Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pancreatic enzyme: Elastase is a specific enzyme produced by the pancreas.
   • Catalyzes the hydrolysis of elastin: Its primary biochemical function is to break down (hydrolyze) the protein elastin, which is a key component of connective tissues like skin and blood vessels, giving them elasticity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor explained that pancreatic elastase levels are measured in stool tests to assess pancreatic function.
  • Elastase is crucial for the normal turnover of elastic fibers in the body.
  • A deficiency in elastase can be linked to certain metabolic disorders.

Advanced Usage

• "Fecal elastase": A common clinical term referring to the measurement of elastase enzyme in stool samples, used as a diagnostic tool for pancreatic insufficiency.
  • A low fecal elastase test result often indicates exocrine pancreatic dysfunction.

Variants and Related Words

• Elastin (n): The specific protein fiber that elastase acts upon.
  • Elastin gives skin its ability to snap back into place.
• Pancreatic (adj): Relating to the pancreas, the organ that produces elastase.
  • Pancreatic enzymes are essential for digestion.

Synonyms

• Proteolytic enzyme: A general term for enzymes that break down proteins; elastase is a specific type.
• Serine protease: The specific class of enzymes to which elastase belongs, characterized by a serine amino acid in its active site.

Related Phrases

• Elastase inhibitor: A substance that blocks the activity of the elastase enzyme.
  • Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a natural elastase inhibitor in the lungs.

Noun

1. a pancreatic enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of elastin