Nattokinase as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing blood-brain barrier dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders

• Published in: Brain research 2025-02, Vol.1849, p.149352, Article 149352
• Main Authors: Mahakalakar, Nivedita, Mohariya, Gunjan, Taksande, Brijesh, Kotagale, Nandkishor, Umekar, Milind, Vinchurney, Madhura
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alzheimer’s disease; BBB dysfunction; Blood–brain barrier; Fibrinolysis; Inflammation; Neurodegenerative disorders; Neuroprotection; Parkinson’s disease
• ISSN: 0006-8993; 1872-6240; 1872-6240
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149352

[Display omitted] •Pathological destruction of BBB is associated with major neurodegenerative disorders.•Nattokinase, a food content widely used in Japan, is known to have neuroprotective effects.•NK supplementation ameliorates BBB dysfunction, reduce brain inflammation, and improve cognitive ability.•NK may serve as an effective opponent for BBB breakdown. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are characterized by progressive destruction of neurons and cognitive impairment, and thorough studies have provided evidence that these pathologies have a close relationship to the failure of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Nattokinase (NK), a protease found in fermented soybeans, has been extensively studied because it displays powerful neuroprotective abilities, which is why current research was reviewed in the present article. It was concluded that there is enough evidence in preclinical studies using experimental animals that NK supplementation can alleviate the condition related to BBB dysfunction, reduce brain inflammation, and improve cognitive ability. Furthermore, the study of NK on the cardiovascular system leads to certain assumptions, which include the impact on vasculature function and the ability to manage blood flow, which is the key feature of BBB integrity. Such assumed mechanisms are fibrinolytic action, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, and endothelium function modulation. There are many positive research findings, and it seems that NK may serve as an effective opponent for BBB breakdown; however, a new research level should be taken to disclose the application and therapeutic use of NK in brain neurodegenerative disease.