Peptidase: From 1 Different Sources
n. one of a group of digestive enzymes that split proteins in the stomach and intestine into their constituent amino acids. The group is divided into the *endopeptidases and *exopeptidases.
n. a substance, intermediate between albumin and peptones, produced during the digestion of proteins by pepsin and other endopeptidases (see peptidase).... albumose
n. a protein-digesting enzyme (see peptidase). It is secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form, chymotrypsinogen, that is converted into chymotrypsin in the duodenum by the action of *trypsin.... chymotrypsin
a group of *oral hypoglycaemic drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Through inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-IV they enhance the action of *glucagon-like peptide-1. Five drugs in this group are currently licensed for use in the UK: sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, and alogliptin.... dpp-iv inhibitors
n. a digestive enzyme (e.g. *pepsin) that splits a whole protein into small peptide fractions by splitting the linkages between peptides in the interior of the molecule. Compare exopeptidase. See also peptidase.... endopeptidase
n. a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes (see peptidase) secreted by the intestinal glands. It is part of the *succus entericus.... erepsin
n. an enzyme (e.g. *trypsin) that takes part in the digestion of proteins by splitting off the terminal amino acids of a polypeptide chain. Compare endopeptidase. See also peptidase.... exopeptidase
(GLP-1) a hormone – an *incretin – that is produced in the small intestine. GLP-1 has a half-life in the blood circulation of less than two minutes due to rapid breakdown by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). It is a potent antihyperglycaemic hormone, stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cells in response to a rising blood glucose level after eating. This glucose-sensitive action also allows the effect of GLP-1 on the beta cells to switch off when the blood glucose level comes down to the normal baseline between meals. Thus the *GLP-1 receptor agonist group of drugs, used in type 2 diabetes, can restrict the rise in blood glucose level after meals but have a low risk of causing subsequent *hypoglycaemia.... glucagon-like peptide-1
n. an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of compounds. Examples are the *peptidases.... hydrolase
n. an enzyme in the stomach that begins the digestion of proteins by splitting them into peptones (see peptidase). It is produced by the action of hydrochloric acid on pepsinogen, which is secreted by the gastric glands. Once made, pepsin itself can act on pepsinogen to produce more pepsin.... pepsin
n. an enzyme that continues the digestion of proteins by breaking down peptones into smaller peptide chains (see peptidase). It is secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form, trypsinogen, which is converted in the duodenum to trypsin by the action of the enzyme enteropeptidase.... trypsin
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