Alpha-Glucosidase & Pancreatic Alpha-Amylase

Alpha-glucosidase and pancreatic alpha-amylase are key digestive enzymes responsible for the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into glucose for absorption in the small intestine. Alpha-glucosidase acts on terminal, non-reducing alpha-1,4-linked residues in oligosaccharides, releasing free glucose, while pancreatic alpha-amylase acts primarily in the lumen to hydrolyze internal alpha-1,4 bonds, producing maltose and dextrins. Both are clinically relevant targets for the control of postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes and are inhibited by drugs such as acarbose and miglitol to slow glucose absorption and blunt glycemic spikes. Deficiency of alpha-glucosidase (acid form) is implicated in Pompe disease, a lysosomal storage disorder.

Other names

Acid alpha-glucosidasemaltaseGAAlysosomal alpha-glucosidaseglucosidase alphaacidglucosidaseAMY2Aamylase alpha 2Apancreatic amylase

Competitive inhibition of the enzyme active site to reduce carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, thereby blunting postprandial blood glucose spikes