Lecithinase (Lecithinase)

Lecithinase is an enzyme in the small intestine that breaks down lecithin into its constituent components.

Lecithin is a phospholipid composed of glycerol, two fatty acids, phosphoric acid and choline. Under the action of the enzyme lecithinase, lecithin is hydrolyzed to form glycerol, fatty acids, phosphoric acid and choline.

The breakdown of lecithin into its components is necessary for further absorption of hydrolysis products in the intestine. Glycerol and fatty acids are used by the body as a source of energy and also to build cell membranes. Phosphoric acid and choline are involved in the synthesis of phospholipids and acetylcholine.

Thus, lecithinase plays an important role in digestion, ensuring the breakdown of lecithin and the absorption of its components by the body.

Lecithinases are enzymes that break down lecithin, which is one of the main components of bile. Lecithinase is produced in the pancreas and small intestine in humans and some animals.

Lecithin is a glycerol fatty acid ester consisting of three glycerol molecules linked via amino groups to three fatty acid molecules. In the intestine, lecithin is hydrolyzed by lecithinase to glycerol, fatty acids and choline.

Glycerin is then absorbed through the lining of the small intestine and into the bloodstream. Fatty acids are also absorbed into the blood, but not as efficiently as glycerol. Choline contained in lecithin is also released into the bloodstream and goes to the liver, where it is used to synthesize phospholipids necessary for the construction of cell membranes.

In general, lecithinase plays an important role in the metabolism of lecithin, which is important for human health. However, if lecithinases do not function properly, it can lead to lecithin deficiency in the body and various diseases associated with lipid metabolism disorders.

Lecithinase is an enzyme that breaks down lecithin, that is, a phospholipid - a water-soluble product of complex fat- and fat-ester-splitting transformations of neutral fat and cholesterol.

Normally, this substance is found only inside intestinal epithelial cells. After digestion is completed, while it moves in the blood towards the liver, lecithinase breaks down endogenous lecithin into lecithins, and these, in turn, are hydrolyzed into ethyl alcohol, saturated fatty acids and, according to Hoffman, phosphorous and phosphoric acids, forming the product, called bile acids. This describes which products are formed from phospholipids by oxidation. The chemical basis of these processes is protein components that activate their transformation or breakdown.