- Urokinase is a thrombolytic enzyme used to dissolve blood clots and restore normal blood flow
- Urokinase treats pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and catheter clearance effectively.
General Information of Urokinase
- Synonyms: Urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator (uPA).
- Biological Source:
- Obtained from human kidney cells and urine.
- Family: Not applicable (human enzyme).
- Geographical Source:
- Produced in India, USA, Japan, Germany, China.
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Macroscopical Characters of Urokinase
- Color: White to off-white powder (when purified).
- Texture: Fine, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
- Taste: Tasteless.
- Odor: Odorless.
Chemical Constituents of Urokinase
- Proteolytic enzyme: Urokinases (Serine protease).
- Molecular weight: ~54,000 Da.
- Isoforms: Single-chain and two-chain urokinases.
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Mechanism of Action
- Urokinase converts plasminogen into plasmin, which breaks down fibrin (a protein in blood clots), leading to clot dissolution (fibrinolysis).
Preparation
- Cell Culture: Human kidney cells are cultured under controlled conditions.
- Extraction: Enzyme is isolated from urine or cultured cells.
- Purification: Filtration, precipitation, and chromatography methods are used.
- Lyophilization: The enzyme is freeze-dried for storage.
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Evaluation
- Solubility: Soluble in water.
- Purity Tests:
- Enzymatic Assay: Measured by the ability to activate plasminogen.
- SDS-PAGE Test: Determines protein purity.
Preservation & Storage
- Stored at -20°C or lower to maintain enzyme activity.
- Lyophilized powder is reconstituted before use.
Therapeutic Uses
- Used as a thrombolytic agent (dissolves blood clots in heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism).
- Used in treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Prevention of post-surgical blood clot formation.
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Commercial Utility
- Used in pharmaceutical industry (injectable formulations for clot dissolution).
- Used in medical research (studying fibrinolysis).
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