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Amylase and Lipase

Meaning

Amylase and Lipase are two distinct and crucial digestive enzymes secreted predominantly by the exocrine pancreas and salivary glands. Amylase is a glycoside hydrolase that initiates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and starches into simple sugars. Lipase is a hydrolase responsible for the catabolism of dietary triglycerides into absorbable fatty acids and glycerol. Measuring the serum levels of these enzymes is a standard clinical practice to evaluate the functional integrity of the pancreas.