Purification, functional characterization and enhanced production of serratiopeptidase from Serratia marcescens MES-4: An endophyte isolated from Morus rubra

Serratiopeptidase, a proteolytic enzyme serves as an important anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication. Present study reports the production and purification of extracellular serratiopeptidase from an endophyte, Serratia marcescens MES-4, isolated from Morus rubra. Purification of the enzyme by Ion exchange chromatography led to the specific activity of 13,030 U/mg protein of serratiopeptidase, showcasing about 3.1 fold enhanced activity. The catalytic domain of the purified serratiopeptidase, composed of Zn coordinated with three histidine residues (His 209, His 213, and His 219), along with glutamate (Glu 210) and tyrosine (Tyr 249). The molecular mass, as determined by SDS-PAGE was ∼51 kDa. The purified serratiopeptidase displayed optimal activity at pH 9.0, temperature 50°C. Kinetic studies revealed Vmax and Km values of 33,333 U/mL and 1.66 mg/mL, respectively. Further, optimized conditions for the production of serratiopeptidase by Taguchi design led to the productivity of 87 U/mL/h with 87.9 fold enhanced production as compared to the previous conditions.

An up-to-date review of biomedical applications of serratiopeptidase and its biobetter derivatives as a multi-potential metalloprotease

Serratiopeptidase is a bacterial metalloprotease used in a variety of medical applications. The multidimensional properties of serratiopeptidase make it noticeable as a miraculous enzyme. Anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory and anti-biofilm activity of serratiopeptidase making it useful in reducing pain and swelling associated with various conditions including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, swelling, pain and also thrombolytic disorders. It breaks down fibrin, thins the fluids formed during inflammation and due to its anti-biofilm activity, can be used in the combination of antibiotics to reduce development of antibiotic resistance. However, some drawbacks like sensitivity to environmental conditions and low penetration into cells due to its large size have limited its usage as a potent pharmaceutical agent. To overcome such limitations, improved versions of the enzyme were introduced using protein engineering in our previous studies. Novel functional serratiopeptidases with shorter length and higher stability have seemingly created a hope for using this enzyme as a more effective therapeutic enzyme. This review explains the structural properties and functional aspects of serratiopeptidase, its main characteristics and properties, pre-clinical and clinical applications of the enzyme, improved qualities of the modified forms, different formulations of the enzyme, and the potential future developments.

Improved anti-biofilm activity and long-lasting effects of novel serratiopeptidase immobilized on cellulose nanofibers

Today, enzymatic treatment is a progressive field in combating biofilm producing pathogens. In this regard, serratiopeptidase, a medicinally important metalloprotease, has been recently highlighted as an enzyme with proved anti-biofilm activity. In the present study, in order to increase the long-lasting effects of the enzyme, serratiopeptidase and the novel engineered forms with enhanced anti-biofilm activity were immobilized on the surface of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as a natural polymer with eminent properties. For this, recombinant serratiopeptidases including the native and previously designed enzymes were produced, purified and conjugated to the CNF by chemical and physical methods. Immobilization was confirmed using different scanning and microscopic methods. The enzyme activity was assessed using casein hydrolysis test. Enzyme release analysis was performed using dialysis tube method. Anti-biofilm activity of free and immobilized enzymes has been examined on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Finally, cytotoxicity of enzyme-conjugated CNFs was performed by MTT assay. The casein hydrolysis results confirmed fixation of all recombinant enzymes on CNFs by chemical method; however, inadequate fixation of these enzymes was found using cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). The AFM, FTIR, and SEM analysis confirmed appropriate conjugation of enzymes on the surface of CNFs. Immobilization of enzymes on CNFs improved the anti-biofilm activity of serratiopeptidase enzymes. Interestingly, the novel engineered serratiopeptidase (T344 [8-339ss]) exhibited the highest anti-biofilm activity in both conjugated and non-conjugated forms. In conclusion, incorporation of serratiopeptidases into CNFs improves their anti-biofilm activities without baring any cytotoxicity. KEY POINTS: • Enzymes were successfully immobilized on cellulose nanofibers using chemical method. • Immobilization of enzymes on CNFs improved their anti-biofilm activity. • T344 [8-339ss] exhibited the highest anti-biofilm activity in both conjugated and non-conjugated forms.

