Hyaluronidases: A Therapeutic Enzyme.

Background: Hyaluronidase is the most important enzyme found in the interstitial matrix, effectively degrading the hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronidases are extensively found in the venom of various animals such as snake, scorpion, spider and others. Up till now five venom hyaluronidases are identified with a defined three-dimensional structure. These enzymes are involved in different biochemical, physiological and pathological conditions like degradation of hyaluronic acid, embryogenesis, transmembrane diffusion of drugs and toxins, inflammatory and allergic response to antigens, healing of wounds, bacterial meningitis, bacteremia and pneumonia. These enzymes are used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer and to expedite the dispersion and absorption of drugs as well as to reduce the tissue edema. and to reduce the progression of metastatic breast cancer as well as used in ophthalmological procedures in combination with local anesthetics, reduction of dermatological aging, regulation of hyaluronan, as a spreading factor and with numerous clinical applications. Conclusion: In this review an attempt was made to summarize the physiological, adjuvaent and therapeutic significance of hyaluronidase enzymes from different animal sources.