One consequence of oxidative stress is the generation of oxidized proteins which in turn caused free radical damage to various molecules including proteins by oxidative reactions. Free radicals have been accelerated the aging process as well as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidized proteins often loose their function by inactication due to unfolding or conformational change of their structure to make them more susceptibile to proteolysis. Hence, these oxidized proteins lose their biological function. Oxidative reactions occur in a cascade manner. Therefore, oxidation of one protein may lead to further oxidation reactions within the same molecule /or other molecules which amplify the damaging effect one by one in a ordered sequences which lead to impairment of biochemical functions of vital importance to the cellular viability. In order to avoid the cascade effect, oxidized proteins may be reduced by an antioxidant enzyme or vitamin to their normal (native) form, or removed by proteolysis. Oral proteases is administered orally through which they are absorbed and carried into the blood stream where they are bound to Alpha2-macroglobulin. However, this binding of the Alpha2-macroglobulin with proteases ensures the clearance of the protease from the organism by the removal of proteinaceous debris, damaged proteins, and acute phase plasma proteins from the blood stream through excretory system. It is suggested that oral proteases may help hydrolyzing and neutralizing the deleterious effects of extra cellular proteins damaged by free radicals, which are especially susceptible to proteolysis. Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), exert their poisoning effect by binding to ionizable or sulfhydryl groups of proteins, including vital enzymes. Once they bind to an essential functional protein, such as an enzyme, they denature and cause cell death due to degenerating disease and nervous breakdown.. It is clinical observed that upon high intake of oral protease, heavy metal concentrations have been significantly decreased in the blood by increasing its blood clearance rate by liver. It is possible that the activated (Alpha2- macroglobulin protease complex) also has a high affinity for heavy metals, leading to their removal from the body.

About Author / Additional Info:
Dr. Kirti Rani Sharma,
Assistant Professor (II),
Amity Institute of Biotechnology,
Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida
Sec-125, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Noida-201303 (UP), India.
Office Phone no: +91-120-4392946
Mobile No: +91-9990329492
Email ID: krsharma@amity.edu, Kirtisharma2k@rediffmail.com