Collateral beauty in the damages: an overview of cosmetics and therapeutic applications of microbial proteases

Arazyme prevents skin aging through regulation of matrix metalloproteinase and collagen synthesis

Arazyme, an enzyme derived from Serratia proteamaculans, has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing skin barrier function in studies involving skin cell treatments and topical application on animal skin. The objective of this study was to assess the anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effects of Arazyme in skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts subjected to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation and oxidative stress. Keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and fibroblasts (CCD-986sk) were exposed to UVB (15 mJ/cm²) radiation or oxidative stress induced by 2 mM 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), followed by treatment with Arazyme (0.1-0.5 μM) for 24 h. The effects of Arazyme were compared to those of individual treatments with papain, trypsin, or retinol, which served as reference compounds. Key parameters examined included the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13), collagen synthesis, and cellular senescence markers (LMNB1, p16, p21, and p53). Additionally, the impact of Arazyme on cellular signaling pathways, including ERK, JNK, and NF-κB, was assessed. Arazyme significantly suppressed UVB-induced expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 in a dose-dependent manner in HaCaT cells compared to other treatments. In UVB-exposed fibroblasts, Arazyme reduced both mRNA and protein levels of MMPs, while also enhancing procollagen concentration and collagen gene expression. Furthermore, Arazyme inhibited the activation of ERK, JNK, and NF-κB signaling pathways in keratinocytes. In AAPH-stimulated HaCaT cells, Arazyme significantly attenuated the expression of senescence-related markers, including LMNB1, p16, p21, and p53, and decreased the proportion of senescence-positive cells in fibroblasts. Our in vitro findings suggest that Arazyme may help attenuate UVB- and oxidative stress-induced markers of skin aging, indicating its potential as a candidate for further investigation in anti-aging skincare research.

Enzyme-Based Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutics for Inflammatory Diseases

Inflammation is a multifaceted biological response of the immune system against various harmful stimuli, including pathogens (such as bacteria and viruses), cellular damage, toxins, and natural/synthetic irritants. This protective mechanism is essential for eliminating the cause of injury, removing damaged cells, and initiating the repair process. While inflammation is a fundamental component of the body's defense and healing process, its dysregulation can lead to pathological consequences, contributing to various acute and chronic diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and other systemic complications. Generally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), antihistamines, biologics, and colchicine are used as pharmacological agents in the management of inflammatory diseases. However, these conventional treatments often have limitations, including adverse side effects, long-term toxicity, and drug resistance. In contrast, enzyme-based therapeutics have emerged as a promising alternative due to their high specificity, catalytic efficiency, and ability to modulate inflammatory pathways with reduced side effects. These enzymes function by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting cytokine transcription, degrading circulating cytokines, and blocking cytokine release by targeting exocytosis-related receptors. Additionally, their role in tissue repair and regeneration further enhances their therapeutic potential. Most natural anti-inflammatory enzymes belong to the oxidoreductase class, including catalase and superoxide dismutase, as well as hydrolases such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, nattokinase, bromelain, papain, serratiopeptidase, collagenase, hyaluronidase, and lysozyme. Engineered enzymes, such as Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) protease and botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A), have also demonstrated significant potential in targeted anti-inflammatory therapies. Recent advancements in enzyme engineering, nanotechnology-based enzyme delivery, and biopharmaceutical formulations have further expanded their applicability in treating inflammatory diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of both natural and engineered enzymes, along with their formulations, used as anti-inflammatory therapeutics. It highlights improvements in stability, efficacy, and specificity, as well as minimized immunogenicity, while discussing their mechanisms of action and clinical applications and potential future developments in enzyme-based biomedical therapeutics.

Intravenous injection of nattokinase-heparin electrostatic complex improves the therapeutic effect of advanced tumors by dissolving cancer-related thrombosis

AIMS

Cancer-related thrombosis (CAT) is a common complication in cancer patients, significantly impacting their quality of life and survival prospects. Nattokinase (NK) has potent thrombolytic properties, however, its efficacy is limited by low oral bioavailability and the risk of severe allergic reactions with intravenous use. Heparin (HP) is a widely used anticoagulant in clinical settings. This study aimed to overcome the intravenous toxicity of NK and explore its effect on CAT in advanced tumors.

