days OVA aerosol. sBr 6 mg/kg/0.5 ml or PBS vehicle were administered throughout sensitization. Lung, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), spleen, and lymph nodes were processed for flow cytometry and OVA-specific IgE was determined via ELISA. sBr treatment throughout OVA-alum sensitization significantly reduced the development of AAD (BAL eosinophils and lymphocytes). OVA-specific IgE and OVA TET(+) cells were decreased. sBr reduced CD11c(+) dendritic cell subsets, and in vitro treatment of DCs significantly reduced CD44, a key receptor in both cell trafficking and activation. sBr was shown to reduce allergic sensitization and the generation of AAD upon antigen challenge. These results provide additional insight into sBr's anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties and rationale for translation into the clinical arena.

Bromelain decreases neutrophil interactions with P-selectin, but not E-selectin, in vitro by proteolytic cleavage of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1

Stem bromelain, a cysteine protease isolated from pineapples, is a natural anti-inflammatory treatment, yet its mechanism of action remains unclear. Curious as to whether bromelain might affect selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling, we studied the ability of bromelain-treated human neutrophils to tether to substrates presenting immobilized P-selectin or E-selectin under shear stress. Bromelain treatment attenuated P-selectin-mediated tethering but had no effect on neutrophil recruitment on E-selectin substrates. Flow cytometric analysis of human neutrophils, using two antibodies against distinct epitopes within the P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) active site, revealed that bromelain cleaves PSGL-1 to remove one of two sites required for P-selectin binding, while leaving the region required for E-selectin binding intact. These findings suggest one molecular mechanism by which bromelain may exert its anti-inflammatory effects is via selective cleavage of PSGL-1 to reduce P-selectin-mediated neutrophil recruitment.

The relative anthelmintic efficacy of plant-derived cysteine proteinases on intestinal nematodes

We examined the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of plant cysteine proteinases (CPs) derived from pineapple (Ananas comosus) and kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa), and compared their efficacy as anthelmintics to the known effects of CPs from the latex of papaya (Carica papaya) against the rodent intestinal nematode, Heligmosomoides bakeri. Both fruit bromelain and stem bromelain had significant in vitro detrimental effects on H. bakeri but in comparison, actinidain from kiwi fruit had very little effect. However, in vivo trials indicated far less efficacy of stem bromelain and fruit bromelain than that expected from the in vitro experiments (24.5% and 22.4% reduction in worm burdens, respectively) against H. bakeri. Scanning electron microscopy revealed signs of cuticular damage on worms incubated in fruit bromelain, stem bromelain and actinidain, but this was far less extensive than on those incubated in papaya latex supernatant. We conclude that, on the basis of presently available data, CPs derived from pineapples and kiwi fruits are not suitable for development as novel anthelmintics for intestinal nematode infections.

Plant proteolytic enzyme papain abrogates angiogenic activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of physiologic and pathogenic angiogenesis in diseases such as cancer and diabetic retinopathy. It is known that cysteine proteases from plants, like bromelain and papain are capable to suppress inflammatory activation. Recent studies have demonstrated that they may interfere with angiogenesis related pathways as well. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of papain on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro.

METHODS

Cell viability after prolonged treatment with papain was investigated by life cell staining and lactate dehydrogenase release assay. Angiogenic activation was assessed by ELISA against phosphorylated proteins AKT, MEK1/2, ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK and p38-MAPK. Growth inhibition was determined by means of an MTT-assay and cell migration by means of a scratch assay. Capability to form a capillary network was investigated using a tube formation assay.

RESULTS

Papain did not induce proteolysis or cell detachment of HUVEC in a concentration range between 0 and 25 μg/mL. Four hours treatment with 10 μg/mL papain resulted in a reduced susceptibility of endothelial cells to activation by VEGF as determined by phosphorylation levels of Akt, MEK1/2, SAPK/JNK. Papain exerted a distinct inhibitory effect on cell growth, cell migration and tube formation with inhibition of tube formation detectable at concentrations as low as 1 μg/mL. Bromelain and ficin displayed similar effects with regard to cell growth and tube formation.

CONCLUSION

Papain showed a strong anti-angiogenic effect in VEGF activated HUVEC. This effect may be due to interference with AKT, MEK1/2 and SAPK/JNK phosphorylation. Two other plant derived cysteine proteases displayed similar inhibition of HUVEC cell growth and tube formation. These findings indicate that plant proteolytic enzymes may have potential as preventive and therapeutic agents against angiogenesis related human diseases.