Identification of potential mutational hotspots in serratiopeptidase to address its poor pH tolerance issue

Serratiopeptidase is the multifunctionality metalloendopeptidase extensively employed in biopharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology. Despite its poor pH tolerance, serratiopeptidase must withstand the highly acidic environment of the gastrointestinal tract to be used as a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication. In earlier studies, post-translational deamination related mutations showed alteration in the net charge of protein's surface. Therefore, the current study aimed to enhance the acid resistance of serratiopeptidase via implementing computational interventions to screen out the most stable mutational hotspot. The methodology used in this study is as follows: (a) Higher accessibility to surface (b) 4 Å away from active site region to avoid interference with its proteolytic activity, and (c) By converting non-conserved amide residues to acidic residues. A docking study has been conducted to establish the substrate specificity and binding affinity to native and mutant proteins. The docking outcomes were then validated using molecular dynamic simulations to clarify each mutant's molecular stability and conformation while preserving their activity. The results showed that N412D is the best-screened mutant with negative electrostatic potential that can alter the overall charge on the protein's surface with increased H+ ions. Alteration in overall charge leads to protein surface more acidic that causes a common ion effect in stomach pH and act as a buffer which could stabilize the serratiopeptidase amid extreme pH.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Does serratiopeptidase prevent thoracic surgery in patients of hydropneumothorax of tubercular aetiology?

Background

Tubercular hydropneumothorax is commonly seen in Indian hospitals. Anti-tuberculosis drugs and intercostal drainage tube (ICD) insertion are the mainstays of treatment. But many patients have to be referred to thoracic surgery for surgical management. This study aims to evaluate the role of serratiopeptidase in successful resolution of tubercular hydropneumothorax and avoidance of thoracic surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study on 28 patients that were admitted to extrapulmonary TB ward of our hospital. All patients were given anti-TB drugs according to national guidelines and underwent ICD tube insertion. Out of 28 patients recruited, 19 suffering severe chest pain received serratiopeptidase containing analgesic tablets and nine patients of the control group not having severe chest pain received non-serratiopeptidase containing analgesic tablets. Both groups were compared on the basis of successful ICD tube removal. The results were analysed using Chi-square statistic with Yates correction.

Results

Of the 19 patients in the intervention group who received serratiopeptidase, 16 had successful recovery while three had to undergo thoracic surgery. Of the nine patients in the comparison group, only one had a successful recovery while the other eight had to be referred to thoracic surgery with ICD tube in situ. The outcome showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups, in terms of ICD tube removal and avoidance of thoracic surgery, with a P value of < 0.001.

Conclusion

We conclude that the addition of serratiopeptidase to anti-tubercular drugs regimen can lead to better clinical outcomes and avoidance of thoracic surgery, in patients of tubercular hydropneumothorax.

Profiling the disintegration of BRPs released by massive wasp stings using serratiopeptidase: An in-silico insight

Serratiopeptidase is a multifaceted therapeutic enzyme renowned for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-biofilm, fibrinolytic, and anti-edemic properties. It is vital to uncover more about the assets of such efficacious enzyme in order to facilitate their contribution in all health-related issues, notably inflammatory ailments. The current study sought to determine whether serratiopeptidase would disintegrate bradykinin related peptides (BRPs) from wasp venom in the same manner as it does with human bradykinin. To accomplish this objective, we docked selected BRPs onto the binding pocket of wild and previously identified mutant (N412D) of serratiopeptidase. Based on their docked scores, the top two BRPs were selected, and their conformational behavior was analyzed employing molecular dynamics studies. Additionally, thermodynamics end-state energy analysis reported that both the complexes exhibited higher stability and identical ΔG values when compared to the reference complex. Further, we condemned the external pulling forces on both peptides to observe the force needed in the disassociation process to endorse the binding affinity findings in terms of unbinding mechanism. This analysis suggested that BRP-7 (Wasp kinin PMM1) peptide was tightly anchored and laid out the highest pulling force to get detach from the active pocket of serratiopeptidase in contrast to the BRP-6 peptide. The current study endorses up the present findings and paves the way for serratiopeptidase to be used as an anti-angioedemic peptidase as well as a fixed-dose combination (FDC) in hypotensive drugs.

