Alfaglukosidaasi

Alfa-glukosidaasi is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in carbohydrate digestion. Its primary function is to break down complex carbohydrates, such as starch and sucrose, into simpler sugars, primarily glucose. This process occurs in the small intestine, where the enzyme is secreted by the brush border of the intestinal cells. Glucose is then absorbed into the bloodstream to be used for energy by the body.

Several types of alpha-glucosidase exist, each with slightly different substrate specificities. For instance, sucrase breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose, while maltase breaks down maltose into two glucose molecules. Amylase, which acts earlier in the digestive process, breaks down larger polysaccharides into smaller oligosaccharides, which are then further processed by alpha-glucosidases.

Genetic deficiencies in certain alpha-glucosidase enzymes can lead to metabolic disorders. Glycogen storage disease type II, also known as Pompe disease, is caused by a deficiency in lysosomal alpha-glucosidase, leading to the accumulation of glycogen in various tissues, particularly muscle. Another example is celiac disease, where damage to the intestinal villi can impair the activity of brush border enzymes, including alpha-glucosidases, affecting nutrient absorption. Medications that inhibit alpha-glucosidase, such as acarbose, are used to treat type 2 diabetes by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and reducing post-meal blood glucose spikes.