Oral Bromelain Attenuates Inflammation in an Ovalbumin-induced Murine Model of Asthma

Bromelain, a widely used pineapple extract with cysteine protease activity, has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects in a variety of immune system models. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of orally administered bromelain in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of acute allergic airway disease (AAD). To establish AAD, female C57BL/6J mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal (i.p.) OVA/alum and then challenged with OVA aerosols for 3 days. Mice were gavaged with either (phosphate buffered saline)PBS or 200 mg/kg bromelain in PBS, twice daily for four consecutive days, beginning 1 day prior to OVA aerosol challenge. Airway reactivity and methacholine sensitivity, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cellular differential, Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13, and lung histology were compared between treatment groups. Oral bromelain-treatment of AAD mice demonstrated therapeutic efficacy as evidenced by decreased methacholine sensitivity (P ≤ 0.01), reduction in BAL eosinophils (P ≤ 0.02) and IL-13 concentrations (P ≤ 0.04) as compared with PBS controls. In addition, oral bromelain significantly reduced BAL CD19+ B cells (P ≤ 0.0001) and CD8+ T cells (P ≤ 0.0001) in AAD mice when compared with controls. These results suggest that oral treatment with bromelain had a beneficial therapeutic effect in this murine model of asthma and bromelain may also be effective in human conditions.

Anticancer property of bromelain with therapeutic potential in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes that is capable of hydrolyzing glycosidic linkages in glycoprotein. Glycoprotein's are ubiquitously distributed throughout the body and serve a variety of physiologic functions. Faulty glycosylation of proteins may lead to cancer. Antitumor properties of bromelain have been demonstrated in both, in vitro and in vivo studies, along with scanty anecdotal human studies. Various mechanistic pathways have been proposed to explain the anticancer properties of bromelain. However, proteolysis by bromelain has been suggested as a main pathway by some researchers. MUC1 is a glycoprotein that provides tumor cells with invasive, metastatic, and chemo-resistant properties. To date, there is no study that examines the effect of bromelain on MUC1. However, the viability of MUC1 expressing pancreatic and breast cancer cells are adversely affected by bromelain. Further, the efficacy of cisplatin and 5-FU are enhanced by adjuvant treatment with bromelain, indicating that the barrier function of MUC1 may be affected. Other studies have also indicated that there is a greater accumulation of 5-FU in the cell compartment on treatment with 5-FU and bromelain. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) expresses MUC1 and initial studies have shown that the viability of MPM cells is adversely affected by exposure to bromelain. Further, bromelain in combination with either 5-FU or cisplatin, the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic drug is enhanced. Hence, current evidence indicates that bromelain may have the potential of being developed into an effective anticancer agent for MPM.

Current nutraceuticals in the management of osteoarthritis: a review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease that has a major impact on joint function and quality of life. Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements derived from herbs have long been used in traditional medicine and there is considerable evidence that nutraceuticals may play an important role in inflammation and joint destruction in OA. We review the biological effects of some medicinal fruits and herbs - pomegranate, green tea, cat's claw, devil's claw, ginger, Indian olibaum, turmeric and ananas - in an attempt to understand the pivotal molecular targets involved in inflammation and the joint destruction process and to summarize their toxicities and efficacy for OA management. So far there is insufficient reliable evidence on the effectiveness of ginger, turmeric and ananas. Pomegranate and green tea only have preclinical evidence of efficacy due to the lack of clinical data. In vivo and clinical studies are required to understand their targets and efficacy in OA. Limited in vitro and in vivo evidence is available for cat's claw and Indian olibaum. More extensive studies are required before long-term controlled trials of whole cat's claw and Indian olibaum extracts, or isolated active compounds, are carried out in patients with OA to determine their long-term efficacy and safety. Devil's claw has not been rigorously tested to determine its antiarthritic potential in in vitro and in vivo models. There is strong clinical evidence of the effectiveness of devil's claw in pain reduction. However, high-quality clinical trials are needed to determine its effectiveness. No serious side effects have been reported for any fruits and herbs. Overall, these studies identify and support the use of nutraceuticals to provide symptomatic relief to patients with OA and to be used as adjunct therapy for OA management. More high-quality trials are needed to provide definitive answers to questions related to their efficacy and safety for OA prevention and/or treatment.

