Nattokinase as a Cardiovascular Therapeutic Agent: Mechanistic Insights via Computational Approach

Abstract

The leading global cause of death remains cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) compounded by complications such as thrombosis, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. The rising burden of CVDs further underscores the call for effective and safer treatment alternatives. Nattokinase from natto, the fermented Japanese food, shows promise in managing cardiocerebrovascular health due to its anticoagulant anti-hypertensive and circulation-enhancing properties. However, full knowledge of its mechanism of action will help optimize its therapeutic potential. This research work attempted an in-silico study on the models of nattokinase targeting cardiovascular disorders. The study addressed the molecular interactions of nattokinase with some vital protein targets in cardiovascular diseases using computational techniques like molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Among the key receptor targets for which binding affinity was determined were β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors as well as M1 and M2 muscarinic receptors. These are integral parts of cardiophysiology – particularly in regulating heart rate responses, contractility of myocardium vasodilation processes. The findings from docking and dynamics studies provide strong binding affinities. These results offer substantial evidence that nattokinase has a promising targeted therapeutic approach for CVDs.