Therapeutic Uses of Enzymes
Enzymes are vital biological catalysts with unique abilities, making them
valuable in medicine for treating diseases and improving human health.
The Power of Biological Catalysts
Speed Up Reactions High Specificity Mild Conditions
Enzymes act as biological catalysts, They exhibit remarkable specificity, Enzymes function efficiently under mild
accelerating biochemical reactions in the interacting with specific target molecules. physiological conditions, like body
body. temperature and pH.
Enzymes: A Promising Therapeutic Approach
1 Reduced Side Effects 2 Targeted Therapy 3 Complementary Therapy
Their high specificity minimizes off- They offer targeted treatment Enzymes can be used alongside
target effects, reducing adverse options, focusing on specific conventional treatments to enhance
reactions. disease mechanisms. overall therapeutic efficacy.
Digestive Enzymes: Aiding
Digestion
Pancreatin
Used in pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas fails to produce
sufficient digestive enzymes.
Lactase
Helps individuals with lactose intolerance digest dairy products, alleviating
symptoms like bloating and gas.
Therapeutic Use of Enzymes in
Liver Disorders
Enzymes are essential for liver detoxification and metabolism.
1 Crigler-Najjar Syndrome 2 Wilson's Disease
Enzyme therapy helps remove
Treated with enzyme excess copper from liver
replacement therapy for tissue.
bilirubin metabolism.
3 Hepatitis
Enzymes reduce liver inflammation and tissue damage.
Thrombolytic Enzymes:
Dissolving Blood Clots
1 Streptokinase
A bacterial enzyme used to dissolve blood clots in heart
attacks and strokes.
2 Alteplase (tPA)
A tissue plasminogen activator, a human-derived enzyme
used for rapid clot breakdown.
Enzyme Therapy in Cancer Treatment
L-asparaginase
Deprives leukemia cells of the essential amino acid asparagine, inhibiting their growth.
Enzymes in Genetic & Respiratory Disorders
DNase I (Dornase alfa)
Breaks down thick mucus in the lungs
of cystic fibrosis patients, improving
breathing.
Enzymes in Muscle Disorders
Enzymes are essential for muscle repair, metabolism, and waste removal.
Duchenne Muscular Myasthenia Gravis
Dystrophy
Enzyme treatments show potential
Emerging enzyme therapies target in improving nerve-muscle
genetic defects in this muscle- communication.
wasting disease.
Expanding Therapeutic Applications of Enzymes
Hyaluronidase Collagenase & Papain Uricase (Rasburicase, Pegloticase)
Enhances drug absorption, allowing Aid in wound healing, promoting tissue
medications to reach target tissues more repair and reducing scarring. Breaks down uric acid in gout patients,
effectively. reducing pain and inflammation.
Challenges & Future Directions
High Cost
1 Enzyme therapy can be expensive, limiting access for some patients.
Immune Reactions
2 Some enzymes may trigger immune responses, requiring careful
monitoring.
Short Half-life
3 Frequent dosing is often necessary due to their short duration
of action.
A Promising Future for Enzyme Therapy
Gene Therapy
1
Using enzymes to deliver genes to cells, correcting genetic defects.
Targeted Cancer Therapy
2 Developing enzymes that specifically target cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy
tissues.
Stable Formulations
3 Creating more stable enzyme formulations, reducing the need
for frequent administration.
Thank You
Thank you for exploring the therapeutic uses of enzymes with me. I hope you found this presentation enlightening.
Digestive Thrombolytic Cancer Genetic Respiratory Muscle Other
As you can see in this chart, enzyme therapies are used in many different areas of medicine, with digestive enzymes representing the largest category.