Herbal medicine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a refractory, chronic, and nonspecific disease occurred usually in the rectum and the entire colon. The etiopathology is probably related to dysregulation of the mucosal immune response toward the resident bacterial flora together with genetic and environmental factors. Several types of medications are used to control the inflammation or reduce symptoms. Herbal medicine includes a wide range of practices and therapies outside the realms of conventional Western medicine. However, there are limited controlled evidences indicating the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines, such as aloe vera gel, wheat grass juice, Boswellia serrata, and bovine colostrum enemas in the treatment of UC. Although herbal medicines are not devoid of risk, they could still be safer than synthetic drugs. The potential benefits of herbal medicine could lie in their high acceptance by patients, efficacy, relative safety, and relatively low cost. Patients worldwide seem to have adopted herbal medicine in a major way, and the efficacy of herbal medicine has been tested in hundreds of clinical trials in the management of UC. The evidences on herbal medicine are incomplete, complex, and confusing, and certainly associated with both risks and benefits. There is a need for further controlled clinical trials of the potential efficacy of herbal medicine approaches in the treatment of UC, together with enhanced legislation to maximize their quality and safety.

Production of plant proteases in vivo and in vitro--a review

In the latest two decades, the interest received by plant proteases has increased significantly. Plant enzymes such as proteases are widely used in medicine and the food industry. Some proteases, like papain, bromelain and ficin are used in various processes such as brewing, meat softening, milk-clotting, cancer treatment, digestion and viral disorders. These enzymes can be obtained from their natural source or through in vitro cultures, in order to ensure a continuous source of plant enzymes. The focus of this review will be the production of plant proteases both in vivo and in vitro, with particular emphasis on the different types of commercially important plant proteases that have been isolated and characterized from naturally grown plants. In vitro approaches for the production of these proteases is also explored, focusing on the techniques that do not involve genetic transformation of the plants and the attempts that have been made in order to enhance the yield of the desired proteases.

Inhibitory effects of bromelain, a cysteine protease derived from pineapple stem (Ananas comosus), on intestinal motility in mice

BACKGROUND

Bromelain (BR) is a cysteine protease with inhibitory effects on intestinal secretion and inflammation. However, its effects on intestinal motility are largely unexplored. Thus, we investigated the effect of this plant-derived compound on intestinal contractility and transit in mice.

METHODS

Contractility in vitro was evaluated by stimulating the mouse isolated ileum, in an organ bath, with acetylcholine, barium chloride, or electrical field stimulation. Motility in vivo was measured by evaluating the distribution of an orally administered fluorescent marker along the small intestine. Transit was also evaluated in pathophysiologic states induced by the pro-inflammatory compound croton oil or by the diabetogenic agent streptozotocin.

KEY RESULTS

Bromelain inhibited the contractions induced by different spasmogenic compounds in the mouse ileum with similar potency. The antispasmodic effect was reduced or counteracted by the proteolytic enzyme inhibitor, gabexate (15 × 10(-6)  mol L(-1) ), protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) antagonist, N(1) -3-methylbutyryl-N(4) -6-aminohexanoyl-piperazine (10(-4) mol L(-1) ), phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, neomycin (3 × 10(-3) mol L(-1) ), and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, rolipram (10(-6)  mol L(-1) ). In vivo, BR preferentially inhibited motility in pathophysiologic states in a PAR-2-antagonist-sensitive manner.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our data suggest that BR inhibits intestinal motility - preferentially in pathophysiologic conditions - with a mechanism possibly involving membrane PAR-2 and PLC and PDE4 as intracellular signals. Bromelain could be a lead compound for the development of new drugs, able to normalize the intestinal motility in inflammation and diabetes.

Dietary supplementation with fresh pineapple juice decreases inflammation and colonic neoplasia in IL-10-deficient mice with colitis

BACKGROUND

Bromelain, a mixture of proteolytic enzymes typically derived from pineapple stem, decreases production of proinflammatory cytokines and leukocyte homing to sites of inflammation. We previously showed that short-term oral treatment with bromelain purified from pineapple stem decreased the severity of colonic inflammation in C57BL/6 Il10(-/-) mice with chronic colitis. Since fresh pineapple fruit contains similar bromelain enzymes but at different proportions, this study aimed to determine whether long-term dietary supplementation with pineapple (supplied as juice) could decrease colon inflammation and neoplasia in Il10(-/-) mice with chronic colitis as compared with bromelain derived from stem.

