High plasmin levels negatively impact mouse embryos

A research from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has showed that plasmin may actually have negative effects on a developing embryo. (Cusabio offers protein, enzyme and other products. http://www.cusabio.com/Polyclonal-Antibody/BMPR1A-Antibody-11097786.html)

Plasmin is the main enzyme to break down and dissolve blood clot in the body. It is known to promote blood vessel development. It has long been assumed that this enzyme is beneficial.

In mouse embryos, the researchers blocked a particular protein that control the expression of genes associated with blood vessel development. They discovered that plasmin activity was significantly increased. As the researchers noted, higher levels of plasmin could negatively impact a developing embryo. In the early development of mouse embryos, the researchers found no benefit of the enzyme.

When a mouse embryo lacked the protein called CHD4, liver damage could occur because liver blood vessels were weakened by excess plasmin. As is known, CHD4 is able to inhibit the activity of plasmin. In addition, the researchers discovered that too much plasmin could also damage the lymph system via dissolving blood clots.

The recent study is innovative and creative, and it can help to understand prenatal development. Furthermore, the results suggest that plasmin-blocking compounds may be used to treat liver damage caused by acetaminophen overdose. Excessive plasmin activity in the liver has been linked to acetaminophen overdose. Future research will look at CHD4’s role, and whether high plasmin levels are involved in lymphedema.