elastáz

Elastáz is a protein-digesting enzyme, also known as a protease, that belongs to the serine protease family. It is primarily found in the pancreas and plays a crucial role in the digestion of proteins in the small intestine. Elastáz specifically targets and breaks down elastin, a protein that provides elasticity to connective tissues, blood vessels, and skin.

The human body produces several types of elastáz, with pancreatic elastáz (ELT-1) being the most prominent in digestion. It is synthesized in the pancreas as an inactive precursor called proelastáz, which is then activated in the small intestine. This activation process is essential to prevent the enzyme from digesting the pancreatic tissue itself. Once activated, elastáz works alongside other digestive enzymes, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, to break down dietary proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids that can be absorbed by the body.

Beyond its digestive function, elastáz also has roles in other physiological processes. It is involved in regulating inflammation, wound healing, and the immune response. The breakdown of extracellular matrix components, including elastin, by elastáz can facilitate cell migration and tissue remodeling. However, dysregulation of elastáz activity has been linked to various pathological conditions, including emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and arthritis, where excessive breakdown of connective tissues can lead to tissue damage.