TOXIGENIC BACTERIAL PROTEASES AND THEIR INHIBITORS

The study focuses on the proteolytic bacterium Brevibacterium otitidis CBS-76, which produces a protease with a molecular weight of 47 KDa and significant glutamic acid content. Optimal enzyme activity occurs at 35ºC and pH 7.2, with inhibition by EDTA and activation by sodium arsenate. In vivo tests on mice reveal significant liver histological changes, including inactive heterochromatin and swollen mitochondria. Additionally, novel inhibitors derived from saccharin sodium demonstrate effective enzyme inhibition, highlighting potential biomedical applications.