Staphylokinase is an amino acid enzyme secreted by several species of streptococci. It is a 16kDa potent plasminogen activator that converts plasminogen into plasmin which can digest fibrin the major constituent of blood thrombi. SAK forms 1:1 complex with plasmin, which is a positive feedback of producing other complexes. Recent studies on the thrombolytic potential of recombinant SAK in achieving early perfusion in myocardial infarction and in the dissolution of platelet-rich clot have clearly established its immense utility in clinical medicine as a thrombolytic agent and suggested that it can be developed as a potent clot-dissolving agent.
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