Novel serratiopeptidase exhibits different affinities to the substrates and inhibitors

The clinical application of serratiopeptidase as an anti-biofilm and anti-inflammatory agent, is restricted due to the enzyme sensitivity to the environmental conditions. In our previous study, six enzyme variants were designed by introducing different mutations and truncations that exhibited higher thermal stability. In the present study, the interaction pattern and affinity of variants to substrates and inhibitors were studied using molecular docking and in-vitro studies. CABS-dock and Swiss-dock servers were used for substrate (Bradykinin and Substance-P) and inhibitor (Lisinopril and EDTA) docking, respectively. The interactions were analyzed using LigPlot, UCSF Chimera, and VMD packages. Free energy calculations were performed using PRODIGY. Finally, the native enzyme and the best variant in terms of interaction pattern and binding score were selected for in-vitro affinity analysis towards Bradykinin and EDTA using HPLC and casein hydrolysis test, respectively. Molecular docking revealed that T344 [8-339ss] variant showed a different pattern for both substrates and inhibitors in the way that none of the native active site residues were involved in the receptor binding. As revealed by in-vitro studies, T344 [8-339ss] displayed the highest number of hydrogen bond formation in docking with Bradykinin and remarkable decrement in the binding affinity for EDTA. This was the first report on the design of novel serratiopeptidase with higher activity to Bradykinin and improved resistance to EDTA as an inhibitor.

Design, expression and functional assessment of novel engineered serratiopeptidase analogs with enhanced protease activity and thermal stability

Serratiopeptidase is a bacterial protease that has been used medicinally in variety of applications. Though, some drawbacks like sensitivity to environmental conditions and low penetration into cells limited its usage as a potent pharmaceutical agent. This study aimed to produce four novel truncated serratiopeptidase analogs with different lengths and possessing one disulfide bridge, in order to enhance protease activity and thermal stability of this enzyme. Mutagenesis and truncation were performed using specific primers by conventional and overlap PCR. The recombinant proteins were expressed in E. coli cells then purified and their protease activity and stability were checked at different pH and temperatures in comparison to the native form of the enzyme, Serra473. Enzyme activity assay showed that T306 [12-302 ss] was not further active which could be due to the large truncation. However, T344 [8-339 ss], T380 [8-339 ss] and T380 [12-302 ss] proteins showed higher proteolytic activity comparing to Serra473. These analogs were active at temperatures of 25-90 °C and pH 6-9.5. Interestingly, remaining enzyme activity of T344 [8-339 ss], T380 [8-339 ss] and T380 [12-302 ss] forms at 90 °C calculated as 87, 83 and 86 percent, respectively, comparing to the activity at room temperature. However, residual activity at the same conditions was 50% for the full length enzyme. Formation of disulfide bond in engineered serratiopeptidases could be the main reason for higher thermal stability compared to Serra473. Thermostability of T344 [8-339 ss], as the most thermostable designed serratiopeptidase, was additionally confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry.

Purification and characterization of thermoactive serratiopeptidase from Serratia marcescens AD-W2

Serratiopeptidase is a proteolytic enzyme extensively used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug. Present work reports a thermoactive serratiopeptidase from Serratia marcescens AD-W2, a soil isolate from the North-Western Himalayan region of India. The extracellular metalloprotease has been purified by a simple two-step procedure resulting in a specific activity of 20,492 Units/mg protein with 5.28-fold purification. The molecular mass of the metalloprotease, as determined by SDS-PAGE was ~ 51 kDa. The purified serratiopeptidase presented optimum activity at pH 9.0, temperature 50 °C and stability in wide pH and temperature range. Critical temperature of 50 °C confirmed the thermoactivity of the purified serratiopeptidase. The kinetic studies of the purified serratiopeptidase revealed V_max and K_m of 57,256 Units/mL and 1.57 mg/mL, respectively, for casein. The purified serratiopeptidase from S. marcescens AD-W2 was found to be 100% identical to serralysin from Serratia marcescens ATCC 21074/E-15. The catalytic domain comprising of Zn coordinated with three histidine residues (His192, His196, His202), along with glutamate (Glu193) and tyrosine (Tyr232) residues, further confirmed that the purified protein is identical to serralysin.

