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Protease Inhibitors

Meaning

Protease Inhibitors are a class of therapeutic agents designed to block the activity of proteases, which are enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of proteins and peptides by cleaving their chemical bonds. In endocrinology, these inhibitors are relevant because many peptide hormones and growth factors are regulated by proteolytic cleavage, both for activation and degradation. By inhibiting specific proteases, these agents can effectively increase the circulating half-life and biological activity of endogenous or administered hormonal signals. This manipulation allows for sustained therapeutic effects.