The main difference between tPA and TNK is that tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator, is one of the essential components of the dissolution of blood clots, whereas TNK is a genetically modified form of tissue plasminogen activator.
tPA and TNK are two serine proteases that catalyze the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin, the primary enzyme involved in dissolving blood clotting.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is tPA
– Definition, Facts, Importance
2. What is TNK
– Definition, Facts, Importance
3. Similarities Between tPA and TNK
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between tPA and TNK
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
TNK, tPA
What is tPA
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine protease that serves as an essential component of the dissolution of blood clots. The primary function of the tPA is to activate plasminogen by cleaving it into plasmin. Therefore, plasmin is the primary enzyme responsible for the dissolution of blood clots. Some drugs serve as tPA. They are alteplase, tenecteplase, and reteplase. Also, they are used to treat ischemic stroke. Additionally, recombinant DNA technology is used to produce recombinant tissue plasminogen activators.
Figure 1: Stroke
Furthermore, tPA drugs have special characteristics that amplify the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics that prolong their short half-life in circulation and increase their fibrin specificity. Also, the other indications of tPA include myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and thrombolysis.
What is TNK
TNK, or tenecteplase, is a thrombolytic agent produced by recombinant DNA technology. It is important in treating ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). Thrombolysis is important in treating ischemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, and central venous catheter clearance. Acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke are the most common indications using Tenecteplase. Importantly, TNK is used in treating myocardial infarction due to its efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and convenience compared to alteplase.
Figure 2: Myocardial Infarction
Moreover, Tenecteplase is not approved by the FDA for acute ischemic stroke. It can be given by single-dose intravenous administration. The dose of TNK is 0.25 mg/kg up to 25 mg.
Similarities Between tPA and TNK
- tPA and TNK are serine proteases that catalyze the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin.
- They are drugs responsible for the dissolution of blood clotting.
Difference Between tPA and TNK
Definition
tPA refers to a serine protease, an enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds in proteins, thus one of the essential components of the dissolution of blood clots. In contrast, TNK refers to a thrombolytic agent manufactured by recombinant DNA technology.
Also Known as
tPA is also known as alteplase, while TNK is also known as tenecteplase.
Type
tPA is a bioengineered variant, while TNK is the recombinant version.
Fibrin Specificity
tPA binds only semi-selectively to fibrin, while TNK binds specifically to fibrin.
Resistance to Biodegradation
tPA is more resistant to degradation by endonucleases, while TNK is less resistant to degradation by endonucleases.
FDA Approval
tPA is approved for acute stroke, while TNK is not approved for acute stroke.
Preparation
tPA must be reconstituted, while TNK is a genetically modified recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator.
Dose
The total dose of tPA is 0.9 mg/kg, not exceeding 90 mg, while the total dose of TNK is 0.25 mg/kg, not exceeding 25 mg.
Half-Life
tPA has a shorter half-life, while TNK has a longer half-life.
Conclusion
In brief, tPA and TNK are two serine proteases that catalyze the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin. They are important in dissolving blood clots. The tPA is also known as alteplase, a bioengineered variant. It is semi-selective to fibrin. Also, it is more resistant to degradation by endonucleases. Additionally, it is approved for acute stroke. It needs to be reconstituted, and the total dose of tPA is 0.9 mg/kg. In comparison, TNK is also known as tenecteplase, a recombinant version. However, it binds specifically to fibrin. It is less resistant to degradation by endonucleases. Also, it is not approved for acute stroke. However, it is a genetically modified recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. Its dose is 0.25 mg/kg. Therefore, the main difference between tPA and TNK is the type of drug.
References:
- Jilani TN, Siddiqui AH. Tissue Plasminogen Activator. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
- Bach KT, Lui F. Tenecteplase. [Updated 2023 Jun 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
Image Courtesy:
- “Types of Stroke” By https://www.scientificanimations.com/ – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Myocardial infarction” By Tomáš Kebert & umimeto.org – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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