Proteases as digestive aids

Author Identifier

Michelle Colgrave

ORCID : 0000-0001-8463-805X

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Title

Reference module in food science: Encyclopedia of food chemistry

Publisher

Elsevier

School

School of Science

RAS ID

36900

Comments

Bose, U., Howitt, C. A., & Colgrave, M. L. (2019). Proteases as digestive aids. In L. Melton, F. Shahidi & P. Varelis (Eds.), Reference module in food science: Encyclopedia of food chemistry (pp. 314-321). Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100596-5.22466-9

Abstract

The human digestive system is a complex organ containing millions of different cell types. These cells develop, interact and communicate in a complicated and regulated process, exhibiting notable plasticity. Proteolytic enzymes, or proteases, that are secreted in different regions of the digestive tract, i.e. the stomach, pancreas and small intestine, play a major role in protein digestion. Abnormal levels of proteases can lead to clinical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and nutrient malabsorption. Protease enzyme therapy is a treatment option to restore pancreatic activity and/or digest ingested proteins in the digestive tract. This chapter provides an overview of the different types of endogenous proteases in the gastrointestinal tract, exogenous sources, and a summary of current knowledge of select disease conditions, for example, pancreatic insufficiency and celiac disease, where supplementary protease therapy show promise as a treatment option.

DOI

10.1016/B978-0-08-100596-5.22466-9

Access Rights

subscription content

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS