The recombinant plant Bauhinia bauhinioides elastase inhibitor reduces rat thrombus without alterations in hemostatic parameters

Sci Rep. 2021 Jun 29;11(1):13475. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-92745-4.

Abstract

The anti-inflammatory effects of the plant protease inhibitor BbCI (Bauhinia bauhinioides cruzipain inhibitor), which blocks elastase, cathepsin G, and L, and proteinase 3 has been demonstrated. Here, we investigated the recombinant rBbCI-His(6) (containing a histidine tail) in an experimental venous thrombosis model of vena cava (VC) ligature in rats, comparing to heparin. We evaluate the effects of the inhibitors (native or recombinant) or heparin on the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) in human and rat plasmas. The rats undergoing treatment received a saline solution or increasing concentrations of rBbCI-His(6), heparin, or a mixture of both. After 4 h of ligature VC, thrombus, if present was removed and weighed. aPTT, PT, and cytokines were measured in blood collected by cardiac puncture. aPTT, PT, and bleeding time (BT) were also measured at the time of VC (vena cava) ligature. rBbCI-His(6) (0.45 or 1.40 mg/kg) does not alter aPTT, PT or BT. No differences in coagulation parameters were detected in rBbCI-His(6) treated rats at the time of VC ligature or when the thrombus was removed. There was a significant decrease in the weight of thrombus in the animals of the groups treated with the rBbCI-His(6) (1.40 mg/kg), with the rBbCI-His(6) mixture (1.40 mg/kg) + heparin (50 IU/kg) and heparin (100 IU/kg) in relation to control group (saline). The growth-related oncogene/keratinocyte chemoattractant (GRO/KC) serum levels in rats treated with rBbCI-His(6) (1.40 mg/kg) or heparin (200 IU/kg) were reduced. In the experimental model used, rBbCI-His(6) alone had an antithrombotic effect, not altering blood clotting or bleeding time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bauhinia / enzymology*
  • Bauhinia / genetics
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Elastase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Pancreatic Elastase / blood
  • Partial Thromboplastin Time
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / genetics
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Thrombosis* / blood
  • Thrombosis* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Pancreatic Elastase