Protease Information

Protease is the enzyme needed to break down protein. It serves several functions in the body, from aiding the immune system to playing an imperative role in digestion. There are several different types of protease, each serving a different purpose. A lack or deficiency in any one kind of protease can lead to serious complications.

Significance

• Because protein is a fundamental building block for amino acids and cells, living organisms must maintain protein and the ability to break it down. When food is ingested, proteases hydrolyze or break down proteins and liberate amino acids.

Types

• There are six different types of proteases. These include serine, threonine, cysteine, metallo, aspartate and glutamic. Each has different functions and biological processes. However, all of the six types of proteases play major regulatory roles in the major life functions like birth, aging, growth, maturation and digestion.

Benefits

• Proteases produce acid in the process of digestion, which balances out the level of alkaline in the body. They also act as catalysts for the distribution of calcium to bones. By hydrolyzing proteins, proteases play a significant role in the conversion of protein into glucose, which provides energy for everyday functions. Proteases also spare the body's immune system the task of eliminating excess agents by hydrolyzing different toxins and cellular debris.

Symptoms

• There are numerous symptoms that may occur from a protease deficiency. The alkaline levels in the blood may spike, causing an imbalance of base chemicals. This often leads to anxiety and insomnia. There may not be enough glucose in the body to provide adequate energy for daily functions (a complication known as hypoglycemia). This may lead to moodiness and irritability. Low levels of protease may deprive bones of calcium, leaving an individual at greater risk of developing osteoporosis, arthritis or other bone-related diseases. Since proteases aid the immune system, a lack of proteases may leave it more susceptible to external pathogens.

Prevention/Solution

• Protease can actually destroy the body as well as help it. Certain viral diseases like HIV use protease in the process of infection and replication. In cases like this, a drug known as a protease inhibitor is often used to combat viruses. It works by disorganizing the structure of a virus, keeping it from replicating copies that can infect healthy cells. By doing so, a protease inhibitor can delay the symptoms of a virus or allow the immune system more time to eliminate it.