Overview and Clinical Significance
Trypsin is a serine protease enzyme primarily involved in protein digestion within the small intestine. It plays a crucial role in breaking down proteins into peptides, facilitating nutrient absorption and metabolic processes.
Clinical Significance
- Protein Digestion & Nutrient Absorption: Trypsin cleaves peptide bonds, aiding in protein breakdown and amino acid availability.
- Pancreatic Function & Digestive Health: It is secreted as trypsinogen by the pancreas, activated in the small intestine by enteropeptidase.
- Enzyme Activation & Digestive Cascade: Trypsin activates other digestive enzymes, including chymotrypsin and elastase, amplifying protein digestion.
- Pancreatic Disorders & Malabsorption: Abnormal trypsin levels are linked to pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and digestive enzyme deficiencies.
- Diagnostic & Therapeutic Applications: Trypsin testing helps assess pancreatic function, digestive efficiency, and enzyme-related disorders.
Trypsin is a key regulator of protein metabolism, influencing digestive health, enzyme activation, and nutrient absorption.
