Probiotic Bacterial Enzymes and Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are major contributors to chronic heart disease and global death. Haemostasis is a mechanism that regulates anticoagulation or fibrinolysis and coagulation of blood. The improper regulation of haemostasis may lead to CVD like myocardial infarctions which develop when there is a blood clot or fibrin accumulation in the blood vessels leading to improper blood flow, an increase in the viscosity of blood and ultimately to the elevation of blood pressure. To maintain normal blood flow, fibrinolytic enzymes are required to be introduced intravenously to reduce the clot. Fibrinolytic drugs like streptokinase, urokinase, and alteplase are commercially available, but these drugs come along with undesirable effects and high cost. Therefore, alternative sources of fibrinolytic enzymes which are safer and cost-effective are preferable. Nattokinase isolated from Bacillus isolates of Natto, a Japanese fermented soybean product, was successfully studied for its application in oral as well as intravenous administration without any allergic reaction which indicated effective results. It has also been reported that some Bacillus isolates from traditionally fermented products are good sources of fibrinolytic enzymes which can be bioprospected for their industrial applications.