Effects of oral nattokinase administration before sepsis on coagulation, red blood cell aggregation and blood viscosity in rats

Nattokinase is a serin protease having potent fibrinolytic effect, which is an authentic traditional food in Japan, derived from fermentation of boiled soy bean by the use of Basillus Subtilis Natto. The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the effects of intragastric nattokinase administration for 7 days prior formation of sepsis in rats with caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) on plasma fibrinogen levels, hemorrheologic parameters and mortality. One hundred adult female Wistar rats of 180-250 grams were used in the study. Biochemical and rheologic parameters were analysed using 0.6 mg/day nattokinase in 60 rats (Experiment 1) and 6 mg/day nattokinase in 20 rats (Experiment 2). Survival analysis was performed with 20 rats (Experiment 3). Our findings: 1. A statistically insignificant reduction in plasma fibrinogen, plasma viscosity and red blood cell aggregation occurred in Experiment 1. There was no difference on behalf of red blood cell deformability between groups. 2. There was no significant difference in terms of mean plasma fibrinogen levels and blood viscosity of rats between groups in Experiment 2. 3. No difference was found in survival rates and survival times in Experiment 3. As a result; intragastric nattokinase administration for 7 days prior formation of sepsis in rats with CLP had no statistically significant effect on plasma fibrinogen levels, blood and plasma viscosity, red blood cell aggregation, deformability and sepsis related mortality. The dosage and delivery period of nattokinase and number of subjects included in the study may be the reason of insignificant results. Key Words: Nattokinase, sepsis, fibrinogen, viscosity, aggregation