Serratiopeptidase: Insights into the therapeutic applications

Therapeutic applications of enzymes have been widely accepted in clinical practices for decades. Proteolytic enzymes in particular, have been used for the treatment of diseases and disorders. Serratiopeptidase is a proteolytic enzyme having immense applications in therapeutic areas which have been validated by several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies as well as through anecdotal evidences. These applications are attributable to its versatile properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-biofilm, analgesic, anti-edemic, and fibrinolytic effects. The significant impact of serratiopeptidase reported needs to be backed by more scientific data. This review encompasses the details of therapeutic applications of serratiopeptidase based on available in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. We found some strong evidences regarding the efficacy of serratiopeptidase. However data on safety, tolerability, and its mechanism of action need detailing. This review aims to further explore the available literature on serratiopeptidase as well as provide scientific details for existing applications.

Escherichia coli strain engineering for enhanced production of serratiopeptidase for therapeutic applications

Serratiopeptidase is an extracellular zinc-containing metalloprotease that is produced by Serratia marcescens having molecular weight of about 53kD. It has shown therapeutic (anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrinolytic and analgesic) as well as industrial applications (detergents, food processing, leather, paper and brewing etc.). The evolution of Serratia marcescens as an opportunistic pathogen associated with various infections has led researchers to think and develop an alternate strategy for its industrial production. The study presents successful cloning, expression and purification of active serratiopeptidase, using Escherichia coli BL21 [DE3] and pET SUMO vector followed by optimization of synthetic media and culture conditions for enhanced serratiopeptidase production. Initial optimization of physical parameters was done followed by a screening of different carbon and nitrogen sources. The significant media components for serratiopeptidase production as shown by factorial screening experiment were subjected to Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based optimization. The optimized media yielded 86 mg L^-1 of biologically active refolded serratiopeptidase from 20 g L^-1 wet weight of induced pellet as predicted by the equation. The success of the application of a statistical model for designing an optimized media for enhanced serratiopeptidase production also suggests a new insight for the scale-up of serratiopeptidase towards industrial applications.

Production and Expression Optimization of Heterologous Serratiopeptidase

BACKGROUND

Serratiopeptidase is a bacterial metalloprotease, which is useful for the treatment of pain and inflammation. It breaks down fibrin, thins the fluids formed during inflammation and acts as an anti-biofilm agent. Because of medicinally important role of the enzyme, we aimed to study the cloning and the expression optimization of serratiopeptidase.

METHODS

The heat-stable serratiopeptidase (5d7w) was selected as the template. Cloning into pET28a expression vector was performed and confirmed by colony PCR and double restriction enzyme digestion. The recombinant protein was expressed in Esherichia coli BL21 and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Different parameters such as expression vector, culture media, post-induction incubation temperature, inducer concentration, and post-induction incubation time were altered to obtain the highest amount of the recombinant protein.

RESULTS

Serratiopeptidase was successfully cloned and expressed under optimized conditions in E. coli which confirmed by western blot analysis. The optimal conditions of expression were determined using pQE30 as vector, cultivating the host bacteria in Terrific Broth (TB) medium, at 37° C, induction by IPTG concentration equal to 0.5 mM, and cells were harvested 4 h after induction.

CONCLUSION

As serratiopeptidase is a multi-potent enzyme, the expressed recombinant protein can be considered as a valuable agent for pharmaceutical applications in further studies.

