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In vitro rheological assessment of mucolytic activity induced by seaprose
P C Braga1, C Rampoldi, A Ornaghi
1Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Proteolytic enzymes can act on the polymeric structure of the bronchial mucus, shortening the long chain of mucoproteins, DNA and other macromolecules, and thus reducing the viscosity of the mucus facilitating its expectoration. Seaprose (Flaminase, Puropharma) belongs to this class and is a proteinase from Aspergillus melleus and it is mainly used in traumatology, orthopaedics, gynaecology and pneumology. In the present study the in vitro activity of increasing concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1%) of seaprose incubated with bronchial mucus samples (1 ml) was investigated by a rheological technique (transient test) that assesses changes in viscosity and elasticity. A dose-effect relationship between increasing concentrations of seaprose and the corresponding reductions in bronchial mucus viscosity was found. There was also a parallel reduction in elasticity after incubation with 0.5%, but an unfortunate distribution of values for 0.25 and 1% concentrations does not allow us to state whether there is a dose-effect relationship for elasticity.
Insights
Seaprose, a proteolytic enzyme, effectively reduces bronchial mucus viscosity in vitro. This study demonstrates a dose-dependent effect, aiding mucus expectoration in respiratory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Proteolytic enzymes modify mucus structure by breaking down macromolecules.
- Seaprose (Flaminase) is a proteinase from Aspergillus melleus used clinically.
- Bronchial mucus viscosity impacts expectoration and respiratory health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro efficacy of Seaprose on bronchial mucus.
- To determine the dose-dependent effect of Seaprose on mucus rheology.
Main Methods:
- In vitro incubation of bronchial mucus with varying Seaprose concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%).
- Rheological transient test to measure changes in viscosity and elasticity.
- Analysis of dose-effect relationship.
Main Results:
- A clear dose-dependent reduction in bronchial mucus viscosity was observed with increasing Seaprose concentrations.
- Mucus elasticity decreased at 0.5% Seaprose.
- Inconclusive results for elasticity at 0.25% and 1% due to data distribution.
Conclusions:
- Seaprose demonstrates significant potential in reducing bronchial mucus viscosity.
- Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the effect on mucus elasticity.
- Seaprose may be a valuable therapeutic agent for conditions involving viscous mucus.