elastase

[ih-las-teys, -taz]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a pancreatic protease that catalyzes the hydrolysis of elastin and other related proteins to polypeptides and amino acids.

elastase

/ ɪˈlæsteɪs /

noun

1. an enzyme that digests elastin

Word History and Origins

Origin of elastase¹

First recorded in 1945–50; elast(in) + -ase

Example Sentences

Having the normal amount of the enzyme but more than the normal number of bowel movements can reduce the concentration of elastase found in any single movement.

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Ordinarily, the lungs are protected against this damage by α1-antitrypsin, which inhibits neutrophil elastase.

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“But the levels of elastase typically seen were never high enough to counter α1AT activity. That was the conundrum.”

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For example, the enzyme neutrophil elastase, which neutrophils release to kill invading bacteria, also erodes the extracellular matrix, the mesh of proteins and sugars that cradles cells and provides structural support for tissue.

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One cause of inflammation is the activity of an enzyme called elastase.

Read more on Economist