Enhanced production of recombinant serratiopeptidase in Escherichia coli and its characterization as a potential biosimilar to native biotherapeutic counterpart

BACKGROUND

Serratia marcescens, a Gram-negative nosocomial pathogen secretes a 50 kDa multi-domain zinc metalloprotease called serratiopeptidase. Broad substrate specificity of serratiopeptidase makes it suitable for detergent and food processing industries The protein shows potent anti-inflammatory, anti-edemic, analgesic, antibiofilm activity and sold as an individual or fixed-dose enteric-coated tablets combined with other drugs. Although controversial, serratiopeptidase as drug is used in the treatment of chronic sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains, torn ligaments, and postoperative inflammation. Since the native producer of serratiopeptidase is a pathogenic microorganism, the current production methods need to be replaced by alternative approaches. Heterologous expression of serratiopeptidase in E. coli was tried before but not found suitable due to the limited yield, and other expression related issues due to its inherent proteolytic activity such as cytotoxicity, cell death, no expression, minimal expression, or inactive protein accumulation.

RESULTS

Recombinant expression of mature form serratiopeptidase in E. coli seems toxic and resulted in the failure of transformation and other expression related issues. Although E. coli C43(DE3) cells, express protein correctly, the yield was compromised severely. Optimization of protein expression process parameters such as nutrient composition, induction point, inducer concentration, post-induction duration, etc., caused significant enhancement in serratiopeptidase production (57.9 ± 0.73% of total cellular protein). Expressed protein formed insoluble, enzymatically inactive inclusion bodies, and gave 40-45 mg/l homogenous (> 98% purity) biologically active and conformationally similar serratiopeptidase to the commercial counterpart upon refolding and purification.

CONCLUSION

Expression of mature serratiopeptidase in E. coli C43(DE3) cells eliminated the protein expression associated with toxicity issues. Further optimization of process parameters significantly enhanced the overexpression of protein resulting in the higher yield of pure and functionally active recombinant serratiopeptidase. The biological activity and conformational features of recombinant serratiopeptidase were very similar to the commercially available counterpart suggesting it-a potential biosimilar of therapeutic and industrial relevance.

The Potential of Serratiopetidase and Lumbrokinase for the Degradation of Prion Peptide 106-126 - an In Vitro and In Silico Perspective

BACKGROUND

PrPC is a host-encoded prion protein, which gets post translationally modified into a transmissible, β-sheet rich disease associated protein called PrPSc, responsible for the Prion disease including mad cow disease in cattle and CJD in humans. The PrP 106-126 region in PrPSc peptide initiates the conformational change in that protein leading to fibrillation. Any agent that can destabilize or disintegrate such proteins can be served as a potential drug candidate for Prion diseases.

METHODS

In the present study, an enzyme Lumbrokinase (LK) was isolated from earthworm and its activity was exploited towards PrP 106-126 amyloids in vitro along with another enzyme Serratiopeptidase (SP) taking Nattokinase (NK) as a standard.

RESULTS

The results showed that PrP 106-126 amyloid formation was inhibited by both LK and SP, as evidenced from Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. Further, the size of fibrils as estimated by dynamic light scattering, was also found to be lower at different time intervals after incubation of the prion amyloids with LK and SP. Additionally, the molecular dynamics simulation revealed the thermodynamically favorable interaction of PrP 106-126 with LK as well as with SP with high affinity.

CONCLUSION

Finally, the toxicity of the disintegrated amyloids was assessed using PC12 cell lines which showed higher cell viability in case of LK and SP treated amyloids compared to only PrP 106- 126 amyloid treatment. Altogether, the study concluded that the serine proteases like LK and SP have the potential to disintegrate PrP 106-126 amyloids with improved cell viability. The in vivo studies are needed to be executed in future.

