Urokinase

• 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.

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.

Mechanism of Action

• Urokinase converts plasminogen into plasmin, which breaks down fibrin (a protein in blood clots), leading to clot dissolution (fibrinolysis).

Preparation

1. Cell Culture: Human kidney cells are cultured under controlled conditions.
2. Extraction: Enzyme is isolated from urine or cultured cells.
3. Purification: Filtration, precipitation, and chromatography methods are used.
4. Lyophilization: The enzyme is freeze-dried for storage.

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.

Commercial Utility

• Used in pharmaceutical industry (injectable formulations for clot dissolution).
• Used in medical research (studying fibrinolysis).

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