Zinc enhances enzyme activity minimallyLeast hemolytic, 12.6 kDa, plasmin-like fibrinolytic protease from marine Penicillium steckii KU1.
We explored the effects of a newly discovered fibrinolytic enzyme from the marine fungus Penicillium steckii KU1, particularly its interaction with zinc in the context of blood clot dissolution. This enzyme, which has a molecular weight of 12.6 kDa, is a plasmin-like protein that becomes more active in the presence of zinc. While it effectively dissolves blood clots, achieving complete dissolution in just 30 minutes with a specific concentration, we also observed that its activity is significantly inhibited by certain agents like EDTA.
Interestingly, the enzyme demonstrated a low level of hemolysis at just 2.60%, indicating that it could be a safer alternative for thrombolytic therapy. However, it's important to note that while zinc enhances the enzymatic activity, the isolated effects of zinc on blood clot breakdown remain somewhat unclear due to the enzyme's overall presence.
This research highlights the potential of the marine-derived enzyme and the role of zinc, suggesting that further studies could provide deeper insights into improving thrombolytic treatments. These findings could be significant for enhancing the safety and effectiveness of therapies designed for clot management.
Read More
Zinc benefits blood clot healingA new hemostatic agent composed of Zn-enriched Ca alginate activates vascular endothelial cells and promotes tissue repair .
We investigated how a new hemostatic agent, HEMO-IONIC®, which is enriched with zinc and made from calcium alginate, influences blood clotting and tissue repair. Our focus was on how this innovative compress can help control bleeding while also promoting healing after surgery.
In our study, we compared the effects of HEMO-IONIC with other common hemostatic products, like Surgicel® and TachoSil®. What we found was impressive: HEMO-IONIC not only effectively helped to achieve hemostasis, but it also supported the health of vascular endothelial cells, which are crucial for tissue repair.
Unlike Surgicel, which showed high cytotoxicity, and TachoSil, which inhibited cell migration, HEMO-IONIC promoted the migration of endothelial cells and increased angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels. This means that it not only helps stop bleeding but also enhances the body's natural repair processes by attracting essential healing cells and speeding up the maturation of the extracellular matrix.
Overall, we found that using HEMO-IONIC at the end of surgical procedures has long-term positive effects on every phase of tissue repair, making it a promising alternative to traditional hemostatic agents.
Read More
Vitamin C aids tendon healingThe effect of fibrin clot and C vitamin on the surgical treatment of Achilles tendon injury in the rat model✰.
In our investigation, we looked at how vitamin C, in combination with a fibrin clot, influences the healing of Achilles tendon injuries in rats. We used 52 adult Wistar-Albino rats and divided them into four distinct groups to assess various treatments.
The results showed that vitamin C, when paired with fibrin clot, significantly improved tendon healing. Not only did it enhance the mechanical strength of the tendon, but it also led to better histological and biochemical outcomes, suggesting a more robust healing process. We noted increased levels of important growth factors in the groups treated with fibrin clot and vitamin C.
Importantly, the findings indicated that vitamin C plays a beneficial role in recovery, especially when combined with other treatment strategies. While further research may be necessary to fully understand its isolated effects, the data suggests that vitamin C is a valuable component in the healing bundle for Achilles tendon injuries.
Read More
Vitamin C enhances blood clottingAscorbic acid improves thrombotic function of platelets during living donor liver transplantation by modulating the function of the E3 ubiquitin ligases c-Cbl and Cbl-b.
We sought to understand how ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, impacts blood clotting during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In our study, we analyzed blood samples from 21 recipients before and after their surgeries.
We employed a well-structured approach, using rotational thromboelastography (TEG) and western blot analysis to scrutinize fibrinolysis and the functionality of specific proteins involved in clotting. Blood samples were tested in three distinct groups, one receiving vitamin C, to see its effects on clot rigidity and fibrinolysis.
Our findings revealed that ascorbic acid notably reduced fibrinolysis, which refers to the breakdown of blood clots, and improved the rigidity of the clots formed. Additionally, we observed that levels of a protein called Cbl-b were higher in those receiving vitamin C, while another protein, c-Cbl, showed reduced phosphorylation. These functional changes might explain how vitamin C supports better clotting during surgeries.
This study indicates that vitamin C could be a beneficial treatment to consider during LDLT to manage hyperfibrinolysis, thus promoting better outcomes for patients undergoing these complex procedures.
Read More
Vitamin D counteracts blood clottingVitamin D Inhibits IL-6 Pro-Atherothrombotic Effects in Human Endothelial Cells: A Potential Mechanism for Protection against COVID-19 Infection?
Our research focused on understanding how Vitamin D (VitD) might influence blood clotting, especially in the context of COVID-19. We found that when human endothelial cells were exposed to IL-6—an inflammatory cytokine associated with severe COVID-19—it led to dysfunction in these cells. This dysfunction was marked by increased levels of Tissue Factor (TF) and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), which promote blood clotting.
Remarkably, when we treated these endothelial cells with VitD, we observed a reversal of these harmful effects. VitD appeared to inhibit the expression of TF and CAMs and even modulated the levels of the ACE2 receptor, which is crucial for the entry of the virus into cells. Our findings suggest that VitD could play a protective role against the blood clotting complications associated with COVID-19 by counteracting IL-6's effects on endothelial cells.
Overall, this study paves the way for further research into VitD as a potential therapeutic option for mitigating thrombotic risks in COVID-19 patients.
Read More