Diverse Origins of Fibrinolytic Enzymes: A Comprehensive Review

This comprehensive review explores the diverse origins of fibrinolytic enzymes, emphasizing their potential in thrombolytic therapy and highlighting limitations of current thrombolytic drugs. It discusses enzymes from microbial and non-microbial sources, particularly those in fermented foods, for their high specificity, low production costs, and reduced toxicity. The review categorizes fibrinolytic enzymes into serine proteases, metalloproteases, and serine metalloproteases, noting their distinct mechanisms and applications. It highlights enzymes like nattokinase from natto and lumbrokinase from earthworms for their therapeutic potential. Despite promising in vitro results, further in vivo studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. The review calls for more research into fibrinolytic enzymes from diverse food sources beyond Asia to enhance therapeutic options and develop functional foods with health benefits.