Streptokinase - Induced Proteolytic Activity with Respect to Age in Two Ethnic Groups in Israel

Summary

Streptokinase-induced proteolytic (caseinolytic) activity was determined in the plasma and in the euglobulin fraction of Yemenite and Ashkenazi Jews, with respect to age.

In the plasma it was found, that in both groups the activity increased with age. In Ashkenasim, however, the activity levelled off at about 30 years of age, whereas, in Yemenites, it continued to increase with age. This was true for both sexes.

In the euglobulin fraction, the activity was also found to increase with age, but to a lesser extent, than in the plasma. This increase was more pronounced in Yemenite than in Ashkenazi Jews, and in both groups levelled off at about 30 years of age. The possible significance of these observations apropos regulation of the fibrinolytic activity in the blood, is dicussed. It is suggested that Yemenite Jews have a more effective mechanism for handling clots with advancing years.

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