METHODS

Colitis was triggered in Il10(-/-) mice by exposure to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam. Mice with colitis were supplemented with fresh vs. boiled pineapple juice or bromelain purified from stem for up to 6 months.

RESULTS

Experimental mice readily consumed fresh pineapple juice at a level that generated mean stool proteolytic activities equivalent to 14 mg bromelain purified from stem, while control mice received boiled juice with inactive enzymes. Survival was increased in the group supplemented with fresh rather than boiled juice (P = 0.01). Mice that received fresh juice also had decreased histologic colon inflammation scores and a lower incidence of inflammation-associated colonic neoplasia (35% versus 66%; P < 0.02), with fewer neoplastic lesions/colon (P = 0.05). Flow cytometric analysis of murine splenocytes exposed to fresh pineapple juice in vitro demonstrated proteolytic removal of cell surface molecules that can affect leukocyte trafficking and activation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that long-term dietary supplementation with fresh or unpasteurized frozen pineapple juice with proteolytically active bromelain enzymes is safe and decreases inflammation severity and the incidence and multiplicity of inflammation-associated colonic neoplasia in this commonly used murine model of inflammatory bowel disease.

Bromelain's activity and potential as an anti-cancer agent: Current evidence and perspectives

The medicinal qualities of pineapple are recognized in many traditions in South America, China and Southeast Asia. These qualities are attributed to bromelain, a 95%-mixture of proteases. Medicinal qualities of bromelain include anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, fibrinolytic and anti-cancer functions. Existing evidence derived from clinical observations as well as from mouse- and cell-based models suggests that bromelain acts systemically, affecting multiple cellular and molecular targets. In recent years, studies have shown that bromelain has the capacity to modulate key pathways that support malignancy. It is now possible to suggest that the anti-cancer activity of bromelain consists in the direct impact on cancer cells and their micro-environment, as well as in the modulation of immune, inflammatory and haemostatic systems. This review will summarize existing data relevant to bromelain's anti-cancer activity and will suggest mechanisms which account for bromelain's effect, in the light of research involving non-cancer models. The review will also identify specific new research questions that will need to be addressed in order for a full assessment of bromelain-based anti-cancer therapy.

Plant cysteine proteinases: evaluation of the pharmacological activity

Cysteine proteinases are involved in virtually every aspect of plant physiology and development. They play a role in development, senescence, programmed cell death, storage and mobilization of germinal proteins, and in response to various types of environmental stress. In this review, we focus on a group of plant defensive enzymes occurring in germinal tissue of Caricaceae. These enzymes elicit a protective response in the unripe fruit after physical stress. We propose that these enzymes follow a strategy similar to mammalian serine proteinases involved in blood clotting and wound healing. We show evidence for the pharmacological role of plant cysteine proteinases in mammalian wound healing, immunomodulation, digestive conditions, and neoplastic alterations.

Bromelain treatment decreases neutrophil migration to sites of inflammation

Bromelain, a mixture of proteases derived from pineapple stem, has been reported to have therapeutic benefits in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including murine inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this work was to understand potential mechanisms for this anti-inflammatory activity. Exposure to bromelain in vitro has been shown to remove a number of cell surface molecules that are vital to leukocyte trafficking, including CD128a/CXCR1 and CD128b/CXCR2 that serve as receptors for the neutrophil chemoattractant IL-8 and its murine homologues. We hypothesized that specific proteolytic removal of CD128 molecules by bromelain would inhibit neutrophil migration to IL-8 and thus decrease acute responses to inflammatory stimuli. Using an in vitro chemotaxis assay, we demonstrated a 40% reduction in migration of bromelain- vs. sham-treated human neutrophils in response to rhIL-8. Migration to the bacterial peptide analog fMLP was unaffected, indicating that bromelain does not induce a global defect in leukocyte migration. In vivo bromelain treatment generated a 50-85% reduction in neutrophil migration in 3 different murine models of leukocyte migration into the inflamed peritoneal cavity. Intravital microscopy demonstrated that although in vivo bromelain treatment transiently decreased leukocyte rolling, its primary long-term effect was abrogation of firm adhesion of leukocytes to blood vessels at the site of inflammation. These changes in adhesion were correlated with rapid re-expression of the bromelain-sensitive CD62L/L-selectin molecules that mediate rolling following in vivo bromelain treatment and minimal re-expression of CD128 over the time period studied. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that bromelain can effectively decrease neutrophil migration to sites of acute inflammation and support the specific removal of the CD128 chemokine receptor as a potential mechanism of action.

