title: Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase.
abstract: The existence of a potent fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase, NK) in the traditional fermented food called 'natto', was reported by us previously. It was confirmed that oral administration of NK (or natto) produced a mild and frequent enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in the plasma, as indicated by the fibrinolytic parameters, and the production of tissue plasminogen activator. NK capsules were also administered orally to dogs with experimentally induced thrombosis, and lysis of the thrombi was observed by angiography. The results obtained suggest that NK represents a possible drug for use not only in the treatment of embolism but also in the prevention of the disease, since NK has a proven safety and can be massproduced.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Miyazaki Medical College, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sumi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hamada
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nakanishi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hiratani
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005342:Fibrinolysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013025:Glycine max; D013381:Subtilisins; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; D013381:Subtilisins; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator; C053771:nattokinase