| Controlling
Inflammation with Proteolytic Enzymes
by Lane Lenard, PhD, Ward Dean, MD and
Jim English
Enzymes are the unsung heroes of the body–without
them life would be impossible. It has been estimated that the human
body contains at least 50,000 different enzymes that orchestrate
the countless biochemical reactions that control all life functions.
Enzymes also play an essential role in inflammation
and other functions of the immune system. Inflammation is one of
the body's most important mechanisms for protecting itself against
danger. If you've ever had an insect bite, a sprained ankle, a sore
throat, or a bad sunburn, you know what inflammation is. Inflammation
is the body's way of imposing a measured, temporary discomfort in
the interest of long-term health. The five cardinal symptoms of
inflammation are:
- Redness
- Heat
- Swelling
- Pain
- Restriction of Movement
These signs indicate that the body is bringing
in more blood and immune resources, like white blood cells and macrophages,
to remove microorganisms and other foreign matter. Redness is a
sign that vasodilation is allowing more blood and other fluids to
reach the affected area; local heat reflects the increased flow
of warm blood from deep within the body; swelling (edema) is caused
by the local accumulation of fluids; pain and restricted mobility
arise from the added pressure due to the swelling.
Proteolytic enzymes, such as bromelain, papain, pancreatin, trypsin,
chymotrypsin, and rutin, are essential regulators and modulators
of the inflammatory response. Among their important actions is a
seven- to ten-fold increase in the "appetite" of macrophages
and in the potency of natural killer (NK) cells. Proteolytic (protein-destroying)
enzymes also degrade pathogenic complexes that can inhibit normal
immune function. These immune complexes, which consist of an antigen
bound to an antibody, are a normal part of the immune response.
But when immune complexes occur in excess, they are a principal
cause of certain kidney diseases, nerve inflammations, and a number
of rheumatologic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Evidence
suggests that trypsin, papain, and other proteolytic enzymes can
break up existing pathogenic immune complexes and even prevent their
formation in the first place, enhancing lymphatic drainage. The
bottom line of these actions is a regulatory or stimulatory effect
on the immune system.
Proteolytic enzymes modulate the inflammatory
process by a variety of mechanisms, including reducing the swelling
of mucous membranes, decreasing capillary permeability, and dissolving
blood clot-forming fibrin deposits and microthrombi.
By reducing the viscosity (thickness) of the blood,
enzymes improve circulation. This consequently increases the supply
of oxygen and nutrients to and the transport of harmful waste products
away from traumatized tissue. Proteolytic enzymes also help break
down plasma proteins and cellular debris at the site of an injury
into smaller fragments. This greatly facilitates their passage through
the lymphatic system, resulting in more rapid resolution of swelling,
with the consequent relief of pain and discomfort.
Italian researchers have shown that the ability of proteolytic enzymes
to reduce inflammation is equal to or superior to four powerful
steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Phenylbutazone,
Hydrocortisone, Indomethacin, and Acetylsalicylic Acid.
Although individual proteolytic enzymes are useful,
the extraordinary combination of these enzymes yields a combination
greater than its sum. Systemic multi-enzyme therapy has proved helpful
in cases of arthritis and related diseases, offering a wide range
of benefits relative to anti-inflammatory, vasculoprotective, and
immuno-modulatory effects. |
