Meta-Biol

• Pathways

Human lysozyme (LYZ), also known as 1,4-beta-N-acetylmuramidase C, is found in human secretions such as tears, milk, mucus and saliva (Surna A et al. 2009; Minami J et al. 2015; Sahin O et al. 2016; Masschalck B & Michiels CW. 2003). LYZ functions primarily as a bacteriolytic agent by catalyzing hydrolysis of (1->4)-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in the bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan (Schindler M et al. 1977; Surna A et al. 2009). Nonenzymatic bactericidal activity of LYZ has been documented as well and is generally associated with the cationic properties of LYZ (Ito Y et al. 1997; Nash JA et al. 2006). LYZ acts against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Peptostreptococcus micros, Eubacterium nodatum, Eikenella corrodens, Fusobacterium periodontium and Campylobacter rectus (Laible & Germaine 1985, Surna A et al. 2009; Tenovuo J 2002).