Clinical applications of amylase: Novel perspectives.
Amylase was the first enzyme to be characterized, and for the previous 200 years, its clinical role has been restricted to a diagnostic aid. Recent interface research has led to a substantial expansion of its role into novel, viable diagnostic, and therapeutic applications to cancer, infection, and wound healing. This review provides a concise "state-of-the-art" overview of the genetics, structure, distribution, and localization of amylase in humans.



A first-generation literature search was performed with the MeSH search string "Amylase AND (diagnost∗ OR therapeut$)" on OVIDSP and PUBMED platforms. A second-generation search was then performed by forward and backward referencing on Web of Knowledge™ and manual indexing, limited to the English Language.



"State of the Art" in amylase genetics, structure, function distribution, localisation and detection of amylase in humans is provided. To the 4 classic patterns of hyperamylasemia (pancreatic, salivary, macroamylasemia, and combinations) a fifth, the localized targeting of amylase to specific foci of infection, is proposed.



The implications are directed at novel therapeutic and diagnostic clinical applications of amylase such as the novel therapeutic drug classes capable of targeted delivery and "smart release" in areas of clinical need. Future directions of research in areas of high clinical benefit are reported.
Reconstructive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Group, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Centre for Nanohealth, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom; Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom. Electronic address: e.a.p.azzopardi@swansea.ac.uk.
Ernest
E
Azzopardi
Reconstructive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Group, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Centre for Nanohealth, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.
Catherine
C
Lloyd
Centre for Nanohealth, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.
Sofia Rodrigues
SR
Teixeira
Centre for Nanohealth, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.
R Steven
RS
Conlan
Reconstructive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Group, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom; Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.
Iain S
IS
Whitaker
D000681:Amylases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans
D000681:Amylases