Purification and characterization of a metalloprotease produced by the C8 isolate of Serratia marcescens using silkworm pupae or casein as a protein source

Serratiopeptidase, a metalloprotease produced by Serratia marcescens, is produced through a fermentation process using carbohydrates and proteins as carbon and nitrogen sources. However, some byproducts of the silk industry could be an alternative source for serratiopeptidase production. Therefore, the present work is focused on the purification and characterization of a serratiopeptidase produced from the C8 isolate of Serratia marcescens and obtained from a Colombian silkworm hybrid using casein or silkworm pupae. The protease was purified using ultrafiltration, anion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography. The purified enzyme showed a molecular weight of ~50 kDa with a purity above 96%, an isoelectric point of ~4.6, optimum pH and temperature of 6 and 50 °C, and stability at 4 °C for one month. The kinetic constants using azocasein as substrate were 0.63 mM (K_m), 2,016 μM/min (V_max), 41.41 s^-1 (K_cat), and 6.56 × 10⁷ M^-1 s^-1 (K_cat/K_m). Inhibition by 5 mM EDTA or 1,10-phenanthroline was recovered by adding Zn²⁺ at the same concentration. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated 94% homology with the sequence of serratiopeptidase produced by the E-15 strain. We purified and characterized a serratiopeptidase produced by the C8 isolate of S. marcescens in a culture medium based on a renewable source from the silk industry.

Co-delivery of curcumin and serratiopeptidase in HeLa and MCF-7 cells through nanoparticles show improved anti-cancer activity

Curcumin was employed to prepare anticancer nanoparticles (size 175 ± 15 nm) using anti-inflammatory enzyme serratiopeptidase by desolvation method. Here serratiopeptidase acted as a carrier as well as bioactive molecule in the nanoformulations. The Cur-SPD NPs (curcumin loaded serratiopeptidase nanoparticles) were characterized using DLS, FESEM and FTIR. The in vitro release behavior depicted biphasic pattern at 37 °C (pH 7.4) and release of 95% of both molecules occurred in 24 h. Serratiopeptidase not only provided stability to curcumin but also increased its effectiveness against cancer cells. These nanoparticles had anti-cancer activity in MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines as shown by cytotoxicity assay, DAPI nuclear staining, ROS production and DNA damage. The immunomodulatory tests showed that Cur-SPD NPs reduce level of IL-6 but increase TNFα level in THP1 cell lines. Structural similarity of serratiopeptidase to matrix metallo proteases (MMPs), particularly MMP8, have been found (based on low RMSD values) to induce TNFα production and play tumour suppressive role in certain cancers. Thus anti-cancer properties of Cur-SPD NPs may be attributed to synergistic effect of curcumin and serratiopeptidase. Thus results in present investigation provide an insight on role of serratiopeptidase in development of co-delivery of multifunctional nanoparticles with anti-cancer properties introduction.

Biofilms busters to improve the detection of Borrelia using PCR

Lyme disease is an affection caused by a spirochete infection called Borrelia Burgdorferi which may harbor a varied and misleading clinical symptomatology. The serology tests commonly used for diagnosis show a wide sensitivity varying from 34% to 70,5%, leaving many infected patients with false negative tests. Alternative techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could be helpful but not conclusive enough. Using biofilm busters, such as stevia and serratiopeptidase, could lead to bacterial blood release, thus increasing the spirochete load, making PCR test more sensitive, thus improving the patient's diagnosis and management.

Analytical techniques for serratiopeptidase: A review

A review is presented on different analytical techniques used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of serratiopeptidase, a proteolytic enzyme, which has recently gained importance as an anti-inflammatory agent. Efforts have been made to collate all the relevant references to the extent possible. The review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the cited analytical techniques, which will help to give insights into the methods used for estimation of serratiopeptidase as such, from clinical isolates and from its dosage forms. The review highlights the basic as well as advanced techniques performed for estimating serratiopeptidase. The techniques illustrated here have been demonstrated to be useful for qualitative and quantitative determination of serratiopeptidase and may find application in analyzing other related proteases.

