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.
Highlights
In recent years, many studies have provided evidence that digestive organs contribute to the control of energy balance and glucose homeostasis via gut hormones [1]
Revisiting the cardiometabolic relevance of serum amylase may yield novel insight into glucose homeostasis and metabolic abnormalities related to obesity, and possibly carbohydrate absorption in the gut
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 [3,4,5,6], which are often accompanied by atrophic pancreas tissue
Summary
Many studies have provided evidence that digestive organs contribute to the control of energy balance and glucose homeostasis via gut hormones [1]. The pancreas has dual functions as a digestive organ and as an endocrine organ, by secreting digestive enzymes including amylase and endocrine hormones including insulin. We reported that low serum amylase levels were associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes in asymptomatic adults [7]. A peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g agonist improved the secretion of amylase [8,9,10]. This time, we excluded subjects who answered to the questioner (medications for diabetes) and who had been treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin to rule out the possible influence of medications on serum amylase and to better evaluate the relationship between serum amylase and cardiometabolic risk factors including obesity and abnormal glucose metabolism
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
