What is an elastase inhibitor? | What is elastase?

What is an elastase inhibitor?

An elastase inhibitor is a protein that reduces the activity of elastase. Thus, the elastase is able to split and break down the amino acid chains of proteins to a lesser extent. Elastase inhibitors belong to the group of proteinase inhibitors that are widely distributed in the body and are produced in many organs.

Like elastase inhibitors, they reduce the activity of enzymes that break down proteins. This is an important protective mechanism of the body to prevent an excessive reaction. Elastase inhibitors, for example, are contained in the secretion of the pancreas and prevent elastase from being activated too early in the pancreatic ducts, so that the body cannot digest its own food.

Where is elastase formed?

Depending on the type of elastase, it is produced in different fabrics. The most common variant, pancreatic elastase, is produced in the exocrine part of the pancreas, the part whose secretion flows through excretory ducts into the duodenum of the small intestine. Granulocyte elastase plays a role in the immune response and is found in special immune cells, the granulocytes.

It is also in these cells that the production takes place. Since these cells move through the body with the blood and often enter the tissue, it is not possible to assign them to a specific organ with regard to the production of elastase. In addition to these two known forms of elastase, there are other variants, some of which are also produced in immune cells and others in other tissues.

What is the elastase test?

The elastase test is a procedure to determine the amount of elastase excreted with the stool. The amount of pancreatic elastase is always observed. This test procedure is used to determine the performance of the exocrine part of the pancreas.

The test procedure is based on the fact that after the secretion of active pancreatic elastase into the intestine, the amount of active elastase present in the pancreas remains constant. This means that although the elastase performs its function as an enzyme, it is not consumed. In this way, a direct, linear relationship can be established between the determined amount of pancreatic elastase in the stool and the synthesis performance of the exocrine pancreas.

This test is very sensitive, which means that even small deviations can be detected quickly and reliably, provided a reference value is available. Furthermore, the synthesis performance of the exocrine pancreas is relatively constant in healthy individuals, which is why changes are very quickly noticeable here. In addition, the elastase test has a high specificity, which means that a positive test result is a relatively reliable indicator of pancreatic disease. If the elastase test shows lower values, this can indicate various diseases.