Bromelain treatment decreases secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by colon biopsies in vitro

Oral bromelain has been anecdotally reported to decrease inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC). Proteolytically active bromelain is known to decrease expression of mRNAs encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines by human leukocytes in vitro. To assess the effect of bromelain on mucosal secretion of cytokines in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), endoscopic colon biopsies from patients with UC, Crohn's disease (CD), and non-IBD controls were treated in vitro with bromelain or media, then cultured. Secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was measured. Significant increases in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were detected in the media from actively inflamed areas in UC and CD as compared with non-inflamed IBD tissue and non-IBD controls. In vitro bromelain treatment decreased secretion of G-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IFN-gamma, CCL4/macrophage inhibitory protein (MIP)-1beta, and TNF by inflamed tissue in IBD. Bromelain may be a novel therapy for IBD.

Antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo and mechanisms of protection against melanoma B16F10-Nex2 cells by fastuosain, a cysteine proteinase from Bromelia fastuosa

In the present work, the antitumor effect of fastuosain, a cysteine proteinase from Bromelia fastuosa, was investigated. In the intravenous model of lung colonization in C57Bl/6 mice, fastuosain and bromelain injected intraperitoneally were protective, and very few nodules of B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells were detected. Tumor cells treated with fastuosain showed reduced expression of CD44 and decreased invasion through Matrigel, lost their cytoplasmic extensions and substrate adherence, and became round and detached, forming strongly bound cell clusters in suspension. Peritoneal cells recruited and activated by fastuosain treatment (mainly monocytic cells and lymphocytes) migrated to the lung, where pulmonary melanoma metastases grew. Adoptive transference of peritoneal cells recruited by fastuosain had no protective effect against lung metastases in recipient mice. Treatment of green fluorescent protein-chimeric animals with fastuosain did not change the number of cells that migrated to the lung, compared to PBS-injected control mice, but the number of positive major histocompatibility complex class II cells increased with fastuosain treatment. Murine antibodies against fastuosain, bromelain, and cathepsins B and L cross-reacted in ELISA and recognized surface and cytoplasmic components expressed on B16F10-Nex2 cells. Anti-fastuosain antibodies were cytotoxic/lytic to B16F10-Nex2 cells. Antitumor effects of fastuosain involve mainly the direct effect of the enzyme and elicitation of protective antibodies.

A supramolecular complex between proteinases and beta-cyclodextrin that preserves enzymatic activity: physicochemical characterization

BACKGROUND

Cyclodextrins are suitable drug delivery systems because of their ability to subtly modify the physical, chemical, and biological properties of guest molecules through labile interactions by formation of inclusion and/or association complexes. Plant cysteine proteinases from Caricaceae and Bromeliaceae are the subject of therapeutic interest, because of their anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, immunogenic, and wound-healing properties.

METHODS

In this study, we analyzed the association between beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD) and fraction P1G10 containing the bioactive proteinases from Carica candamarcensis, and described the physicochemical nature of the solid-state self-assembled complexes by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), as well as in solution by circular dichroism (CD), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and amidase activity.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The physicochemical analyses suggest the formation of a complex between P1G10 and betaCD. Higher secondary interactions, namely hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces were observed at higher P1G10 : betaCD mass ratios. These results provide evidence of the occurrence of strong solid-state supramolecular non-covalent interactions between P1G10 and betaCD. Microcalorimetric analysis demonstrates that complexation results in a favorable enthalpic contribution, as has already been described during formation of similar betaCD inclusion compounds. The amidase activity of the complex shows that the enzyme activity is not readily available at 24 hours after dissolution of the complex in aqueous buffer; the proteinase becomes biologically active by the second day and remains stable until day 16, when a gradual decrease occurs, with basal activity attained by day 29.

CONCLUSION

The reported results underscore the potential for betaCDs as candidates for complexing cysteine proteinases, resulting in supramolecular arrays with sustained proteolytic activity.

