Darmenzymen

Darmenzymen is a term used to describe the enzymes that operate within the human digestive tract, collectively referred to as intestinal or digestive enzymes. They are produced by the exocrine pancreas and by the enterocytes lining the small intestine, and they catalyze hydrolysis reactions that convert nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids into absorbable units. The term is more common in German-language literature; in English, phrases like intestinal enzymes or digestive enzymes are typically used.

The major groups of darmenzymen can be divided into luminal (pancreatic) enzymes and brush-border enzymes. Luminal enzymes include pancreatic amylase, which digests starches; pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase, which act on fats; and pancreatic proteases such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidases. Brush-border enzymes are located on the enterocyte membrane and include enteropeptidase (enterokinase), which activates trypsinogen, and disaccharidases such as lactase, sucrase-isomaltase, and maltase. Additional brush-border peptidases, such as aminopeptidases and dipeptidases, participate in protein digestion at the intestinal surface.

Functionally, darmenzymen enable the breakdown of macronutrients and nucleic acids to generate absorbable monosaccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, monoglycerides, and nucleosides. Clinically relevant issues include enzyme deficiencies and pancreatic insufficiency, which can lead to malabsorption and digestive symptoms. Lactase deficiency causes lactose intolerance; sucrase-isomaltase deficiency affects complex carbohydrate digestion; pancreatic insufficiency reduces lipase and protease activity, impairing fat and protein absorption. Diagnostic approaches include fecal elastase testing and breath tests, while treatment may involve dietary adjustments and enzyme replacement therapy.