Elastase

Description

Elastase is an Endopeptidase Enzyme.

Cardiovascular System

 Excessive Elastase activity is implicated in Venous Insufficiency.

Immune System

 Elastase is released during the process of Inflammation.

Musculoskeletal System

 Elastase may be implicated in the destruction of Cartilage that occurs during the progression of Osteoarthritis.  ^[1]

Proteins

 Elastase catalyzes the breakdown of Elastin - therefore excessive Elastase activity accelerates the destruction of Elastin.

Respiratory System

 Elastase may cause irreversible damage to Alveoli by damaging or destroying the elastic fibers of Alveoli (this is one of the underlying factors in the development of Emphysema).  ^[2]

 Excessive Elastase activity may damage (attack the Elastin of) the Lungs of Cystic Fibrosis patients – when Neutrophils “sent” to fight Detrimental Bacteria growing in the Mucous of Lungs in Cystic Fibrosis patients die, they release large amounts of Elastase.

Skin

 Elastase contributes to the formation of Wrinkles (by accelerating the destruction of the Skin’s Elastin content).  ^[3]

Amino Acids

 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) may inhibit the ability of Ultra-Violet Radiation to activate Elastase.  ^[4]

Carbohydrates

 Chondroitin Sulfate (CSA-C form) may inhibit the activity of Elastase.  ^[5]

 Fucoidan may inhibit the activity of Elastase.  ^[6]

 Fucose may inhibit the activity and synthesis of Elastase.  ^[7]

 Glucosamine (probably only the N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG) form) may inhibit the activity of Elastase.  ^[8]

Lipids

 Ruscogenins (components of the Herb, Butcher’s Broom) may inhibit Elastase (and this inhibition of Elastase is believed to account for the effectiveness of Ruscogenins in the treatment and prevention of Venous Insufficiency).