The role of serratiopeptidase in the resolution of inflammation

Inflammation remains a key event during most of the diseases and physiological imbalance. Acute inflammation is an essential physiological event by immune system for a protective measure to remove cause of inflammation and failure of resolution lead to chronic inflammation. Over a period of time, a number of drugs mostly chemical have been deployed to combat acute and chronic inflammation. Recently, enzyme based anti-inflammatory drugs became popular over conventional chemical based drugs. Serratiopeptidase, a proteolytic enzyme from trypsin family, possesses tremendous scope in combating inflammation. Serine protease possesses a higher affinity for cyclooxygenase (COX-I and COX-II), a key enzyme associated with production of different inflammatory mediators including interleukins (IL), prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane (TXs) etc. Currently, arthritis, sinusitis, bronchitis, fibrocystic breast disease, and carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. are the leading inflammatory disorders that affected the entire the globe. In order to conquer inflammation, both acute and chronic world, physician mostly relies on conventional drugs. The most common drugs to combat acute inflammation are Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone and or in combination with other drugs. However, during chronic inflammation, NSAIDs are often used with steroidal drugs such as autoimmune disorders. These drugs possess several limitations such as side effects, ADR, etc. In order to overcome these limitations and complications, enzyme based drugs (anti-inflammatory) emerged, and aim for a new high since the last decade. Serine protease, the largest proteolytic family has been reported for several therapeutic applications, including anti-inflammatory. Serratiopeptidase is a leading enzyme which has a very long history in medical as an effective anti-inflammatory drug. Current study emphasizes present scenario and future prospect of serratiopeptidase as an anti-inflammatory drug. The study also illustrates a comparative analysis of conventional drugs and enzyme based therapeutic to combat inflammation.

Role of Serratiopeptidase After Surgical Removal of Impacted Molar: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Serratiopeptidase for pain, facial swelling and trismus associated with surgical removal of impacted molar is under investigation. However conclusive evidence on the use of serratiopeptidase is lacking. Hence a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies was carried out.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for eligible studies and necessary data extracted. The data were analysed using non-Cochrane mode in RevMan 5.0. 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to represent the deviation from the point estimate. The heterogeneity between the studies was assessed using Forest plot visually, I² statistics and Chi square test with a statistical P value of <0.10 to indicate statistical significance. Random-effect models were used in case of moderate to severe heterogeneity.

Results

Five studies were included for final review. Serratiopeptidase improved trismus better than corticosteroids with the MD, 95% as 4.42 [3.84, 5]. As regards to swelling, no significant difference was observed for serratiopeptidase when compared to corticosteroids. Paucity of studies precludes any conclusion for other outcome measures as well as for other comparator drugs.

Conclusion

Serratiopeptidase could be used safely and effectively to improve trismus and facial swelling after surgical removal of impacted molar.

A Randomized, Clinical Trial to Evaluate Efficacy and Tolerability of Trypsin:Chymotrypsin as Compared to Serratiopeptidase and Trypsin:Bromelain:Rutoside in Wound Management

INTRODUCTION

Systemic enzyme therapy can play an important role in maintaining normal inflammatory processes within the body and thereby helps support and speed up healing. In the course of the anti-inflammatory action, enzymes degrade damaged cells and necrotic material and, through the inactivation of mediators and toxic products, they restrict the edema and pain.

METHOD

The study conducted at Grant Medical College, Mumbai, India was a clinical trial comparing the efficacy and tolerability of three oral enzyme treatment groups-oral tablets containing trypsin:chymotrypsin (TC) (Chymoral Forte^®), serratiopeptidase (S) 5 mg oral tablets, and oral enzyme tablets containing trypsin 48 mg, bromelain 90 mg, and rutoside 100 mg (TBR)-to evaluate their healing potential in surgical wounds after orthopedic surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients were screened, randomized, and divided into three groups in 1:1:1 ratio receiving either of the three treatments. In the TC group, erythema was significantly reduced from 3.44 on day 3 to 1.16 on day 10 (p < 0.01). There was significantly better reduction in erythema scores in the TC group as compared to S and TBR groups (p < 0.05) at each follow-up visit. Similarly reduction in the local irritation, wound discharge, edema, induration, and tenderness score with TC treatment at the end of the study was significantly higher than that observed in the other two groups. In addition TC showed significant reduction in pain on the VAS scale (p < 0.01). Global assessment of response to therapy for efficacy and tolerability was reported to be good to excellent in 88% and 92% of the patients on TC as compared to 12% and 8% with S and 12% and 8% with TBR.