Bromelain ameliorates hepatic microcirculation after warm ischemia

BACKGROUND

Because of its immunomodulatory action, the protease bromelain represents a novel strategy for the treatment of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A dose-response study was performed to investigate the effect of bromelain on liver function, microcirculation, and leukocyte-endothelium interactions in hepatic I/R injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred forty rats were randomized to 8 short-term or 12 long-term groups (n=7 each). A 30 min normothermic hepatic ischemia was induced by Pringle maneuver with a portocaval shunt. Animals were treated 60 min prior to ischemia with either no therapy, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg/kg b.w. bromelain i.v. In the short-term experiments, microcirculation was investigated 30 min after sham operation or ischemia using intravital microscopy. In the long-term experiments AST, ALT, and bradykinin levels were determined for 14 d after central venous catheter (CVC) placement only, sham operation, or ischemia. Additionally, apoptosis rate, Kupffer cell activation, endothelial cell damage, and eNOS expression were analyzed.

RESULTS

In sham-operated animals, treatment with 10 mg/kg b.w. bromelain led to a disturbed microcirculation with increased leukocyte adherence, apoptosis rate, Kupffer cell activation, and endothelial cell damage. Six h after CVC placement and administration of 10 mg/kg b.w. bromelain, AST and ALT levels were significantly increased. After I/R, rats treated with 0.1 mg/kg b.w. bromelain showed an improved microcirculation, reduction in leukocyte adhesion, apoptosis rates, Kupffer cell activation and endothelial cell damage, increased eNOS expression, and significantly lower AST levels compared with untreated animals.

CONCLUSION

Bromelain represents a novel approach to the treatment of hepatic I/R injury with a limited therapeutic window.

Bromelain

Bromelain may be of interest to plastic surgeons because of its apparent ability to reduce pain, edema, inflammation, and platelet aggregation, as well as its ability to potentiate antibiotics, which may be beneficial in postoperative healing. Bromelain's reported efficacy in burn débridement and ischemia/reperfusion may also have positive applications in plastic surgery. Although bromelain is widely used and generally considered to be a safe substance, more randomized, controlled clinical trials are necessary to further elucidate its clinical potential.

Human gastrointestinal nematode infections: are new control methods required?

Gastrointestinal (GI) nematode infections affect 50% of the human population worldwide, and cause great morbidity as well as hundreds of thousands of deaths. Despite modern medical practices, the proportion of the population infected with GI nematodes is not falling. This is due to a number of factors, the most important being the lack of good healthcare, sanitation and health education in many developing countries. A relatively new problem is the development of resistance to the small number of drugs available to treat GI nematode infections. Here we review the most important parasitic GI nematodes and the methods available to control them. In addition, we discuss the current status of new anthelmintic treatments, particularly the plant cysteine proteinases from various sources of latex-bearing plants and fruits.

Oral immunogenicity of the plant proteinase bromelain

Bromelain is a natural mixture of proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple stem that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity when administered orally. Although most proteins given orally without adjuvant (e.g., food) result in tolerance, we previously reported that long-term oral exposure to bromelain stimulated the development of high serum anti-bromelain antibody titers. The purpose of these studies was to further investigate the mechanisms responsible for the immunogenicity of oral bromelain. Results showed that repeated exposure was required for development of anti-bromelain antibodies, with strong antibody responses in all mice that received at least 12 doses of bromelain either orally or intragastrically over 3-6 weeks. Proteolytic activity was required for strong oral immunogenicity in the absence of conventional adjuvant, with strong serum antibody responses generated against proteolytically active bromelain and trypsin, but not against ovalbumin, lysozyme, or inactivated bromelain. Significantly higher anti-bromelain antibody titers were seen in IL-10-deficient versus wild-type mice, suggesting that simultaneous treatments that decrease IL-10 activity may further enhance systemic antibody responses following oral exposure. The antibodies generated did not affect the proteolytic activity of bromelain. The data demonstrate that proteolytically active antigens such as bromelain can stimulate both systemic and mucosal immune responses following repeated oral exposure. Further studies of the mechanisms involved in generation of immune responses following oral exposure to proteolytically active antigens can lead to a better understanding of mechanisms of oral tolerance and to the development of novel adjuvants for oral vaccines.