Lab Anim Res.  2013 Dec;29(4):221-225. 10.5625/lar.2013.29.4.221.

Nattokinase improves blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation

• Jang JY
• Kim TS
• Cai J
• Kim J
• Kim Y
• Shin K
• Kim KS
• Park SK
• Lee SP
• Choi EK
• Rhee MH
• Kim YB

• KMID: 1716217
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5625/lar.2013.29.4.221

Abstract

The effects of nattokinase on the in vitro platelet aggregation and in vivo thrombosis were investigated in comparison with aspirin. Rabbit platelet-rich plasma was incubated with nattokinase and aggregation inducers collagen and thrombin, and the platelet aggregation rate was analyzed. Nattokinase significantly inhibited both the collagen- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregations. Nattokinase also reduced thromboxane B2 formation from collagen-activated platelets in a concentration-dependent manner. Rats were orally administered with nattokinase for 1 week, and their carotid arteries were exposed. Arterial thrombosis was induced by applying 35% FeCl3-soaked filter paper for 10 min, and the blood flow was monitored with a laser Doppler probe. Nattokinase delayed the FeCl3-induced arterial occlusion in a dose-dependent manner, doubling the occlusion time at 160 mg/kg. In addition, a high dose (500 mg/kg) of nattokinase fully prevented the occlusion, as achieved with aspirin (30 mg/kg). The results indicate that nattokinase extracted from fermented soybean inhibit platelet aggregation by blocking thromboxane formation, and thereby delay thrombosis following oxidative arterial wall injury. Therefore, it is suggested that nattokinase could be a good candidate without adverse effects for the improvement of blood flow.

Keyword

Platelet aggregation; thromboxane B2; thrombosis; nattokinase

MeSH Terms

Animals
Aspirin
Blood Platelets*
Carotid Arteries
Collagen
Platelet Aggregation*
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Rats
Soybeans
Thrombin
Thrombosis*
Thromboxane B2
Aspirin
Collagen
Thrombin
Thromboxane B2

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Inhibition by nattokinase (400 µg/mL) or aspirin (200 µg/mL) of platelet aggregation induced by collagen (2.5 µg/mL) or thrombin (0.1 U/mL). *Significantly different from vehicle controls (collagen or thrombin alone).

• 

  Figure 2 Inhibition by nattokinase (1-1,000 µg/mL) or aspirin (100 µM) of thromboxane B2 production from rabbit platelets induced by collagen (2.5 µg/mL). *Significantly different from vehicle control.

• 

  Figure 3 Time-course of carotid arterial blood flow following FeCl3 application outside the arterial wall. Nattokinase and aspirin were orally administered for 1 week prior to FeCl3 exposure. Lower dot line indicates a practical cessation of blood flow. ●, vehicle; ▾, nattokinase 50 mg/kg; ▪, nattokinase 160 mg/kg; ♦, nattokinase 500 mg/kg; ▴, aspirin 30 mg/kg.

• 

  Figure 4 Time to occlusion of carotid arteries after application of FeCl3 to outside the arterial wall. Nattokinase (50-500 mg/kg) and aspirin (30 mg/kg) were orally administered for 1 week prior to FeCl3 exposure. *Significantly different from vehicle control.

• 

  Figure 5 Representative findings of arterial thrombi produced by FeCl3 application outside the arterial wall. Nattokinase (50-500 mg/kg) and aspirin (30 mg/kg) were orally administered for 1 week prior to FeCl3 exposure.

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