Amylase is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, breaking down their polymeric forms (starch) to disaccharides and monosaccharides. It is produced by the cells of the external secretion of the salivary and pancreas, therefore, the main volume is excreted into the oral cavity and duodenum. An insignificant part enters the bloodstream, which is determined by biochemical research.
Normally, the AMYL level in an adult is no more than 53 U / L. Various diseases of the pancreas or salivary glandular tissue lead to an increase in the indicator.
The most common cause of alpha-amylase growth is pancreatitis. At the same time, the permeability of the blood capillaries feeding this organ increases, which contributes to the penetration of pancreatic secretions into the blood. However, the progression of the process, accompanied by the death of glandular cells (pancreatic necrosis), and after a peak increase in concentration leads to its gradual decrease due to a quantitative decrease in functional structures.
An increase in AMYL occurs when:
Occlusion of the ducts of the pancreato-biliary system due to stuck stones, cicatricial stricture, inflammatory edema, tumor invasion or external compression;
Ulcerative deformity of the duodenal ulcer at the site of localization of the sphincter of Oddi, limiting the outflow of pancreatic juice;
The presence of tumors of the SG or compression of its tubules;
Active inflammatory processes in the intestines, ovaries, gallbladder;
Peritonitis.
Patients are sent for research:
With suspected malignant lesion of the pancreas;
After abdominal trauma;
With girdle pain in the epigastrium, with nausea and vomiting after eating;
After the treatment of stomach ulcers;
With diabetes mellitus;
After abdominal surgery;
With hereditary pathology - cystic fibrosis;
With persistent dry mouth (the likelihood of blockage of the ducts that drain saliva);
With neoplasms in the submandibular and parotid region.
For the purpose of differential diagnosis of diseases of the SJ or RV, the ratio of different types of alpha-amylase is determined. If the P-type predominates, the pancreas is more likely to be damaged, if the S-type, it is necessary to look for pathology in the tissues that produce saliva. Under normal conditions, their balance is 40% to 60%.
In the differential diagnosis, instrumental methods and the determination of other indicators in biochemistry (bilirubin, liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase), as well as a sample of diastase in the urine, play an important role.
In general, the study of amylase is of great clinical importance. Thanks to her, you can make the correct diagnosis in a timely manner and start the appropriate therapeutic procedures on time.
