Amylase

Amylase is a digestive enzyme predominantly secreted by the pancreas and salivary glands( this enzyme was originally termed diastase,  later renamed as "amylase").

The primary role of amylases is to break down the glycosidic bonds within starch molecules, transforming  starch into maltose.

1.0Introduction

• Amylase enzymes are categorized into 3 main classes, alpha, beta, and gamma, differ in the way they attack the bonds of the starch molecules.
• Alpha-amylase is widespread among living organisms. In the digestive systems of humans and many other mammals, an alpha-amylase called ptyalin is produced by the salivary glands, whereas pancreatic amylase is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine. The optimum pH of alpha-amylase is 6.7–7.0.
• Beta-amylases are present in yeasts, molds, bacteria, and plants, particularly in the seeds. They are the principal components of a mixture called diastase that is used in the removal of starchy sizing agents from textiles and in the conversion of cereal grains to fermentable sugars. Beta-amylase has an optimum pH of 4.0–5.0.
• Gamma-amylases are known for their efficiency in cleaving certain types of glycosidic linkages in acidic environments. The optimum pH of gamma-amylase is 3.0.

2.0Amylase Levels Normal Range

Serum amylase: The pancreas and salivary glands produce almost all of the serum amylase in healthy people. The normal range for serum amylase is  40–140 U/L.

Amylase testing:

3.0Difference between lipase and amylase

• The blood amylase test is used to help diagnose and monitor acute pancreatitis. This test may also diagnose and monitor chronic pancreatitis and other disorders involving the pancreas.
• The blood amylase test may be used along with a lipase test to detect pancreatic diseases. While the amylase test is sensitive for pancreatic diseases, it is not specific. 
• That means an elevated amylase level may indicate a problem, but the cause may not necessarily be related to the pancreas. 
• Besides the pancreas, amylase can also come from other inflamed or damaged tissues and organs such as salivary glands, intestines, and ovaries.
• High amylase levels can indicate a number of conditions, Acute, Tumors, Gall bladder infections, and Kidney failure. Some drugs can increase amylase levels, including aspirin, birth control pills, cholinergic medicines, and opiates. 
• The lipase test, on the other hand, is more specific than amylase for diseases of the pancreas, particularly for acute pancreatitis and acute alcoholic pancreatitis.