Flaxseed Cysteine Protease Exhibits Strong Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet, and Clot-Dissolving Properties

Kenaf Seed Cysteine Protease (KSCP) Inhibits the Intrinsic Pathway of the Blood Coagulation Cascade and Platelet Aggregation

BACKGROUND

Thrombosis is the key event that obstructs the flow of blood throughout the circulatory system, leading to stroke, myocardial infarction and severe cardiovascular complications. Currently, available antithrombotic drugs trigger several life-threatening side effects.

INTRODUCTION

Antithrombotic agents from natural sources devoid of adverse effects are grabbing high attention. In our previous study, we reported the antioxidant, anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties of kenaf seed protein extract. Therefore, in the current study, purification and characterization of cysteine protease from kenaf seed protein extract responsible for potential antithrombotic activity was undertaken.

METHODS

Purification of KSCP (Kenaf Seed Cysteine Protease) was carried out using gel permeation and ion exchange column chromatography. The purity of the enzyme was evaluated by SDS PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl-Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis). RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-Of-Flight) and CD (Circular Dichroism techniques) were employed for its characterization. Proteolytic, fibrinolytic and kinetic study was done using spectroscopy. Plasma recalcification time, Prothrombin Time (PT), Thrombin clotting time (TCT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), bleeding time and platelet aggregation studies were carried out for antithrombotic activity of KSCP.

RESULT

A single sharp band of KSCP was observed under both reduced and non-reduced conditions, having a molecular mass of 24.1667kDa. KSCP was found to contain 30.3% helix turns and 69.7% random coils without a beta-pleated sheet. KSCP digested casein and fibrin, and its activity was inhibited by iodoacetic acid (IAA). KSCP was optimally active at pH 6.0 at the temperature of 40°C. KSCP exhibited anticoagulant properties by interfering in the intrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade. Furthermore, KSCP dissolved both whole blood and plasma clots and platelet aggregation.

CONCLUSION

KSCP purified from kenaf seed extract showed antithrombotic potential. Hence, it could be a better candidate for the management of thrombotic complications.

Mahmoud E, Elansary HO, Sannaningaiah D. Effect of Biofunctional Green Synthesized MgO-Nanoparticles on Oxidative-Stress-Induced Tissue Damage and Thrombosis

The present study describes the green biofunctional synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles using the aqueous Tarenna asiatica fruit extract. The characterization of Tarenna asiatica fruit extract MgO nanoparticles (TAFEMgO NPs) was achieved by X-ray powder diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, SEM, and energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction. TAFEMgO NPs scavenged the DPPH free radicals with an IC50 value of 55.95 μg/μL, and it was highly significant compared to the standard. To authenticate the observed antioxidant potential of TAFEMgO NPs, oxidative stress was induced in red blood cells (RBC) using sodium nitrite (NaNO₂). Interestingly, TAFEMgO NPs ameliorated the RBC damage from oxidative stress by significantly restoring the stress parameters, such as the protein carbonyl content (PCC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total thiol (TT), super-oxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, oxidative stress was induced in-vivo in Sprague Dawley female rats using diclofenac (DFC). TAFEMgO NPs normalized the stress parameters in-vivo and minimized the oxidative damage in tissues. Most importantly, TAFEMgO NPs restored the function and architecture of the damaged livers, kidneys, and small intestines by regulating biochemical parameters. TAFEMgO NPs exhibited an anticoagulant effect by increasing the clotting time from 193 s in the control to 885 s in the platelet rich plasma. TAFEMgO NPs prolonged the formation of the clot process in the activated partial thromboplastin time and the prothrombin time, suggest the effective involvement in both intrinsic and extrinsic clotting pathways of the blood coagulation cascade. TAFEMgO NPs inhibited adenosine di-phosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation. TAFEMgO NPs did not show hemolytic, hemorrhagic, and edema-inducing properties at the tested concentration of 100 mg/kgbody weight, suggesting its non-toxic property. In conclusion, TAFEMgO NPs mitigates the sodium nitrite (NaNO₂)- and diclofenac (DFC)-induced stress due to oxidative damage in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Oilseed Extracts from Local Markets as Promising Coagulant Agents for Milk from Various Mammalian Species

The aim of this study was to identify novel milk coagulants to be used in cheesemaking. For this purpose, aqueous extracts from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), flax (Linum usitatissimum) and sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds were tested for their caseinolytic (CA) and milk coagulating properties (MCA) in skim milk at temperatures of 25, 37, 50, 65 and 80 °C. The seed oil samples with the highest temperature ranges in regard to coagulation efficiency were then tested in cow, buffalo, goat and sheep milks and the MCA and curd yield (CY) parameters were measured at different temperatures. Due to their high milk coagulation efficiency (CE) in all types of milk and at different temperatures, the sesame and sunflower seed extracts proved to be particularly interesting and their CY parameters were similar to those obtained with animal rennet. Moreover, our results confirm that oilseed coagulants are capable of coagulating milk and can also be considered as potential animal rennet substitutes. This study provides valuable insights into the development of potential vegetable coagulants that could be used for various production processes aimed at specific target consumers.