Serrapeptase : A Potential Enzyme-Based Treatment for Lyme Disease

Enzymes are the most important part of the metabolic process and have the capability to increase the metabolic process. Enzymes are molecules that interact with the substrate to form an enzyme-substrate complex and then convert them into products. Enzyme-based therapeutics (meaning the use of enzymes to treat diseases) are gaining more and more attention due to their selectivity, efficiency, and safety profile. Various enzyme-based treatments are available right now such as the use of chymotrypsin, papain, bromelain, and serratiopeptidase for several conditions.

Among all these enzyme-based treatments available, in this article, we are discussing the use of serrapeptase in the treatment of Lyme disease. Serrapeptase which is also known as serratiopeptidase is first used in Japan in the year 1960s for its anti-inflammatory properties. Later, its other properties such as fibrinolytic (stimulating the dissolution of blood clots), and analgesic properties were studied by various scientists. It has a wide range of safety profiles and is used in a variety of conditions such as surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, and also dentistry.

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that is obtained from the Serratia marcescens (present in the intestine of silkworms). The specialty of this enzyme is that it is a proteolytic enzyme that converts protein into its smaller subunits which are known as amino acids. It only breaks the non-living proteins inside the body that is formed only in the abnormal condition such as inflammation and pain.

Serrapeptase and all other proteolytic enzyme breaks down the proteins through the process of hydrolysis. They add water or hydrolyze some specific bonds that are present between different amino acids which results in the breaking of proteins into amino acids.

What is Lyme? – Lyme disease is one of the most common vector-borne diseases that affects over 300,000 Americans per year and at least 2 million individuals have been estimated to suffer from post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).^[1] It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia mayonii. It is transferred to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Ticks are known to carry a broad range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Based on the data that is given by the World health organization (WHO) Lyme and other tick-borne diseases can cause a significant impact on human health and finding a proper treatment for these is the major challenge right now.^[1]

Symptoms of Lyme – The major symptoms found in the case of patients suffering from Lyme are fatigue, headache, and a distinctive skin rash called erythema migrans. If the infection remains untreated it can also spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.^[2]

Diagnosis of Lyme – The diagnosis of Lyme disease is done by using some serology tests such as an ELISA test followed by a Western blot test. However, current serology tests demonstrate a broad sensitivity ranging from 34% to 70.5% leaving many infected patients with false negative testing. So, to overcome this limitation alternative techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are used to diagnose the Lyme.

Normal PCR testing shows very less accurate test results but when certain biofilm busters such as serrapeptase are used, it could lead to bacterial blood release, thus increasing the spirochete load, making PCR test more sensitive and in this way, serrapeptase makes the diagnosis more accurate. If the diagnosis is done correctly, then the best treatment can be provided using serrapeptase and many other drugs such as dapsone.^[3]

In the case of Lyme, sometimes, biofilm-like aggregates are formed allowing causative bacteria to be resistant to adverse environmental conditions.[4] One of the main properties of biofilms is that they are highly resistant to adaptive and innate immune systems as well as great tolerance to antibiotics and antibacterial agents. Due to the presence of these biofilms, the antibiotic treatment failed to treat bacterial infection. There are various strategies to inhibit biofilm formation, one of which is the use of an anti-biofilm agent. Many protease enzymes are hypothesized to be a potential treatment of biofilms. In protease enzymes, metalloprotease is playing a very key role.

Serratiopeptidase (anti-biofilm agent) is a commercially available metalloprotease that has proven to be very effective against a variety of biofilm-associated medical conditions.

There are various ways in which serrapeptase affects the formation of biofilm agents. It can modify the virulent phenotype of bacteria in biofilms, and modification of phenotype will lead to decreased power against environmental factors and hence its formation is decreased. It also enhances the bactericidal effects of antibiotics against biofilms.

In the treatment of Lyme disease, various antibiotics are used and there is very little evidence that serrapeptase is being used as an adjuvant therapy of antibiotics to increase the antibiotic activity. However, there are only two low-quality studies or clinical trials present which support this statement.^[5]

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that is having anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic as well as analgesic activity. However, the use of serrapeptase in the treatment of Lyme disease is not well known and there is no evidence that confirms that serrapeptase is beneficial in Lyme and other tick-borne disease. However, very little evidence is present that it is used as adjuvant therapy with antibiotics and increases antibiotic action. There is a need for more clinical research that confirms the use of serrapeptase in the treatment of Lyme disease.

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Also Read:

• Are Your Symptoms of Lyme Disease?
• Can Lyme Disease Come Back After Being Treated?
• How Is The Body Affected By Lyme Disease?
• What Are The Long Term Effects Of Lyme Disease?
• Is Lyme Disease Chronic?
• Can Lyme Disease Go Away On Its Own?