Peptidase

Peptidase

Peptidase, also known as protease or proteinase, is a type of proteolytic enzyme (digestive enzyme) that helps break down proteins in the body. This type of enzyme occurs naturally in the digestive, immune and blood circulation systems. Peptidase is considered a crucial element in the human body because it plays a role in protecting against inflammatory conditions, regulating immune function, and proper protein synthesis. Commonly found in pineapple, papaya, whole grains and other high fiber fruits and vegetables, peptidase is also available as supplements in many health food stores.

Health Benefits of Peptidase

Supplementing on peptidase has a wide array of proven health benefits to offer. This includes:

Relief from Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is characterized by an abnormal immune response to a type of protein called gluten which is found in barley, rye and other grains. This damages the inside of your small intestine, resulting to malabsorption of essential nutrients. Interestingly, one study found that in patients with celiac disease, peptidase deficiency is common, indicating that peptidase supplementation can be beneficial.^[1] Another study found that enzyme supplementation, particularly peptidase, can accelerate gastrointestinal degradation of gluten in patients with celiac disease, which leads to significant reduction in symptoms and improved nutritional absorption.^[2]     

Stronger Immune System

There is increasing evidence that peptidase can help boost the immune function and prevent various diseases. Results from two studies show that certain types of peptidase can help regulate immune function by enhancing the activity of T cells and other immune system cells.^[3-4]   

Anti-inflammatory

Proteolytic enzymes such as peptidase possess anti-inflammatory properties. In one study assessing the effects of peptidase supplementation on muscle soreness, participants who consumed 2 peptidase tablets four times daily a day prior to downhill running demonstrated superior recovery and diminished effects of delayed-onset muscle soreness when compared to those who took placebo.^[5] This finding is consistent with the results of other studies that assessed the anti-inflammatory properties of peptidase.^[6-8]  According to these studies, peptidase and other proteolytic enzymes reduce inflammation by neutralizing pro-inflammatory substances to levels where the regeneration of damaged tissues can begin. This simply means that proteolytic enzymes do not completely suppress all phases of the inflammatory process to a point where your body cannot activate the normal healing process.

Improved Blood Circulation

One study revealed that peptidase can help regulate normal blood clotting mechanism by improving blood circulation.^[9] The specific mechanism by which peptidase exerts this effect is by preventing platelet adhesion and breaking down substances that can cause blood clots.

Healthy Heart

Atherosclerosis, a condition in which harmful plaques build up inside the arteries, is the leading cause of heart disease. Interestingly, one laboratory study found that proteolytic enzymes can help break down and prevent the formation of these plaques, thereby improving blood flow to the heart and other vital organs. This in turn can significantly lower one’s risk for heart disease.

References:

1. Cornell HJ, Townley RR. Investigation of possible intestinal peptidase deficiency in coeliac disease. Clin Chim Acta. 1973;43(1):113-25.
2. Sollid LM, Khosla C. Future therapeutic options for celiac disease. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2005;2(3):140-7.
3. Hildebrandt M, Reutter W, Arck P, Rose M, Klapp BF. A guardian angel: the involvement of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in psychoneuroendocrine function, nutrition and immune defence. Clin Sci. 2000;99(2):93-104.
4. Aytac U, Dang NH. CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV: a regulator of immune function and a potential molecular target for therapy. Curr Drug Targets Immune Endocr Metabol Disord. 2004;4(1):11-8.
5. Miller PC, Bailey SP, Barnes ME, Derr SJ, Hall EE. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and DOMS following downhill running. J Sports Sci. 2004;22(4):365-72.
6. Ambrus JC, Lassman HB, Marchijj DE. Absorption of exogenous and endogenous proteolytic enzymes. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1967;8(3):362-367.
7. Vakians A. Further studies on the absorption of chymotrypsin. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1964:5(6):712-715.
8. Miller J, Opher A. Increased proteolytic activity of human blood serum after oral administration of bromelain. Exp Med Surg 1964;22:277.
9. Olson ST, Richard B, Izaguirre G, Schedin-Weiss S, Gettins PGW. Molecular mechanisms of antithrombin-heparin regulation of blood clotting proteinases. a paradigm for understanding proteinase regulation by serpin family protein proteinase inhibitors. Biochimie. 2010;92(11):1587-1596. doi:10.1016/j.biochi.2010.05.011.