Revisiting the cardiometabolic relevance of serum amylase

Abstract

BackgroundThe pancreas has dual functions as a digestive organ and as an endocrine organ, by secreting digestive enzymes and endocrine hormones. Some early studies have revealed that serum amylase levels are lower in individuals with chronic pancreatitis, severe long-term type 2 diabetes or type 1 diabetes. Regarding this issue, we recently reported that low serum amylase levels were associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes in asymptomatic adults. In the light of this, we further investigated the fundamental relationship between serum amylase and cardiometabolic aspects by reanalyzing previous data which comprised subjects without diabetes treatment with oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin (n = 2,344).FindingsSerum amylase was inversely correlated with body mass index independently of age. Higher serum amylase levels were noted in older subjects aged 55 years old or more (n = 1,114) than in younger subjects (P < 0.0001, ANOVA), probably due to lower kidney function. It was likely that serum amylase may act similarly to other cardiometabolic protective factors such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, serum amylase levels were significantly lower in drinkers, particularly daily drinkers (n = 746, P < 0.0001, ANOVA). Meanwhile, despite of consistent inverse relationship between serum amylase and fasting plasma glucose, the relationship between serum amylase and HbA1c may be rather complicated in individuals with normal or mildly impaired glucose metabolism (up to HbA1c 6.0% (NGSP)).ConclusionsRevisiting the cardiometabolic relevance of serum amylase may yield novel insight not only into glucose homeostasis and metabolic abnormalities related to obesity, but also possibly carbohydrate absorption in the gut.

Latent associations of low serum amylase with decreased plasma insulin levels and insulin resistance in asymptomatic middle-aged adults

“…This finding may help to explain the significant association between serum amylase levels and FPG, but not with HbA1c, that was observed in previous large studies [3,5]. HbA1c is an important marker for overall circulating glucose levels, including the postprandial state.…”

“…Notably, the later associations were not detected in earlier larger studies [3,5]. However, as in the previous studies, BMI was the most predominant factor explaining the serum amylase levels in linear and nonlinear manners.…”

Antiobesity Activity of &lt;i&gt;Bauhinia purpurea&lt;/i&gt; Extract: Effect on Hormones and Lipid Profile in High Calorie Diet Induced Obese Rats

“…Now-a-days diet and natural sources have been used as amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibitors to hold back intestinal lipid absorption, which may contribute to reduced weight gain [32] [33]. Since dietary lipids and carbohydrates represent the major source of unwanted calories, the inhibition of fat and carbohydrates digestion is an interesting approach for reducing fat absorption.…”

Enteral Pancreatic-like Enzymes of Microbial Origin affect Insulin Release during an Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test

“…Previous studies have found that pancreatic enzyme supplementation can have a measurable influence on insulin efficiency [9]. Moreover, a considerable number of publications have reported the development of metabolic syndrome in humans with a lower activity of pancreatic amylase in their plasma [23][24][25][26]. In the majority of cases, lower plasma pancreatic amylase activity also represents a reduced supply of pancreatic amylase to the duodenum.…”