A group of enzymes, called amylase, plays an important role in our body, converting one substance to another. There are three types of such substances: alpha, beta and gamma. Of these, we consider one - alpha-amylase. Exceeding the norm of this substance is often the very first sign of rather unpleasant diseases.
Alpha-amylase, or, as it is also called, diastase, is a special enzyme, calcium-dependent. It is produced not only in humans, but also in animals. There are two types: amylase of the pancreas and salivary glands. 60% of the total amount of amylase that is produced in the body is produced by the salivary glands, and the remaining 40% is produced by the pancreas. Alpha-amylase divides sugar molecules, from which simpler compounds are ultimately obtained. Basically, starch, as a more complex substance, decomposes to maltose and others in the process of interaction with a-amylase. The enzyme begins to act in the presence of chlorine particles. Thus, the enzyme alpha-amylase is involved in the process of assimilation and processing of food. It leaves the body through the kidneys with urine.
An analysis for amylase level is carried out if the patient experiences acute pain in the lower abdomen and with suspected pancreatic disease. In this case, a substantial amount of alpha-amylase is possible in the blood. The norm is 28-100 units of amylase per liter of blood. Not to be confused with the norm of pancreatic amylase - it is usually much lower. The rate of amylase is the same for both men and women. Amylase is found in the gastrointestinal tract and should practically not enter the bloodstream. If organs producing the alpha-amylase enzyme are damaged, its norm can be exceeded. These organs are the pancreas and salivary glands - this is where this substance is produced. Exceeding the norm can be determined both by blood tests and urine tests. Before taking blood tests, you should not drink alcohol to find out exactly how much alpha-amylase is in the blood. The norm of this enzyme in the analysis of urine is from one to seventeen physiological units. About a week before such tests are taken, the patient should talk with the doctor and tell him what medications he is taking. Some of these drugs will probably have to be canceled.
Many diseases can be indicated by elevated blood alpha-amylase. This can be a symptom of diseases such as pancreatitis, some formation in the pancreas, problems with the bile ducts, acute peritonitis, mumps, diabetes, and kidney failure. If the norm is exceeded at times, then this suggests that something is clearly wrong with any organ in your body. If the blood alpha-amylase is not increased so much, this is most likely a sign of the appearance of pathologies in the pancreas. If the patient has pancreatic cancer, then in this case the level of the enzyme will increase very slightly, or there will be no excess at all. Therefore, in the diagnosis of cancer, other research methods are used.
The reasons why amylase rises may not be related to any disease. These are abdominal bruises, a miscarriage or an abortion.
With inflammation of the pancreas (in any form), as well as with mumps, the alpha-amylase norm is greatly exceeded.
Another reason for a possible increase is an ectopic pregnancy, diabetic coma or alcohol intoxication. Alpha amylase in some cases may also be elevated due to stress.
Only those cases were considered above when alpha-amylase is in too much quantity in the blood. Its norm, however, may be underestimated. The enzyme level can be lowered or even have a zero value. If alpha-amylase of blood is less than 25 units per liter, then this means that the glands secreting it work sluggishly. This can happen due to acute or chronic hepatitis or due to pancreatic insufficiency. Those pregnant women who suffer from toxicosis can also have significantly lower blood alpha-amylase. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic ailment that affects the functioning of the glands, including those that produce amylase.