+44-1518081136Mini Review - Archives of Digestive Disorders (2025) Volume 7, Issue 2
Digestive enzymes: Function, health, and beyond
Ming Zhao*
Department of Hepatology, Fudan University, China
- *Corresponding Author:
- Ming Zhao
Department of Hepatology
Fudan University, China.
E-mail: mzh@fudan.edu.cn
Received : 08-Apr-2025, Manuscript No. AAADD-25-198; Editor assigned : 10-Apr-2025, PreQC No. AAADD-25-198(PQ); Reviewed : 30-Apr-2025, QC No AAADD-25-198; Revised : 09-May-2025, Manuscript No. AAADD-25-198(R); Published : 20-May-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/ aaadd-7.2.198
Citation: Zhao M. Digestive enzymes: Function, health, and beyon. Arch Dig Disord. 2025;07(02):198.
Introduction
The critical role of digestive enzymes in managing malabsorption syndromes cannot be overstated. Deficiencies in specific enzymes lead to impaired nutrient absorption, significantly impacting overall health. Various enzyme replacement therapies are therefore discussed, evaluating their effectiveness in restoring digestive function and improving patient outcomes. This comprehensive understanding is pivotal for effective clinical management [1].
A complex interplay exists between the gut microbiome and pancreatic exocrine function, which is primarily responsible for producing most digestive enzymes. Dysbiosis within the gut can directly influence pancreatic enzyme secretion and activity, subsequently affecting the efficiency of digestion and nutrient absorption. Exploring this relationship reveals potential therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the gut environment to support pancreatic health [2].
Dietary protease supplementation presents an intriguing avenue for enhancing both digestion and immune system function, especially evident in animal models. Adding proteases to the diet has been shown to significantly boost protein breakdown, leading to improved nutrient utilization. Moreover, this supplementation can modulate immune responses, suggesting broad benefits for animal health and overall productivity [3].
Recent advancements in dietary interventions have focused on modulating gut microbiota composition and the activity of digestive enzymes. Specific dietary components can promote the growth of beneficial microbial communities, thereby enhancing intrinsic digestive enzyme function and nutrient absorption. These insights offer novel strategies for improving gut health and overall physiological well-being [4].
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) is a cornerstone in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. This therapy addresses exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and subsequent malabsorption. Understanding the rationale behind PERT, along with optimal dosing strategies and factors influencing its efficacy, is crucial for clinicians seeking to optimize treatment and improve the quality of life for affected patients [5].
The regulation of digestive enzyme expression is a fascinating area, particularly when observed in diverse fish species. Environmental factors, diet composition, and developmental stages all play a role in influencing the synthesis and activity of key enzymes such as amylases, proteases, and lipases. This knowledge is not only vital for aquaculture practices but also contributes to a deeper understanding of aquatic physiology [6].
The pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is intimately linked to the roles of pepsin and gastric acid. The backflow of these potent digestive components into the esophagus and beyond directly contributes to tissue damage and the symptomatic presentation of GERD. Insights derived from this understanding are essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies and improving patient care [7].
Beyond host-produced enzymes, microbial enzymes originating from the gut microbiota play a crucial role in human digestion. These enzymes complement the host's own digestive capabilities, particularly in breaking down complex carbohydrates and other substances. Dysregulation of these microbial enzymes can have significant implications, contributing to various digestive disorders and broader systemic health issues [8].
Enzymatic hydrolysis of food proteins represents a critical process, often mimicking the initial steps of natural digestion. Recent advancements in this field explore how various proteases are utilized to break down proteins, which enhances their functionality, digestibility, and bioavailability in food products. This has wide-ranging implications for both nutrition and industrial food applications, opening doors for innovative product development [9].
Lipases constitute a remarkably diverse class of digestive enzymes with properties that extend far beyond their primary digestive function. Investigating their structure and catalytic mechanisms reveals their broad biotechnological applications. These include their utility in industries for lipid modification and biofuel production, underscoring the incredible versatility and potential of these enzymes in various sectors [10].
Conclusion
Digestive enzymes are crucial for nutrient absorption, and their deficiencies can lead to malabsorption syndromes, which often require enzyme replacement therapies to restore function and improve patient outcomes. The gut microbiome profoundly influences pancreatic exocrine function, impacting the secretion and activity of digestive enzymes, with dysbiosis potentially affecting digestion. Dietary protease supplementation can enhance protein breakdown, nutrient utilization, and even modulate immune responses, as seen in animal models. Recent dietary interventions demonstrate how specific food components can improve gut microbiota composition and digestive enzyme activity, offering new strategies for gut health. Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) is vital for chronic pancreatitis patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, requiring careful dosing strategies for optimal treatment. The expression of digestive enzymes in fish, including amylases, proteases, and lipases, is regulated by environmental factors, diet, and developmental stages, relevant for aquaculture. Pepsin and gastric acid play a significant role in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) pathophysiology, where their reflux causes tissue damage and symptoms. Microbial enzymes from the gut microbiota complement host digestion by breaking down complex substances, and their dysregulation can contribute to various digestive disorders. Enzymatic hydrolysis of food proteins, often mimicking natural digestion, is an important process for enhancing protein functionality, digestibility, and bioavailability in food products. Lipases are a diverse class of digestive enzymes with significant biotechnological applications beyond digestion, including lipid modification and biofuel production.
References
- Suneet P, Rajinder S, Sumeet S. Role of digestive enzymes in the management of malabsorption syndrome: A review. J Family Med Prim Care. 2023;12(8):1729-1735.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
- Melanie O, Tarun W, Kian G. The gut microbiome and pancreatic exocrine function: a complex interplay. Front Nutr. 2022;9:1009121.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
- Prakash R, Veerasamy S, Gopi K. Dietary Protease Supplementation: Effects on Digestion and Immunity. Animals (Basel). 2021;11(10):2959.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
- Yanan M, Ruibo L, Shuo L. Recent Advances in Dietary Interventions for Modulating Gut Microbiota and Digestive Enzyme Activity. Nutrients. 2023;15(16):3600.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
- Börje L, Juan ED, Roland M. Current Aspects of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Review. J Clin Med. 2021;10(3):440.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
- Yan L, Yuanjun T, Zhiyu L. Regulation of digestive enzyme expression in fish: a review. Rev Aquac. 2022;14(2):887-900.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
- Nikki J, Peter D, Jamie K. The Roles of Pepsin and Gastric Acid in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Implications. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2020;2020:6867380.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
- Rui Z, Shaopeng W, Ning L. Role of Microbial Enzymes in Human Digestion and Disease. Front Microbiol. 2023;14:1111111.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
- Yuanli L, Jian K, Mingjun G. Enzymatic hydrolysis of food proteins: Recent advances and future perspectives. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2020;97:301-314.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
- Fauzia H, Ayaz AS, Abdul H. Lipases: diversity, properties, and biotechnological applications. Biotechnol Lett. 2020;42(8):1475-1487.