MAIN METHODS

In this study, NK-HP electrostatic complexes were constructed, and their safety and thrombolytic efficacy were verified through guinea pig allergy tests, mouse tail vein tests, and both in vivo and in vitro thrombolysis experiments. Additionally, an S180 advanced tumor model was developed and combined with sialic acid-modified doxorubicin liposomes (DOX-SAL) to investigate the impact of NK-HP on CAT and its antitumor effects in advanced tumors.

KEY FINDINGS

We observed that NK-HP can eliminate the intravenous injection toxicity of NK, has strong thrombolytic performance, and can prevent thrombosis formation. Intravenous injection of NK-HP can enhance the antitumor effect of DOX-SAL by reducing the fibrin content in advanced tumors and increasing the levels of the cross-linked protein degradation product D-dimer.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study developed a method to eliminate the intravenous injection toxicity of NK, proposing a promising therapeutic strategy for CAT treatment, particularly for CAT in advanced tumors, and improving the efficacy of nano-formulations in anti-tumor therapy.

Efficacy and safety of serrapeptase on ankle sprain cases: A single center prospective comparative study

Background

Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) rank among the frequently prescribed medications for addressing pain and inflammation. Although they are powerful pain relievers, their side effects are indisputable. Serrapeptase, a serine protease, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oedemic activity without the side effects of NSAIDs. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of serrapeptase in the treatment of pain and edema in ankle sprains.

Methods

In a single-centre prospective comparative study, 76 patients aged 18-53 with Grade II ankle sprains were assigned to either a serrapeptase intervention group (n = 38) receiving 5 mg serrapeptase (two tablets, three times per day) for ten days, or a control group (n = 38) receiving 500 mg paracetamol (three times per day) for the same duration. Ankle joint edema was assessed using both Figure-of-Eight and water-displacement methods. Pain was assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (V.A.S.). Within-groups and between-groups analyses were performed in the 3rd and 10th day.

Results

Both groups exhibited reduced edema and pain over time. Serrapeptase demonstrated a superior reduction in ankle joint edema on the third and tenth day compared to paracetamol, while pain management did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Serrapeptase exhibited better efficacy than paracetamol in reducing ankle joint edema, highlighting its potential as an alternative treatment.

Level of evidence

Level II, prospective comparative trial without randomization.

Cloning and expression of recombinant arazyme with anti-inflammatory and anti-breast cancer potential

Arazyme is an extracellular metalloprotease which is secreted by a Gram-negative symbiotic bacterium called Serratia proteomaculans. There are limited studies on various biological activities of arazyme. This preliminary study was designed to investigate the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory capacities of recombinant arazyme (rAra) in vitro and in vivo. Arazyme gene, araA was cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) using pET-28a as a vector. Nickel column purification was used to obtain pure rAra. SDS-PAGE and protein assay were used to identify the product and to measure protein content, respectively. Skimmed milk test and casein assay were carried out to assess protease activity. MCF7 cells as a breast cancer cell model were exposed to different concentrations of rAra to study anti-breast cancer potentials using MTT assay. The anti-inflammatory property of rAra was investigated using a murine air-pouch model. PCR and SDS-PAGE data showed that cloning and expression of rAra was successful and the enzyme of interest was observed at 52 KDa. Protein assay indicated that 1 mg/ml of rAra was obtained through purification. A clear zone around the enzyme on skimmed milk agar confirmed the proteolytic activity of rAra and the enzymatic activity was 320 U/mg protein in the casein assay. Cytotoxic effects of rAra reported as IC50 were 16.2 µg/ml and 13.2 mg/ml after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. In the air-pouch model, both the neutrophil count and myeloperoxidase activity, which are measures of inflammation, were significantly reduced. The results showed that rAra can be used in future mechanistic studies and R&D activities in the pharmaceutical industry to investigate the safety and efficacy of the recombinant arazyme.