CONCLUSION

TC provides a better resolution of symptoms of inflammation after orthopedic surgery as compared to S and TBR, thus facilitating better wound healing. Further studies are warranted to confirm the findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry of India (Reg. No. CTRI/2011/07/001920).

Purification of serratiopeptidase from Serratia marcescens NRRL B 23112 using ultrasound assisted three phase partitioning

The ultrasound assisted three phase partitioning (UATPP) is a novel bioseparation method for separation and purification of biomolecules. In the present work, UATPP was investigated for the first time for purification of serratiopeptidase from Serratia marcescens NRRL B 23112. Effect of various process parameters such as ammonium sulphate saturation, t-butanol to crude extract ratio, pH, ultrasonic frequency, ultrasonic intensity, duty cycle and irradiation time were evaluated and optimized. The optimized conditions were found to be as follows: ammonium sulphate saturation 30% (w/v), pH 7.0, t-butanol to crude ratio 1:1 (v/v), ultrasound frequency 25 kHz, ultrasound intensity 0.05 W/cm(2), duty cycle 20% and irradiation time 5 min. The maximum purity and recovery obtained from UATPP was 9.4-fold and 96% respectively as compared to the three phase partitioning (TPP) (4.2-fo ld and 83%). Also the process time for UATPP was significantly reduced to 5 min from 1h as compared to TPP. The results indicate that, UATPP is an efficient technique for the purification of serratiopeptidase with maximum purity, recovery and reduced processing time.

Preparation, characterization and targeted delivery of serratiopeptidase immobilized on amino-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles

Targeted delivery of serratiopeptidase enzyme immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of Fe3O4 has been reported for the treatment using this enzyme. The enzyme was immobilized by covalent bonding through glutaraldehyde after amino functionalization of MNPs and parameters was studied. The enzyme bound MNPs (EMNPs) were characterized for size, crystallographic identity, phase purity, zeta potential and magnetic properties along with elemental and thermal analysis. The binding of enzyme had little effect on sizes (~10-17 nm) and on magnetic properties, but the zeta potential increased from -25 mV to +14.5 mV with surface amino groups up to 350 μmoles g(-1) MNPs, to stabilize its suspensions. In the molecular level, maximum of 17 molecules of enzyme could bind to each particle of MNPs that showed residual activity 67%, decreased KM and Vmax, good storage stability. Magnetic targeting of EMNPs increased the delivery (permeation) of drug through the membrane in in vitro study and enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats in in vivo study at much lower doses of enzyme than the doses required for treatment with free enzyme.

A new anti-infective strategy to reduce the spreading of antibiotic resistance by the action on adhesion-mediated virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a flexible microbial pathogen frequently isolated from community-acquired and nosocomial infections. S. aureus expresses a wide array of secreted and cell surface-associated virulence factors, including proteins that promote adhesion to damaged tissue and to the surface of host cells, and that bind proteins in blood to help evade immune responses. Furthermore, surface proteins have a fundamental role in virulence related properties of S. aureus, including biofilm formation. The present study evaluates the anti-infective capabilities of a secreted protein of Serratia marcescens (serratiopeptidase, SPEP), in impairing some staphylococcal virulence-related properties, such as attachment to inert surfaces and adhesion/invasion on eukaryotic cells. SPEP seems to exert its action by modulating specific proteins. It is not assessed if this action is due to the proteolytic activity of SPEP or to a specific mechanism which triggers an out/inside signal. Proteomic studies performed on surface proteins extracted from SPEP treated S. aureus cultures revealed that a number of proteins are affected by the treatment. Among these we found the adhesin/autolysin Atl, SdrD, Sbi, EF-Tu and EF-G. EF-Tu and EF-G are known to perform a variety of function, depending on their cytoplasmic or surface localization. All these factors can facilitate bacterial colonization, persistence and invasion of host tissues. Our results suggest that SPEP could be developed as a potential "anti-infective agent" capable to hinder the entry of S. aureus into human tissues, and also impairs the ability of this pathogen to adhere to prostheses, catheters and medical devices.